Sports Report 16 December 2025

6 January 2026

In the final week of the Autumn term Shiplake saw an array of victories and hard fought matches. Here is the round up of sporting fixtures from the end of term.

FOOTBALL

U12B boys vs Leighton Park School (Berkshire Independent Schools League Play Off Final)

With all the build‑up and anticipation, the boys were in full voice as we departed for Leighton Park, cheered on by A‑team keeper Jake Butcher’s salute. The welcome was warm, the atmosphere electric, and both squads knew this was a day to remember. From the opening whistle, the contest was fierce. One moment B Rickerby was dancing down the wing, launching crosses into the box, the next their wingers were threatening at our end. Our defence held its nerve and then came the breakthrough: Rickerby found space in the D and unleashed a strike into the top corner. The keeper got a glove to it, but the shot had too much power: 1-0. Just before half‑time, hearts were in mouths as the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped W James, calm as ever, and with a superb save he kept the clean sheet intact. The roar from the away supporters was rapturous. The second half began with Shiplake on the front foot. Archie Neil and Temujin Bentley controlled midfield, threading passes and dictating play. Their vision found Rickerby again, and he rocketed home his second goal. Leighton Park responded with determination, and despite brave defending from Sam Terry, Jack Falle and Alex Crowder, they pulled one back with a fine strike from distance. The closing stages were tense, every attack met with grit and resilience. Substitutions brought fresh legs, but the pressure was relentless. As injury time ticked away, the boys stood firm, and when the final whistle blew, relief turned instantly to jubilation. Players embraced, supporters roared, and the Shiplake bench erupted. Archie Chester-Tower was named Man of the Match, and the players cheered all the way home. It was a final of drama, courage, and unforgettable spirit — and the U12B squad emerged as Berkshire Independent School U12B League Champions.

Shiplake College 2 - 1 Leighton Park School

Shiplake U12A (girls) vs Icknield Community College (Oxfordshire County Cup - Round 1)

In this very even contest Shiplake unfortunately ended up being second best, however the determination and positive team spirit held by every single student was fantastic. The girls made a good start with a lot of space created and utilised on the right with good passing enabling Shiplake to get in good crossing opportunities. Unfortunately, the girls were just a few feet away each time from getting on the end of a cross and tapping the ball home. Overall, a good effort from the girls and something to use as motivation for the next football fixture.

Shiplake 0 - 3 Icknield Community College

Shiplake U18 vs Kew House (National Cup - Round 3)

Unfortunately, the run for the boys in the U18 National Cup (ISFA Bowl) came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Kew House. The boys made a slow start to the game, but for the first 25 minutes it was Kew House who were winning the first and second balls. This eventually led to the opposition taking the lead with a contentious opener. After the ball seemed to run out of play, the Shiplake defence stopped whilst Kew House carried on and played a ball into the box to fire in the opener. With the short pitch and height of Kew House players the match became a very physical game of football. The second half started and the dominance Kew House ensued completely subsided, with Shiplake pressing hard to be first on every loose ball. This led to several clear-cut chances, with the only issue preventing us from scoring was that our shots weren't on target. Their keeper made two incredible stops from a Toby Williams and Charlie Nash-Steer free kick respectively, before eventually Shiplake levelled with a floating ball by Charlie Nash-Steer being headed home by Charlez Zhou. The game was back on and Shiplake were on the up, with the final whistle going meaning play would head to extra time. Shiplake should have been 2-1 up inside 45 seconds after a flowing attacking display of 1 and 2 touch football, the cut back was hit just over the bar. Unfortunately, this proved a pivotal moment as Kew House with their first venture forward managed to tap in the rebound from a well saved Isaac Morris parry. Due to a lack of daylight, the extra time was shortened. With 6 minutes remaining Shiplake could not find that final equaliser. Overall, a cup run the boys can be proud on and build upon going into the footballing season.

Shiplake 1 - 2 Kew House