This week brought a wide range of competitive fixtures for Shiplake teams, with football and netball squads showcasing their progress, teamwork and determination. Strong wins, determined defensive efforts and moments of individual brilliance highlighted another successful round of matches, while tightly contested games offered valuable opportunities for growth. Across every age group, Shiplake pupils represented the College with pride and commitment.
FOOTBALL
1st XI vs Cheney School (Oxfordshire County Cup Quarterfinal)
On Monday 2nd March 2026, Shiplake’s 1st XI battled through a tense and cagey quarterfinal to secure their place in the Oxfordshire County Cup Semi Final. Shiplake began slowly, though importantly limited Cheney to very few clear chances. Isaac Morris soon came into his own, producing several brilliant blocks and clearances. Just before half-time, Shiplake were awarded a penalty, but the Cheney goalkeeper managed to save it. The second half saw a vastly improved Shiplake side, forcing the Cheney defence and keeper into last‑ditch clearances. When the ball broke loose, Carl Seymour was fouled inside the box and Alex Hooker confidently converted the resulting penalty. The boys showed great resilience to see out the match. Attention now turns to an important league fixture on Wednesday.
Shiplake College 1 – 0 Cheney School
Girls U12A vs St George’s School Ascot
On Tuesday 3rd March 2026, the Shiplake Girls U12A team delivered a brilliant performance in a tightly contested 0–0 draw against St George’s School Ascot. Both sides created several strong chances, but heroic last‑second blocks and excellent goalkeeping ensured the match remained goalless. All players impressed, with special mentions for Chloe Conway and C Buckley, who led the team superbly.
Shiplake College 0 – 0 St George’s School Ascot
1st XI vs Holyport College
During their fixture on Wednesday 4th March 2026, the 1st XI fell to a strong Holyport team. Shiplake began brightly and J Hinton came close to opening the scoring, but his effort went narrowly wide. Holyport then capitalised on defensive lapses, converting from a corner, a loose ball in behind, and a well‑taken free kick. A tough lesson for the 1st XI, who now focus on a crucial cup game on Saturday.
Shiplake College 0 – 3 Holyport College
2nd XI vs Reddam House School
On Wednesday 4th March, the 2nd XI suffered a heavy defeat against a strong Reddam House side who imposed themselves early through sharp runs in behind and confident possession play. Despite the scoreline, Shiplake’s energy levels were outstanding, and the team were unfortunate not to find the net on several occasions.
Shiplake College 1 – 5 Reddam House School
3rd XI vs Claremont Fan Court School
On Wednesday 4th March 2026, the 3rd XI travelled to Claremont Fan Court, arriving to the backdrop of a long driveway, golf course and castle. With no warm‑up, the boys were thrown straight into action on a dramatically sloped pitch. Early struggles were steadied thanks to Sam Murray, who kept the score level, though Claremont eventually struck first with a top‑corner finish. After half time and several changes—while the opposition introduced a full new XI—Shiplake surged forward. A superb, lofted ball from Thomas Lane released Charlie Broad, who calmly squared for Will Hunt to equalise. Claremont immediately responded with a brilliant strike, and soon after added a third from distance. Shiplake’s spirit remained high, and an exceptional half‑volley from Ollie Griffin, reminiscent of Pavard’s 2018 World Cup goal, brought them back within one. Despite late pressure, the equaliser didn’t come.
MOTM: Ollie Griffin
Shiplake College 2 – 3 Claremont Fan Court School
U15B vs ACS International School
On Wednesday 4th March 2026, the U15B team suffered their second defeat of the season, falling 6–1 to ACS. ACS began brightly and quickly built a 2–0 lead, their striker proving a constant threat. Shiplake responded well, with R Mallet intercepting superbly to launch a move that saw William Webb deliver an excellent cross for Eddie Hills to finish. At 2–1, Harry Perkins produced a truly outstanding save—undoubtedly save of the season—to keep Shiplake in the contest. ACS restored control before half-time and, despite an improved second‑half spell of possession from Shiplake, chances were limited. Late lapses allowed ACS to add three more goals. With fixtures remaining, the U15Bs will look to regroup and finish strongly.
Shiplake College 1 – 6 ACS International School
2nd XI vs Radley College
On Thursday 5th March 2026, the 2nd XI delivered a strong display to secure a 2–1 win over Radley College. Shiplake started superbly, moving the ball quickly and scoring early from a set piece. Radley regained control after the opening spell, forcing Shiplake to defend with grit and determination. After Radley equalised just after the break, Shiplake responded swiftly, retaking the lead and managing the game brilliantly until the final whistle.
Shiplake College 2 – 1 Radley College
3rd XI vs Radley College
Later on Thursday 5th March, the 3rd XI were beaten by a strong Radley side who punished Shiplake’s transition gaps with three quick goals. Despite limited numbers and clear fatigue in the second half, the boys competed well, with standout performances from Ethan Chalfont and Kit Marsh in midfield.
Shiplake College 1 – 4 Radley College
4th XI vs Radley College
Also on Thursday 5th March 2026, the 4th XI endured a difficult match against an energetic Radley team who dominated early with pace and physicality. Although Shiplake held out for the opening stages, Radley eventually broke through and took control. Shiplake finished the second half strongly and could easily have scored more than once. On to an important fixture on Saturday.
Shiplake College 1 – 4 Radley College
U14B/C vs Maiden Erlegh School
On Friday 6th March 2026, Shiplake’s mixed U14 B/C team put in an impressively resilient display in a 1–1 draw with Maiden Erlegh. Several players made their Shiplake debuts and settled quickly, helping create strong early chances. Maiden Erlegh struck shortly before half-time, firing low under M Ghani-Walker. In the second half, Shiplake regained momentum, and a deflected effort from Seb R levelled the match. Much of the remaining play was spent in Shiplake’s half, but M Ghani-Walker produced several outstanding saves to secure the draw.
Shiplake College 1 – 1 Maiden Erlegh School
1st XI vs Milton Abbey School (Society of Heads Cup Quarterfinal)
On Saturday 7th March 2026, Shiplake delivered their best performance of the season, powering into the Society of Heads Cup Semi Final. The team burst out of the blocks, with a superb volley from Devon Staples inside four minutes. An exceptional in swinging delivery from Charlie Nash-Steer was then headed home by S Lingard to double the lead. Milton Abbey enjoyed a brief spell of possession, but Shiplake’s defensive unit held firm. Immediately after the restart, Alex Hooker struck powerfully to make it 3–0, and Shiplake confidently saw out the game.
MOTM: Angus Mullens and Indigo Doherty.
Shiplake College 3 – 0 Milton Abbey School
2nd XI vs Pangbourne College
In their final Saturday fixture of the season on 7th March 2026, the 2nd XI travelled to Pangbourne to face the opposition’s first team. Despite the challenge on paper, Shiplake were fearless from the first whistle and quickly asserted control, leading 2–0 at the break thanks to a brace from Arthur Massie. After weathering Pangbourne’s fast start to the second half, Shiplake settled again and dominated, adding three more goals through Jacob Andrews, Dylan Litchfield, and Z Reichman.
MOTM was awarded to Arthur Massie by captain Oli Bailey.
Shiplake College 5 – 0 Pangbourne College
3rd XI vs Pangbourne College
On Saturday 7th March 2026, the 3rd XI faced a difficult afternoon with only 11 players available and were further hampered by an early injury. Pangbourne took advantage, scoring four early goals. Shiplake, however, showed superb spirit, drawing the second half 3–3 with a rejuvenated performance. A tough result, but plenty of character shown.
Shiplake College 3 – 7 Pangbourne College
4th XI vs Pangbourne College
Also on Saturday 7th March, a depleted 4th XI soared to another emphatic victory. Ryan Bloor continued his red‑hot form with another brace, while A Homer also scored twice and Sam Baker added a long‑range effort. Pangbourne’s late consolation—described as a ‘ghost goal’—did nothing to dampen Shiplake’s dominant display. Wilbur O’Callaghan and Ismael Idris were outstanding at the back. The Fighting Fourths march on in their league-title bid.
Shiplake College 5 – 1 Pangbourne College
Girls 1st XI vs Wellington College
On Saturday 7th March 2026, the Girls 1st XI stepped in at short notice for an unexpected fixture against Wellington College, showing tremendous spirit despite a narrow 2–1 loss. A special mention goes to:
Saachi Bhambra
Abi O'Shea
Bethan Thompson
Reid Clayton
Emily Fisher
Febe Fisher
Tilly Stewart (never played football before)
H Moss (never played football before)
Alice Richardson (never played football before)
Molly Craig (never played football before)
Freya Dix (never played football before - scored a spectacular goal playing in Nike Air Forces).
Shiplake College 1 – 2 Wellington College
NETBALL
1st VII (Sisters n Sports National Cup Final Four)
On Tuesday 3rd March 2026, Shiplake’s 1st VII travelled to Loughborough for the National Cup Finals after a brilliant qualifying run. The girls gave everything, competing with heart and determination in every match. Although they narrowly missed out on a win, finishing 4th in the country is an exceptional achievement. A huge well done to Abi O’Shea, voted Players’ Player, and congratulations to every squad member, whether playing or injured.
2nd VII vs LVS
On Wednesday 4th March 2026, the 2nd VII travelled to LVS full of excitement. They worked hard through the opening quarters, though the opposition proved strong. In the third quarter, positional changes and new strategies saw Shiplake close the gap, and by the fourth they continued to push for a comeback. Despite giving everything, they fell to a 35–14 defeat.
Player of the Match: Bella Broad
Players’ Player: Lara Coles
Coaches’ Player: Tash Pendlebury
3rd VII vs Reading Blue Coat
Shiplake College 3rd VII delivered a fantastic performance on Wednesday, securing an impressive 21–9 victory over Reading Blue Coat. From the first centre pass, the team showed great energy and determination, quickly building a strong lead with accurate shooting and excellent movement through the court. Our defence worked tirelessly to win turnovers and disrupt Reading Blue Coat’s attack, while the mid-court linked play smoothly to feed the circle. Consistent teamwork and communication allowed us to maintain control of the game throughout all four quarters. It was a brilliant team effort from everyone on court, and the positive attitude and support from the sidelines, a massive thank to Miss James who made it an even more enjoyable win. Well done to the whole squad for a strong and enthusiastic performance!
Shiplake College 21 – 9 Reading Blue Coat
U14 vs Reddam House
On the afternoon of Tuesday 3rd March 2026, the Year 9 netball team faced Reddam House in bright conditions and with strong morale. Despite their efforts, the game did not go their way.
POM: Amelia Williams and Amelia Woodward
Coaches’ Player: M Smith
Shiplake College 9 – 28 Reddam House
Wheelchair Fencing
Over the February half term, James Middlehurst (Lower Sixth, College House), who is now ranked No. 2 in the world at Under‑17 level, competed independently in his first Wheelchair Fencing World Cup in Pisa, Italy. Taking part as an individual athlete, James fenced across all three weapon disciplines — sabre, foil and épée — delivering a series of impressive performances. These included a 15–7 bout against the world No. 7 and a commanding 5–0 pool win over the world No. 16. He now turns his attention to his second national championships, taking place in Sheffield this April. We look forward to following more of his achievements both in and out of College.
