It has been an exciting and action‑packed week of sport at Shiplake College, with teams across Football, Netball, Rugby and Hockey producing a series of spirited performances both home and away. Despite challenging weather conditions mid‑week, players showed impressive determination and teamwork, contributing to a host of strong results and memorable moments on the pitch and court. Enjoy the round-up of this week's sporting fixtures.
FOOTBALL
Boys’ U15A vs St Joseph's College, Reading
On Tuesday 13 January our under 15As continued their progress with a comfortable 4-1 win. Despite going 1-0 down we maintained our composure to turn it around going in 2-1 up at half time with goals from Hadley Sargent and Joe Fillippetto. In the second half we turned the screw. Keeper Harry Perkins having very little to do as the defensive pairing of George Hotston and Ben Keown marshalled duties brilliantly. Goals from Fillippetto again and Aiden Webb sealed the win. A strong performance epitomised by player of the match, Jack Prosser’s contribution. Up and down the left flank, committed in the tackle, setting the tone with his competitive edge and tenacity plus adding to his game some wonderful distribution.
Shiplake College 4 - 1 St Joseph's College, Reading
Boys’ U15B vs St Joseph's College, Reading
On Tuesday 13 January, just three days after an emphatic 5–2 victory in the opening game of the season, the U15Bs were back in action with a matchday squad of 16 players. With a large squad, there was plenty of rotation, but the attitude and character shown by the group was outstanding, particularly in how players supported one another when given time on the sidelines. Shiplake produced a dominant performance to secure a 9–0 win, although credit must go to St Joseph’s, who battled bravely throughout and showed commendable character on a challenging afternoon. The depth and competition within the group was clear to see, with 5 of the 9 goals scored by players who were unavailable only a few days earlier. Umut Kocali scored and assisted, including a stunning strike from 25 yards. Eddie Hills found the net twice, as did Harry Williams, both showing great composure in front of goal.
Others continued their excellent early-season form. William Webb bagged a goal and an assist. T Siveter added two well-taken goals, while Seb Harrison contributed an assist. Sai Vedhara impressed with a goal and an assist, as well as rattling the crossbar with a powerful header. While the scoreline was emphatic, it was notable that only 4 assists were recorded, highlighting Shiplake’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch and finish clinically. This result marks an excellent start to the season for the U15Bs who have now scored 15 goals and conceded just 2 in their opening fixtures. A special mention must go to Elliot Lloyd, who came on and helped keep the side solid at the back during a period when Shiplake were committing numbers forward and briefly losing their shape. Man of the Match goes to Sai Vedhara for his two goal contributions and effectively playing in a variety of positions for the benefit of the team.
Shiplake College 9 - 0 St Joseph's College, Reading
Boys’ U14A vs St Joseph's College, Reading
On Tuesday 13 January, on a wet and miserable afternoon, Shiplake U14A delivered a dominant performance against St Joseph's College Reading, securing an 8-1 victory. The attacking prowess was spearheaded by O Pollard who was in sensational form, netting five goals. Supporting him were William Hargreaves, Archie Humphreys and L. Hathway, each adding a goal to complete the scoring tally.
Shiplake remained solid and composed in defence with Sean Casey and H Fielder proving ever reliable. St Joseph's did manage a consolation goal in the second half but nevertheless, did not take away from a commanding display from the boys. Thank you to the parents who braved the dreary weather to support and cheer on the team from the sideline. Next up is Pangbourne away, aiming to continue the unbeaten start to the season.
Shiplake College 8 - 1 St Joseph's College, Reading
Boys’ 1st XI vs Abingdon School
On Wednesday 14 January, Shiplake put in an excellent performance to defeat Abingdon School 1-0 in a very competitive and tight encounter. The game started with both teams struggling to create any real chances, but with Shiplake clearly dominating possession. This soon saw Shiplake create some decent half chances with shots from long range and a shot from Daniel JG that hit the outside of the left post. Resulting in the game being 0-0 at half time. The second half restarted and Shiplake started strong, with a tight defensive line that allowed Abingdon all but a few shots from long range. Then midway through the second half came the all-important goal where Shiplake were able to press high with Charlie Nash-Steer robbing the defender and playing the ball to Rory O'Boyle who fired the ball into the top corner. Shiplake deservedly held out for the win and continue their good start to the footballing season.
Shiplake College 1 - 0 Abingdon School
Boys’ 2nd XI vs Abingdon School
In the first Wednesday fixture of the season, the boys travelled away to Abingdon. It took some time to grow into the game but after 15 minutes, the 2nd XI started to find their rhythm and began to dominate possession and individual battles. With Shiplake on the front foot, we were able to go in at half time, 1-0 up thanks to Oli Bailey’s 2nd goal of the season.
The message at half time was to make sure we maintained momentum and learnt from our mistakes on Saturday, but sadly, Abingdon seemed to want it more at the start of the 2nd half and equalised early on. The boys showed good resilience to weather the storm in the 2nd half, and the game ended 1-1, which was a fair reflection of the game.
MOTM: Oscar Dix
Shiplake College 1 - 1 Abingdon School
Boys’ 3rd XI vs Abingdon School
On Wednesday 14 January Shiplake on this occasion, were unfortunately beaten by a stronger Abingdon team who were able to break quickly from the back and were clinical when put in front of goal. However, there were plenty of positives for the 3rd XI to take away from this; the boy's morale and efforts never dropped and were resilient despite the constant pressure from Abingdon.
Shiplake College 1 - 5 Abingdon School
Boys’ 4th XI vs Abingdon School
Wednesday 14 January saw a 3-1 win for the ‘Fantastic Fourths’. Having trailed 1-0 for most the match did our heroes despair? Absolutely not! Then (after a sublime tactical tweak from the touchline) Oscar Spearing switched to striker and scored a devastating hat-trick to turn the game around. 2 for 2 for the mighty 4ths!
Shiplake College 3 - 1 Abingdon School
Boys’ 1st XI vs Cranford School
On Thursday 15 January, Shiplake were very much the stronger team and were able to use their one touch passing to move Cranford around. Leaving spaces in behind where the likes of Alex Hooker, Rory O'Boyle, Charles Zhou and Freddie McCalley could utilize. The relentlessness of Shiplake and their ability to stay compact and communicate at the back made this a great team performance.
Shiplake College 8 - 0 Cranford School
Boys 1st XI vs Pangbourne College
On Saturday 17 January, Shiplake put in another strong display as they were clearly the stronger side against this resilient Pangbourne team. The game started and Shiplake took control from the first minute using quick one touch passing down the flanks to open up Pangbourne, enabling them to get into some dangerous positions. This soon resulted in Shiplake making the breakthrough via a corner when S Lingard stormed into the box to fire a lovely volley into the bottom right corner. It didn't take long for Shiplake to double the lead, when a ball in behind allowed Charlie Nash-Steer to lob the keeper with the outside of his foot. The second half restarted and the game continued like so with Shiplake making it 3-0 thanks to some fabulous build up play from S Lingard driving the ball from the back before crossing it to Charles Zhou who tapped it home. Then, right before the final whistle, there was still time for a fourth goal where Angus Mullens drove the ball from inside his own half using a one-two to get into the 18-yard box and strike a shot that nestled right into the top left corner.
Shiplake College 4 - 0 Pangbourne College
Boys’ 2nd XI vs Pangbourne College
On Saturday 17 January, the 2nd XI Shiplake recorded their first victory of the year with a 3-1 win over a determined Pangbourne side. There were a few rotations going into the game, but every play that came into the team showed why they should have been given this opportunity. As a team we were a lot better and stopping the opposition counter attacks and when on the ball started to build up from the back and create some good chances down the sides of the pitch. A strong team performance!
Shiplake College 3 - 1 Pangbourne College
Boys’ 3rd XI vs Pangbourne College
A 12-1 win for Shiplake on Saturday 17 January in this contest. Moving on from a heavy 5-1 loss on Wednesday, the thirds bounced back strong. Four brilliant goals scored from Kit Marsh, two excellent volleys as well as four assists from J Hinton. In addition to Seb Crehan Mills scoring a hat-trick following on from a great tactical decision to try him at striker. It also saw Chris Kirkwood score three goals to make the score even more emphatic.
Shiplake College 12 - 1 Pangbourne College
Boys’ 4th XI vs Pangbourne College
Saturday 17 January resulted in a 5-4 win for Shiplake in this end-to-end game of football. Even after giving Pangbourne College two of our players, our heroes battled to victory. Ethan Chalfont opened the scoring, Isaac Walmsley with a stunning hat-trick, and then an excellent winner at the death by Albie Ball. Well, done to the boys for fighting all the way through once again. That is now three for three wins from the 4ths - a perfect pre-season. Can our heroes now take that form into the league season?
Shiplake College 5 - 4 Pangbourne College
Boys’ U15A vs Pangbourne College
(Saturday 17 January) The stats would make interesting reading in the 15A's game. Highest in possession, territory, corners, touches in opposition box, the list goes on but alas the main stat is the scoreline! We started well with 2 early chances lacking the killer contact and, against the run of play, a weak clearance was turned in from 25 yards out. We came back but the ball didn’t fall kindly in the box for that vital touch. We conceded twice more before half time.
In at half time having dominated the stats above, but alas 3-0 down. The first 15-20 mins of the second half was akin to watching an attack verses defence training session. The lads were on fire. Wave after wave. Move after move. Corner after corner. A great opportunity for a penalty hit the post. A couple of last-ditch tackles, the Shiplake support was immense. Even the Pangbourne parents acknowledged our performance. It was all there, except the finish. Then George Huckle raced through to curl in number one. Energised and inspired, the play in the second half was sublime apart from the finishing. And yes, as fate would have it on the transition, we conceded a fourth! Stand in Captain Liam Ellison and right-wing back Luca Currie were everywhere and deservedly take Player of the Match.
Shiplake College 1 - 4 Pangbourne College
Boys’ U14A vs Pangbourne College
On Saturday 17 January the U14A’s continue their impressive unbeaten start to the season. A cagey first half with many unconverted chances, we made the breakthrough with a goal from O Pollard to lead 1-0 at half time. More direct play in the second half with spaces appearing, Pollard scored two more goals completing his hat-trick (11 goals in three games). L Hathway added the fourth with a powerful penalty. A shout out to Rory Russell and Louis Ball who had excellent games. Man of the match was awarded to J Verheggen who didn't put a foot wrong all game - super performance.
Shiplake College 4 - 0 Pangbourne College
Boys U14B vs Pangbourne College
On Saturday 17 January, a bright morning (with no rain for a change) the U14B team travelled to Pangbourne College. Filled with confidence following two wins in the previous week. G Leach and Rory Collar led the line, and it didn’t take long for their positive start to pay off. After just three minutes, some excellent interplay resulted in Leach opening the scoring. This sparked a dominant spell from Shiplake, who added three more goals within the next ten minutes. Leach grabbed his second, with Ethan English and Rory Collar also finding the net to make it 4–0 inside 15 minutes. Shiplake continued to play attractive, passing football, and Pangbourne struggled to contain the pressure. By half-time, Leach had completed his hat-trick and Felix Greenway had added his first, giving Shiplake a commanding 6–0 lead at the break. The second half followed a similar pattern, although Pangbourne began to show more resistance as Shiplake relaxed slightly. Collar scored his second of the match, and Joe Hunt netted his first goal of the season to extend the lead to 8–0, before Pangbourne responded with a well-worked goal of their own. In the final ten minutes, Player of the Match G Leach added two more goals to take his personal tally to five, while Felix Greenway grabbed his second. The final score was an emphatic 11–1 victory for Shiplake. The boys were impressive throughout, playing some lovely football. Full credit to Pangbourne, who never gave up and continued to compete until the final whistle. Thank you once again to all the parents for their continued support.
Shiplake College 11 - 1 Pangbourne College
NETBALL
1st VII vs Ranelagh School
On Wednesday 14 January the 1st VII played our first league match against Ranelagh school. It was a brilliant start to this term with many matches to come soon. We pulled through with an amazing 49-14! Well done to players player C Pendlebury, coaches’ player – S Bhambra, and player of the match – A Godfrey and M Mundy.
Shiplake College 49 - 14 Ranelagh School
Report: M Mundy, Captain of Netball
2nd VII vs Holyport College
On the afternoon of Wednesday 14 January, Shiplake seconds took on Holyport for their first match. Nerves were high but as soon as the first centre pass was given their confidence grew as they flew down the court to the goal time and time again. After the first quarter they found their strengths as a team and went from strength to strength both defending and attacking. Shiplake were heading for the win as they pushed for a further goal difference throughout the match. By the final quarter Shiplake were hoping to secure the win while keeping up the energy they had from the start, with fantastic shots from the shooters and the defence standing strong. All the girls left the court with their heads held high after managing to secure a strong win of 27-3. Player of the match – R Colangelo, Players player – L Coles, Coaches player – F Dix
Report: B Broad
Shiplake College 27 - 3 Holyport College
3rd VII vs 4th VII
On Wednesday 14 January Shiplake Netball’s 3rd and 4th team played their first game of the season against each other in an internal match today and got off to a great start! This was a great opportunity for both teams to settle into the season and work on combinations and teamwork. There was a positive lead from the 3rds with a score of 7–2 after the first quarter. The 4ths responded well in the second quarter, lifting their intensity - closing the gap to 8–6 at halftime. Both teams put in strong efforts during the third quarter, with the 3rds holding their lead at 12–9. The 3rds finished the game confidently in the final quarter, winning 16–9. It was a positive and competitive first game of the season for both teams, with lots of great teamwork on display, well done everyone! Players of the Match: 3rds – M Stewart, 4ths – A. Wilson.
3rd VII 16 - 9 4th VII
Report: I Lloyd
U12 Teams vs Grove Hall
Two U12 and two U13 teams were in Netball action on Wednesday 14th January. Playing matches against Holme Grange and Hall Grove. U12a won against Hall Grove U11 (4-3). Whilst all other teams were not triumphant there was some fantastic game play and development points.
Players of the matches went to ;
- M Reed Ryan
- E Walton
- I Parker
- M Elshafey
- CBuckley
- K Martin
- A Payne
- B Parker
- D Richards
- E Banwell
RUGBY
U13A’s v Reddam House School
Shiplake started well with two strong runs and tries from Jamie Pattinson-Smith. Reddam also had two or three powerful players, who helped Reddam to fight back. The half time score was 10-15 to Shiplake after an amazing third try, with Bodhi Gyoker showing vision and skill in producing a cross-field kick to Charlie Hodgson. Jamie scored another two tries in the second half but there was also some superb teamwork and off-loading out of tackles by many. Osian Harford scored a try from short range and Lucas Emmett ran strongly for his. Charlie Maher ran and passed superbly, and Finlay Currie tackled bravely at full back. Zac Field had a very impressive game with strong running and impressive tackle count. We perhaps let in a couple of ‘soft’ tries near the end but with an often-overused cliche, rugby really was the winner with a final score of 35-35! A real squad performance.
Shiplake College 35 - 35 Reddam House School
U12A’s vs Reddam House School
Unfortunately, Reddam had been laid low by illness and only had 10 players, so well done to those Shiplake players who filled in for Reddam. Right from the start it was clear we were stronger than them. There was lots of strong running and powerful play and within 10 minutes we were 30 points up. With some tweaking of the teams, things became a little more even. The final result was 70-10. An impressive start, but lots to work on, especially passing and moving the ball, but a really encouraging, committed team performance.
Shiplake College 70 - 10 Reddam House School
Lower School Bs vs Sherfield School
The Under 12/13 B Team opened their season with a commanding performance, controlling the match from the very first whistle. Their commitment was evident across the pitch, and the result was a true squad effort, with several players crossing the line thanks to some fluent, attacking rugby. Leonardo Marks and Jasper Day were standout performers, showcasing real quality with their powerful running. They weren’t alone, though - many others made strong cases for future selection. Among the Year 7s, Will Parle, Jack Edwards and Blake Jackson were particularly impressive. The team also adapted well to the adjusted conditions designed to give the opposition opportunities to gain territory. This allowed for a more balanced contest and resulted in the opposition scoring a few well‑constructed tries of their own.
HOCKEY
U13A’s vs Queenswood School (Sisters in Sports Cup, Second Round)
The U13 Girls Hockey- lost 10-0 in the second round of the Sisters in Sport Cup against a very strong Queenswood School. The girls never gave up despite what the scoreline might suggest, we had some good passages of play and Audrey Edimoh made some excellent saves. Player of the match as voted by the opposition was Freya Nicholson.
Shiplake College 0 – 10 Queenswood School
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