Sports Report 9 December 2025

9 December 2025

Another action packed week of sports at Shiplake. With stunning victories in Rugby, outstanding achievements for Football in the U12 Berkshire Independent Schools Football League and exciting house competitions in Shiplake Hockey, set to conclude later today. Our Shiplake teams have closed the term with triumphant efforts and resounding success.

FOOTBALL

U15A vs The Oxford Academy

Unfortunately, the Shiplake U15A ended up second best in this county cup tie. Despite the heroics of Harry Perkins saving a penalty, two early goals in the second half pushed Oxford ahead. However, this seemed to awaken Shiplake for the rest of the second half, with the team dominating possession and creating several chances of their own. On a different occasion Shiplake would have been able to pull one back and leave the game on a knife edge, unfortunately some sturdy Oxford Academy defence and poor finishing prevented Shiplake from coming back into the tie. The game was then sealed by an unstoppable finish into the top corner. A good effort from the Shiplake boys nonetheless and plenty of areas to build on going into the footballing season.

Shiplake College 0 - 3 The Oxford Academy

U12A vs The Dolphin School

In their final game of the season, the U12As put on a commanding display to finish the season in style with a 6-3 win against Dolphin School. The match was a 9-a-side fixture, and with a healthy bench of six substitutes, Shiplake made plenty of rotations once they had built a comfortable lead, ensuring everyone got ample game time. The star of the show was undoubtedly William Marrison, who netted four goals, showcasing a fantastic range of finishing. From a beautiful free kick into the top corner, to a tap-in after a rebound off the keeper. William displayed both technical skill and clever positioning. He even dazzled the defenders with some shimmies and twists before slotting in a low strike for one of his goals, earning himself a defining man-of-the-match performance. James Monfared also got on the scoresheet with a confident strike when he found himself one-on-one, and Ethan Rider rounded off the tally by wanting it more than everybody else and poking it in after a goalmouth scramble. Despite all the changes in positions and structure, the team held their shape well and controlled the game from the start, eventually sealing a 6-3 victory. A great way to wrap up the season.

Shiplake College 6 - 3 The Dolphin School

U12B Berkshire Independent Schools Football League

The U12B Shiplake football team have had a very successful season. Having finished top in the league stage they will be playing their League Playoff Final at Shiplake College against Leighton Park on Wednesday 10^th December. Their overall record shows of the 12 games played, they have: won 7, drawn 2 lost 3, with 40 goals for and 16 goals against.

The Shiplake U12B boys only lost one game in the Berkshire Independent Schools Football League U12B, conceding just 5 goals in the process. Scoring a significant 19 goals in total with some fantastic performances from the likes of Archie Neil (midfielder), Sam Terry (centre back), W. James (goalkeeper) and Temujin Bentley (midfielder). Overall, a very strong and competitive footballing season for the U12B boys.

Some notable games from the league:

U12B vs Cranford School

The game started with balanced possession, but neither side managed to beat the two resilient keepers. The link up play on the left wing between E. Jones and Archie Chester Towler was outstanding, creating all kinds of chances. But it was Temujin Bentley who broke the deadlock with a strike from just outside the box to bring the boys 1-0 up at half time. Shiplake moved the ball up quicker in the second half, creating a wealth of chances. Archie Chester Towler hustled the ball from the keeper to score the second, before Temujin Bentley hit a screamer from outside the D into the corner of the goal. Minutes later, B. Rickerby was clinical in front of goal to get the fourth. Finally, Jack Edwards rounded things off with a looping shot from outside the area that dipped just under the crossbar to the bewilderment of the supporters. When the referee pointed to the Shiplake penalty spot in the dying moments, William James got the last cheer by making a diving save to keep a clean sheet for the afternoon.

Shiplake College 5 - 0 Cranford School

U12B vs Leighton Park School

Shiplake started enthusiastically, keeping possession, but struggled to get a clean shot through a well organised defence. The breakthrough came from an Archie Neil corner when the ball deflected on a defender to take the lead. Minutes later, a B. Rickerby cross met Archie Chester Towler in the box whose glancing header found the net. Leighton Park did manage to get one back on the counterattack, but it was Evan Jones who picked up a loose ball in the box and slammed it into the back of the net to make it 3-1 at half time. The second half was more open and produced some great crosses into the box and set up goals for Archie Chester Towler and Archie Neil. Sam Terry and Alex Crowder were outstanding at the back, and B.Rickerby finished the game with a well-earned hat-trick and was nominated man of the match by the Leighton Park Captain. It was a fabulous performance to put the boys top of the league.

Shiplake College 8 - 1 Leighton Park School

This is how their coach Mr Gower has summarised the U12B's season so far – “It's been a fabulous season for the U12B's coming up against a wide range of A and B sides, finishing top of the league, and scoring over 40 goals. Shiplake College have strength and depth in football talent in Year 7, and we have also been blessed with wonderful support from families who come to many games to witness some great football. Whilst some experienced B team players have had the opportunity to play for the A team, others have been learning the beautiful game playing regular fixtures to find their role in the squad. Despite some challenging opposition, the conduct of the team has been exemplary. They encourage and support each other, rarely complain, enjoy every moment, and always have the loudest cheer for our opponents awarding ‘man of the match’ to them each game in recognition of their performance. We are really looking forward to the final and hope it will be an opportunity to showcase all we have learnt this season.”

BASKETBALL

U18 vs Luckley House

The U18 basketball team travelled away to Luckley House on Thursday to play their next league match. Despite missing some key players, the team held a lead in all four quarters and came away with 27-21 win. M.Shevlane scored 11 points, and A.Palmer in Year 10 scored 6 points, demonstrating great skill at the U18 level. Everyone contributed to a well-earned team win. The boys take on Furze Platt away on Tuesday 8 December.

RUGBY

1st XV vs Pangbourne College

The 1st XV welcomed new additions in the form of Year 11s with Jonny Calow and B.Oliver for the final fixture adding nerves to the mixture of emotions swirling round the squad. The conditions, whilst slippery and especially boggy, looked set to mitigate the talents of the Shiplake backline, with captain Angus Mullens returning from injury. This theory was quashed in the first minute of play after Ollie Woodward carved through the Pangbourne defence from the first lineout of the game. Skilfully offloading the ball to B. Oliver who rumbled over for his first try in a 1st XV shirt. That is how the game continued, Angus Mullens controlling territory, Pangbourne making too many errors and Shiplake adding points to the board. The icing on the cake was Henry French's carving run as he collected a clearance kick at his own 10-meter line and proceeded to weave his way through the entire Pangbourne kick chase and score under the sticks to stop any chance of a Pangbourne comeback. A great way to finish the season. Man of the Match was shared between Angus Mullens and David Stobie who both had phenomenal games from fly half and 7 respectively.

Shiplake College 29 - 0 Pangbourne College

2nd XV vs Pangbourne College

The 2nd XV travelled to Pangbourne with optimism, following a good week of training and with a very large squad. As this was the last game of the season, it was a chance to involve the wider playing group, including giving some Year 11 pupils an opportunity to sample senior rugby. Although conditions were slippery, and the pitch very muddy, Shiplake adapted well. Our handling and short passing was very effective, and they soon found gaps in the opposition defence. Despite needing to make several changes throughout the game, this did not affect momentum, and Shiplake dominated large parts of the game. Some heroic defence was balanced with tries from: Milo Crane, Harry Tilney, Felix Pilkington, Lee, Fraiser Russell, Edward Tavinor, plus a hat-trick of tries for Finn Russell. A great end to the season.

Shiplake College 55 - 0 Pangbourne College

U15A vs Pangbourne College

Pangbourne played well right until the end, but Shiplake were too strong on the day. Thank you to those of us who played for Pangbourne to ensure they had a full XV team. Shiplake were 36-0 up by half time, with tries from L.Mckenna-Mayes, a 60m interception from Joe Filippetto, two from George Huckle, George Silver and A.Palmer. Players were rested and rotated to keep the fixture going until the end and there were further tries from Jonny Elston, L.McKenna-Mayes and captain George Huckle to complete his hattrick.

Shiplake College 55 - 7 Pangbourne College

U14A vs Pangbourne College

Another great result for the 14As. Dominating the game to finish the term very positively. Strong performances again from T.Maskell, Finlay Ferens and Olly Wray. Special mention goes to Charlie Goss and Lewis Moss who have been tireless supporters even when off games. Lewis has been injured for the whole season but has come to support every game, home and away - a fabulous example of team spirit. The unity of the squad has defined this season, reflected resoundingly in this match.

Shiplake 38 - 0 Pangbourne

U14B vs Pangbourne College

Shiplake started off strong, using structure and organisation, earning a try from Jack Rawlinson in the first 5 minutes. Pangbourne returned with a strong run, but Shiplake turned the ball over. Pangbourne earned the ball back, then out of nowhere, Aiden Gern Gross made an awesome intercept and scored bringing Shiplake to 12-0 with L. Hathway converting. Pangbourne rallied, scoring a well worked try with their strong runners, the score now at 12-7. Tom Stott saved the team by making a try stopping tackle into touch. Then Shiplake worked up the pitch, leaving M. Ghani-Walker to score on the wing. Morale was high, but Pangbourne were not finished, they came back scoring twice and converting, leaving Shiplake behind at 17-19 for half time. After a chat under the posts, reminding the boys to stay supportive in their communication and to double up on tackles, they went back out proving how much they have developed this season. Shiplake worked down the pitch, L. Hathway keeping the team organised at 10, great runs coming in from Jack, Ethan English and Henry Benton. We were awarded a penalty in their 22 for a high tackle. Whilst the boys were feeling flustered, they made the right decision. Hands through 9, 10 and to the forward pod, giving Aiden his second try, 22-19. Next try was made from dynamic play, Aiden drew a player in, passed out the back to Ethan, ball recycled and Will Sefton Jenkins picked and went on to score bringing things to 27-19. The icing on the cake was the final try from set piece giving Aiden his hat-trick, Lewis conversion. The final score was 34-19 to Shiplake College. The game encapsulated how far the boys have come this season in both skill and in attitude. Great to have all the parents down to support!