Lots of positive results to report on in today's Sports Report as we catch up on the latest news from across the sports pitches! In rugby, there was a clean sweep of wins for our boys against UCS, while our senior footballers took on Radley in a cup game. There were also plenty of hockey and football fixtures for our junior pupils.
Football
Boys’ 1st XI vs Radley College
Shiplake's 1st XI continued their fantastic start to the new footballing season with a gritted penalty shootout victory over Radley College in the ISFA Bowl competition. The game began with a bit of hesitancy and unease, which soon left Radley able to capitalise on a short back pass giving them an early lead. However, from that point onwards, Shiplake really grew into the game controlling the tempo of the game and being able to create several clear-cut chances from the flanks with some poor finishing preventing Shiplake from getting on level terms. Against the run of play Radley made it 2-0 with a cross from the byline slipping through and into the goal.
However, it did not take long for Shiplake to get a goal back with a lovely pass from C Nash-Steer and finish from A Hooker making it 2-1 to Radley at half time. The second half resumed in the same tempo as the first with Shiplake creating plenty of chances and just not being able to have that composure to slot the ball home. However, a chipped through ball by A Mullens led to D Staples being brought down by the keeper inside the box. A Mullens was able to convert the penalty making it 2-2, which it stayed for the full 80 minutes plus the additional 20 minutes of extra time, meaning the game would be decided on penalties. S
Shiplake were very confident in their penalties but a good save from Radley's keeper gave them the early lead, however 2 saves from I Morris gave Shiplake the upper hand and allowed C Zhou to convert home the winning spot kick sending Shiplake through. Overall, a great team performance coming from 2-0 down and were deservedly the winners on spot kicks. Players of the Match were A Hooker and C Zhou
Final score: Shiplake 2-2 Radley College (Shiplake won 6-5 on penalties)
Boys’ U13As vs Reddam House
Shiplake got off to a tremendous start when H Ellison scored a wonder goal, a 25-yard volley that whistled straight into the top right corner. However, on this occasion, Reddam were the much stronger side making good use of the width of the pitch and were able to convert their chances. A special mention must go to TJ Caunter who was magnificent in goal despite this not being his natural position but saved a dead certain four goals.
Final score: Shiplake 1-6 Reddam House
Boys’ U12As vs ACS International School
Shiplake made a fabulous start passing the ball well with pace and deservedly taking an early lead through J Ball. However, a frantic five minutes flipped the game on its head and with a few errors creeping in, ACS made it quickly 3-1. However, Shiplake never gave up hope and for the rest of the game dominated the chances but not quite beating their keeper, until a late R Willis gaol gave Shiplake hope of an equaliser. A great effort by all involved.
Final score: Shiplake 2-3 ACS
U12Bs vs ACS International School
ACS came out the blocks stronger and put the Shiplake defence under long spells of pressure. But it was Shiplake who broke the deadlock just before the break when E Jones ran up field on the counterattack, with A Chester Towler tapping in at the back post.
The second half started shakily, and ACS equalised after a defence mix up. There was more drama as B Rickerby hit the crossbar from a penalty, but made amends minutes later, converting a cross in the penalty area from T Bentley. Shiplake looked solid at the back until ACS broke through in the final moments to equalise.
Final score: Shiplake 2-2 ACS
Boys’ U12As vs Leighton Park
Shiplake stormed to their most convincing and best performance of the season with a resounding 3-0 win over Leighton Park. In all areas of the pitch, Shiplake were in control and stuck to their roles brilliantly. In particular, E Rider and L Roberts had an amazing display controlling midfield and the tempo of the game.
Final score: Shiplake 3-0 Leighton Park
Boys’ U12Bs vs Reddam House
Another tight fixture for the B squad. The defensive line remained strong and kept Reddam House chances to a minimum, helped by a spirited performance from T Bentley who covered most of the pitch. After some good saves from the Reddam House goalkeeper, S Blewitt eventually broke free through the defence and found the net to set a 1-0 lead at half time. Shiplake played with heart throughout a tough match, pressing hard in all areas to win the ball and keep possession. The winner came when B Rickerby's shot was punched out by the keeper only for J Bradford to cleanly finish.
Final score: Shiplake 2-0 Reddam House
Rugby
2nd XV vs UCS
A great win to end a busy week for the 2s. This was a well-organised display in blustery conditions. Some strong carries from the forwards and quick recycling gave the halfbacks O Dix, R Bloor and G Demery good quality ball to work with.
However, we were guilty of overplaying in our own half and often lost the ball in contact. Our first try saw J Scotchbrook cross after a tap penalty, with T Ridout going over from close range shortly after. These scores settled the nerves, and we began to play with more control. There were further scores from the F Russell twins who were breaking tackles at will. Captain O Beaney scored our other try, showing great support to finish off a break from fullback J Noctor. First appearances of the season for R Bloor and H Moon.
Final score: Shiplake 29-7 UCS
U16s vs UCS
The U16As keep their unbeaten season running with a hard fought 26-7 victory away at UCS. The conditions were always going to be tricky, but we made it harder with a few poor decisions. It was 7-7 at halftime after E Tavinor had put us ahead with a well worked try. UCS scored their only try of the game after a mistake by us when 5 metres out and a misplaced pass allowed their fullback to run the length of the field to score. After a strong team talk at half time about being more composed in possession and protecting our ball better, Shiplake started to play some rugby. Once we got some width into our game opportunities opened up in the midfield which allowed Captain J Calow to score twice followed by a scintillating break by O Woodward to seal the game. Our defence was incredible at times and full credit to the boys in keeping their heads in an incredibly feisty game. On we roll to Friday Night Lights!
Final score: Shiplake 26-7 UCS
U15As vs UCS
A great start to the match, with four tries in under 10 minutes following some electric speed and good back moves - both G Huckle and F Jenkins got on the score sheet early. Due to some injuries, the team swapped around quite a bit and took some time to adapt. L Waldergrave did a great job at organising the defence, however UCS scored two back.
The second half saw some good carries from B Dean and O Adcock who pushed us further into their half where we finished the game off - the try scorers being J Filippetto, G Huckle, and F Jenkins. A great win after a difficult cup match; well done to all in very windy conditions
Final score: Shiplake 54-12 UCS
U15Bs vs UCS
A dramatic game in what was very much an attack vs attack game of rugby. Shiplake got off to a good start with a 30 metre M Lane carry resulting in Z Roberts scoring in the corner. However, some missed tackles and poor organisation allowed UCS to get back into the game.
The game ebbed and flowed with almost every attack ending up in a try. However, with the closing minutes approaching and Shiplake down by four points, a brilliant few pick and go's left Shiplake just short before G Dallas was able to go over. Despite, the windy conditions, H Durkan was able to convert a brilliant kick over the bar. Shiplake were able to hold out in the final minutes to secure a well worked and determined 41-38 victory.
Final score: Shiplake 41-38 UCS
U14As vs UCS
This was another really pleasing game from the U14As. The conditions were far from ideal but with the wind in our favour, we took a 21-0 lead at half time. UCS threatened to make a comeback at the beginning of the second half, but some resolute defending kept them out. Despite playing into the wind, there were some great tries put together to take the game away from the opposition. A fabulous team performance and a special mention must go to T Maskell for his hat trick, including some long-range breaks.
Final score: Shiplake 38-0 UCS
U14Bs vs UCS
A very competitive end to end match; UCS broke our line in the first minute of the game and ran the length of the pitch but unfortunately put the ball down over the deadball line. Shiplake's relief turned into confidence as we began to make line breaks of our own. Trys from A Gern-Goss, L Askey and C Deering, with a great conversion in the strong wind from L Hathway put us 17-5 ahead at half time. UCS scored first in the second half and a tight tussle ensued. F Greenaway made the difference with two strong runs and well worked tries, with another conversion from L Hathaway. UCS battled to the end and came close to drawing the game with two more tries.
Final score: Shiplake 29-20 UCS
Hockey
There were a number of fixtures for our junior girls with our U14, U13, and U12s all in action. Our senior 2nd XI also had a game during the week, winning 2-0 against Reading Blue Coat.
Our U14s took on Holme Grange School with both A and B teams winning their games 1-0. Our U13As drew 1-1 with Reddam House, while our U13Bs stormed to a 7-0 victory. There were also wins for our U12A and B teams.
.jpg/SportsReport6May2025(1)__500x500.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Sports Report 6 May 2025")
