Sport is back at Shiplake College! Over the weekend, our rugby boys got their season underway with pre-season matches against King Edward VI School Southampton. Additionally, we catch up on lots of amazing individual sporting achievements from across the College in a variety of sports. Looking forward, our Lower School and senior hockey girls get their season underway this week, while football kicks off for our Lower School boys.
Rugby
1st XV vs King Edward VI School Southampton
Discipline cost the team early on, but the quality of their play was able to shine through for much of the game, however the boys lacked that killer instinct. Two disallowed tries and multiple final passes that didn't quite stick in the slippery conditions meant that they left at least four tries on the field by the time the final whistle went.
A great first performance considering there were so many debuts which came from F Fisher, O Tooley, C James, E Fulton, M Crane, W Tavinor, S Baker, O Woodward and D Litchfield. Lots to work on, but lots to build on!
Final score: Shiplake College 14-17 KES
2nd XV vs King Edward VI School Southampton
A very competitive fixture, and a very pleasing win to start our season. We played some excellent rugby showing good structure. The forwards carried and recycled very effectively, and we won the breakdown battle. As a result, there were tries for forwards H Tilney, O Clark and L Hunt-Davis. There was also a fine long range try from debutant J Noctor, who showed his pace to finish under the posts. As we tired, the play became a little loose and we relied too heavily on one-up runners. However, there is plenty to build on, including a dominant scrum and an efficient line out. Well done to all involved today.
Final score: Shiplake College 24-0 KES
U16As vs King Edward VI School Southampton
The boys started their season with a resounding victory against a spirited KES team. From the kick off, the boys got onto the front foot and scored their first try from deep inside their own half. This set the tone for the rest of the game as Shiplake raced into a 19-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes. KES came back at them and narrowed the gap to 5 points but that was as close as they got. For the first game of the season, it was pleasing to watch the physicality and tempo the boys played with. There are definite improvements to be made but with only two practice sessions under our belts, this was a very impressive performance. Captain J Calow pulled the strings at 10 perfectly and scored two excellent tries. O Jomar also scored two tries - his first ever for Shiplake. E Tavinor, O Morris, E Grubb and H Webb also crossed the whitewash. A great start to the season for the boys.
Final score: Shiplake College 50-28 KES
U15As vs King Edward VI School Southampton
Shiplake showed their speed, footwork and pace with two early tries from G Huckle and Z Hashemi. We did not have it all our own way and Shiplake know to work at getting numbers to the breakdown and on presentation and rucking technique, although ideally keep offloading beforehand. At 17-31, Shiplake knew to keep width on the ball and pulled away, winning 17-48. Although rested for a third, G Huckle scored four tries, F Jenkins showed his pace and footwork scoring two and, H Woodward rounded off a great team try at the end. A fine small squad effort in the heat with other standout performances from J Prosser, M Terry, B Dean and O Adcock.
Final score: Shiplake College 48-17 KES
U15Bs vs King Edward VI School Southampton
This game took the shape exactly what a first game of the season would be like. Lots of missed tackles, loose passes, and sideways running. However, there were plenty of positives to take away from this with the communication on display, pick and go from the ruck was impressive, and the boys had spells of 9-10 phases with controlled possession. A highlight of the game was undoubtedly where from our own 22 we managed through constant pick and go's to progress the ball up to halfway before switching the play and scoring in the corner with a brilliant diving finish. Plenty to work on (support in the rucks!) but definitely some positives from the morning!
Final score: Shiplake College 21-44 KES
U14As vs King Edward VI School Southampton
A hugely encouraging start to the season. Given the fact that we had only had two training sessions this term, and half the team were new to the school, it was very impressive to see us try to play with shape and phases. Across the full squad, everyone showed excellent handling skills, the desire to beat the defender, and a willingness to make tackles. KES were a strong team, so it was good that we comfortably outscored them. A very positive start.
U14Bs vs King Edward VI School Southampton
A convincing win and encouraging start to the season. Shiplake showed confidence in their runs and potential in the contact areas. L Askey and C Deering showed their strength powering through the opposition with strong runs to score two and four tries respectively. T Noakes and A Gern-Gross showed speed in the backs scoring a try each, with O Laventure converting twice. In defence every player gave it a go, with some great tackles coming in from L Hathway, W Hargreaves and T Stott. A promising start and we are excited to grow the team's skills!
Final score: Shiplake College 44-5 KES
Cricket
Well done to five of our Year 9 pupils who became league champions of Berkshire cricket. Max Brown, George Denning, Will Hargreaves, T Lawrence, and Harry Fielder all play for Maidenhead and Bray who beat Wargrave in a tense and exciting final over the weekend.
Showjumping
Well done to Emily Fisher who has been called up for international duty to represent GB at the Youth Nations Cup Final in Lier, Belgium
Taekwondo
Congratulations to Alex Kami-Hawkins who has been selected to compete for England in ITF Taekwondo World Championships, taking place in Jesolo, Italy, in October.
.JPG/U12FootballSq(1)__500x500.JPG&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "HM's Team of the Term, Spring 2023")
