Sports Report 1 February 2022

In rowing last week we had some really encouraging results from the Quintin Head Regatta where we had three crews racing. We also had some fantastic matches in netball against Reading Blue Coat and Claire's Court. In football there was a mixed bag of results in fixtures against The Oratory.

Netball

A Team

The Shiplake girls' netball A team played an exciting and close game against Reading Blue Coat. Unfortunately they were beaten by one goal with the score 28-29. However, all the girls put up an amazing fight having begin ahead of Blue Coat for three quarters of the game. The last quarter was very exciting having an audience cheering both teams on fighting for the win. Blue Coat definitely gave the girls a challenge bringing out the best play yet this season. G Garner had an amazing game helping steady the play down the courts with some excellent interceptions taking place, being named Player of the Match. E Brown was also named Players' Player due to her quick interceptions and consistent play throughout. Well done girls, it is exciting to see how they will adapt to future games figuring out the different combinations which work best. Shiplake look forward to their friendly match against Great Marlow School next week.

Football

1st XI (0) – Oratory (4)

Disappointing result where we felt the score line didn’t reflect the match up. Two freak goals from the halfway line put Shiplake behind and if it weren’t for the crossbar, Oratory would have added a third from that distance. Despite strong performances from Year 11s F Suter and W Diver as well as dogged defence from J Angell and J Blacknell. Two down, Shiplake looked to take a few more risks and pushed forward an extra few men. A penalty to Oratory added to Shiplake’s woes and a late fourth counter attacking goal flattered a very physical and direct Oratory team. We look forward to hosting them again after half term and it will be a good metre stick to measure our progress through the season.

2nd XI (0) – Oratory (5)

A disappointing result for our second team that battelled against a quality Oratory side.

3rd XI (4) – Oratory (2)

Another outstanding, battling performance from the Fighting Thirds ensured a second league win of the season. After a tense first half in which both sides had chances, in the second half the Shiplake Red Terror began to run rampant. Almost immediately after the restart B Fundell struck from the left-wing with an excellent composed finish to break the deadlock. Shortly after, Shiplake raced further into the lead, with C Stewart battling to score in consecutive games, and then L Pottier delivering a thunderous penalty. With J Matton turning in a fantastic performance at the back, and M Connolly pulling strings in the middle, everything seemed under control. But what followed was even more impressive. Because then Oratory rallied and brought the score back to 3-2, with a corner and a quick break. Did our heroes waiver? Did morale crumble or spirits break? The opposite! A determined, tenacious attitude saw them steady the ship, hold the lead, and ultimately finish off comfortably with inspirational Captain S Looney cutting through a penalty-box melee to stick in the fourth. Another superb game, played in a great spirit. Can anybody stop the Flying Thirds? Tune in next week when the Red Terror rolls onto Radley, as the invincible shadow of the Thirds strikes fear into the hearts of all South Oxfordshire.

4th XI (2) – Oratory (0)

INCH PERFECT! After a tight first half where Shiplake got a bit of luck from a lack of goal line technology, Shiplake rose in ascendancy in the second half to take three well deserved points via two well taken goals from man of the match, H Inch.

U15A (2) – Oratory (3)

After a big win against St Edward's, Shiplake U15A were ready to face The Oratory. The game started well for both teams but A Siveter was able to slot the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0 to Shiplake. The second goal came at the other end and after a well-organised corner, Oratory made it 1-1. Just before halftime, a long ball was played once again through to A Siveter to make it 2-1 to Shiplake at halftime. Oratory started the second half well and were able to go in front (3-2 to Oratory.) With 15 minutes to play, Shiplake were pressing hard and were awarded a penalty; unfortunately, A Siveter was not able to get a hattrick. The game ended 3-2 to Oratory after a big fight from Shiplake at the end.

U15B (1) – Oratory (0)

The 15Bs showed great defensive resilience and team spirit to withstand an early onslaught, eventually growing into the game until there was parity between the two teams. As the game moved into its final quarter, T Bell put a long free kick into the box, evading the keeper and providing Shiplake with the winning goal. The attitude from the team and their respect for opponents and officials was exemplary. 

U14A (2) – Cokethorpe (5)

A great start for Shiplake with fantastic team play for our first goal and a goal of the season contender for N Mascaro Madera with a fantastic half way line volley that lobbed the keeper. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep the momentum against a strong Cokethorpe side despite the score being 2-2 with 10 minutes left to play.

U14B (0) – Cokethorpe (5)