Sport is back at Shiplake College. In the first Sports Report of 2026, we dive into the season openers for our football teams. Packed with thrilling games and high-scoring matches, the pitches came alive with action.
FOOTBALL
1st XI vs St Edward's School
Shiplake were the stronger team on this occasion, moving the ball with confidence and attacking at every opportunity. Our play was intent and direct. It was an impressive performance from the team, who exploited the inside channels and timed balls in behind to expose the opposition’s weaknesses. Our midfield quartet were especially strong, who controlled the game in the middle, alongside a resilient and well organised defensive line. A good start to the footballing season for the 1st XI.
Final score: Shiplake 7-0 St Edward's School
2nd XI vs St Edward's School
In our first match of the season, the 2nd XI started well against St Edwards, with a few early chances. With many incomings and outgoings since last season, and not many training sessions before the game, inevitably, it was never going to be vintage 2nd XI football. However, we went into half time 1-0 up, thanks to a goal by Oli Bailey. The boys started the second half strong, and Arthur Massie scored with a lovely finish to compliment a well worked free kick - his senior debut. With 10 minutes to go, complacency started to show, with an opposition penalty converted, resulting in tense last few minutes. Shortly after, in what could have been a replay of the earlier penalty kick, the opposition were awarded and converted a second. Despite a couple of last-minute attempts, the game finished 2-2 with the team clearly disappointed at what felt like a near win. Player of the match goes to Z. Reichman. The boys look ahead to their game on Wednesday verses Abingdon School.
Final score: Shiplake 2-2 St Edward's School
3rd XI vs St Edward's School
This was a game where Shiplake took control early on, starting with an attacking mindset and looking formidable with speed and balls lofted through the middle. It didn't take long for Shiplake to break the deadlock and, with momentum on their side, we soared into a 3-0 lead. A very strong defensive enabled Shiplake to constantly keep St Edwards back, enabling two more Shiplake goals before the end of the game.
Final score: Shiplake 5-0 St Edward's School
4th XI vs St Edward's School
A crushing victory by the flying fourths who stormed to victory with an impervious performance. A sensational brace by Ethan Chalfont, with goals by Ryan Bloor and Captain Bandor to secure a wonderful triumph. Excellent, commanding back line policed formidably by Thomas Lane and Felix Pilkington. Starting the season in style.
Final score: Shiplake 4-1 St Edward's School
U15A vs St Edward's School
Our 15A's picked up where they left off last year with a superb performance leading to a 3-1 win. Unsurprisingly, we started sluggishly in the first half due to the late arrival and little prep time. Once we got into our stride, the chances appeared but lacked the contact to secure a goal. We went in 0-0 at half time, confident the game was there to win. The goal duly arrived following an excellent corner delivery to the back post by Liam Ellison nodded in by Jack Prosser. Shiplake pushed for a second but were pushed back against the run of play delivered from a corner to the back post - the only defensive slip of the game. We came back searching for the winner. Wonderful work down the right wing by L. Waldegrave created the opportunity for Hadley Sargent to tap in. 2-1 soon became 3-1 when Waldegrave was fouled in the box and Sargent smashed home the penalty. Overall, a strong performance with commanding defensive contributions from centre half pairing Ben Keown and George Hotston. Plus, full backs Harry Durkan and Jack Prosser. But player of the match for his energy, tenacity and ball distribution went to Joe Fillipetto. A great start to the season.
Final score: Shiplake 3-1 St Edward's School
U15B vs St Edward's School
A 5–2 away win for Shiplake U15B marked an excellent start to the season and set a strong tone for the matches ahead. Shiplake asserted their authority from the opening whistle, dominating the final third and placing relentless pressure on the St Edward’s defence. The breakthrough came after a sustained spell of pressure when H. Lawrence threaded a deft pass through a crowded penalty area for Luca Currie, who scored a confident opener. The lead soon doubled in spectacular fashion as Aidan Webb unleashed a strike from the far right-edge of the box which thunder bolted into the opposite corner.
St Edward’s pulled a goal just before half-time, carrying their momentum into the second half. Shiplake defended with resilience and organisation but were eventually undone by an outstanding long-range effort that flew into the top corner. Leaving Ed Morgan, who had been a commanding presence throughout, with no chance. With their two-goal advantage wiped out, Shiplake responded immediately showing real character. Aidan struck the post, and Seb Harrison reacted sharply to tap in the rebound at close range. Moments later, Will Webb delivered a pinpoint cross which Aidan met in the box to restore Shiplake’s two-goal cushion. Shiplake were now in full flow, and Aidan turned provider once again, delivering from a corner for H. Lawrence to finish smartly and cap a remarkable attacking display. The victory was built on tireless work across the pitch. Harry Woodward and Sai Vedhara were instrumental in maintaining shape and breaking up opposition attacks. At the back, Jonny Elston and Matt Lane were rock solid, providing a strong defensive foundation. Man of the match went to Aidan Webb for his remarkable four goal contributions.
Final score: Shiplake 5-2 St Edward's School
U14A vs St Edward's School
A confident team display from the U14As with many strong performers across the pitch. Captain Will Hargreaves with the opening goal after good work from C. Healy in the build-up. St Edward's levelled the score midway through the first half and could have scored more had it not been for a string of fine saves from Joel Venner in goal. Hat-trick hero O. Pollard pounced for the first of his three goals to leave us leading 2-1 at half time. Two further goals from Pollard, one which was a well taken penalty sealed a deserved victory for the boys. Special mention to Oli Wray who was a rock in defence, Conor Deering at right back and of course Oliver Pollard - Shiplake's very own Erling Haaland! A great start with lots to work on.
Final score: Shiplake 4-2 St Edward's School
U14B vs St Edward's School
Shiplake U14 B team began their season in spectacular fashion with an emphatic 7–0 away victory against St Edward’s. The game started brightly for both sides, with the opening ten minutes showcasing some lovely interplay between captain Yani Stamoulis and Charlie Goss, creating several early openings for our strikers George Leach and Collar. On 12 minutes, Rory Collar was brought down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Stamoulis stepped up and calmly converted to give Shiplake a deserved 1–0 lead. With confidence growing, the boys continued to dominate proceedings, and this was rewarded just before half-time when Goss produced a brilliant strike to make it 2–0 at the break.
The dominance continued into the second half, with the team playing with a freedom that was a pleasure to watch. Just five minutes after the restart, Stamoulis struck again, firing a beautiful effort from outside the box to extend the lead to 3–0. Unfortunately for St Edward’s, Shiplake were now in full flow. Goss, in full form, added his second and third goals in quick succession to complete a fine hat-trick and take the score to 5–0 with ten minutes remaining. The tireless Leach was then rewarded for his hard work with a well-earned sixth goal. With the final kick of the game, M. Brown capped off a remarkable performance by scoring a goal-of-the-season contender, curling the ball into the top corner from 30 yards — a truly wonderful strike. MVP for his hattrick was awarded to Charlie Goss. A brilliant start to the season for our ‘Galácticos’. Thank you to the fantastic parent support who braved the freezing conditions and were rewarded with an impressive performance.
Final score: Shiplake 7-0 St Edward's School
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