This week saw another exciting round of competitive fixtures at Shiplake, with our Staff vs Students football and netball matches delivering intensity, teamwork and plenty of spirited rivalry. Our football teams delivered determined performances, producing closely fought contests filled with skill, resilience and standout individual performances. From fast‑paced attacking plays to disciplined defensive moments, players on all sides showcased impressive commitment and represented the College with pride.
FOOTBALL
Boys 1st XI vs St Columba's College (Society of Heads Cup - Southern Region Semifinal)
Win
Boys 1st XI Burford School 1st XI (Oxfordshire County Cup Semifinal)
The 1st XI made it through to their second final this week the Oxfordshire County Cup Final with a determined win over a good Burford side. The game started off well with Shiplake on the front foot and controlling possession. That saw soon Charlie NS make a bursting run in behind and then was fouled inside the area meaning it would be a penalty to Shiplake. This was calmly converted by Angus M to make it 1-0 Shiplake. Shiplake had several big opportunities to make it 2-0 but it wasn't taken. Straight after half time Shiplake were then caught at the back and Burford were clinical to make it 1-1. Shiplake soon regained the lead through a Toby W side footed finish, however within minutes it was 2-2 when a free man at the back post volleyed home. Although, Shiplake never dropped their heads and this saw them quickly make it 3-2 through Toby W, until then a fourth was added when Sam L volleyed home from close range. Shiplake held out well with some good saves from Isaac M and make it a great afternoon for the Shiplake 1st XI.
Shiplake College 4 - 2 Burford School
MOTM: S Lingard
Boys 4th XI vs Halliford School
In the beaming spring sunshine, the fighting 4ths stormed to a final, epic victory to finish the season. Our heroes found themselves losing 1-0 at half time. But they rallied wonderfully in the second half, entering a sublime flow state where they had chance after chance and then finally broke with goals from Isaac Walmsley, Ismael Idris and then a thunderous penalty by Captain Jake Scothbrook on his final game for Shiplake football. Halliford rallied but Austin Homer ended things with a stunning top corner shot to bring the curtain down on a superb, unbeaten league season. Well, done to the Fighting Fourths for a brilliant year, especially our Y13s who made sure their final game was a triumph. It has been my great privilege to enjoy such a wonderful season with you.
Shiplake College 4 - 2 Halliford School
Girls U12/U13A vs St Joseph's College, Reading
The girls tried really hard and kept trying the whole game but unfortunately were not able to come up with a win losing the game 2-1 in the end. Players of the match were Mabel Reed Ryan and P Holmes
Shiplake College 1 - 2 St Joseph's College, Reading
Girls U18 vs Lord Wandsworth College (7-a-side Tournament)
On a sunny Saturday morning 4 Year 12 and 3 Year 9 girls went off to take part in an U18 girls 7 a side tournament at Lords Wandsworth College. Amongst learning that the girls would be facing Bradfield College and Lord Wandsworth College in their group the girls were very nervous. However, as soon as they stepped onto the pitch these went and each game Shiplake played they performed better and better. The girls got off to a slow start in their first game losing 2-0 to MCS, however produced a determined performance to draw 0-0 to Bradfield. The girls then were unlucky not to win against Lord Wandsworth College whose goalkeeper performed a magnificent save to keep the score at 0-0 from A Ellis-Jones. Shiplake then went into the final group game knowing a draw would send them through, however with seconds remaining Pangbourne managed to find a late winner, unfortunately sending the girls out of the tournament. An unfortunate ending but something the girls should be extremely proud of playing in the heat and with no substitutes.
Staff vs Students Football
Staff Goalscorers = Mr Cooper, Mr Meegan
Student Goalscorers = Freddie McCalley, Charlie Nash-Steer, Chris Kirkwood, J Hinton
POTM – Mr Alejandro & Freddie McCalley
Starting XI for the game:
GK = Mr Bradley
RB = Mr Rossouw
RCB = Mr Heaney
LCB = Mr Bosomworth
LB = Mr Pettifer
RM = Mr Meegan
RCM = Mr Alejandro
LCM = Mr Canning
LM = Mr Savage
RST = Mr Cooper
LST = Mrs James
Game Changers:
Mr Ralph
NETBALL
U13A vs Reading Blue Coat (Tournament)
A fantastic event where the girls had the opportunity to play lots of schools. They beat Holyport, Blue Coat’s B team and Claires Court. They unfortunately lost to Blue Coats A team, The Abbey and the Marist. They played some excellent netball and a big well done to Izzy Parker and Mabel Reed-Ryan who scored some fantastic goals.
1st XII vs Reading Bluecoat School
A massive match against Reading Bluecoat on Wednesday 18 March, as the first ever netball showcase happened. The team were thankful for a hot and sunny day with a lot of support from across the school community to come and support us. We ended up finishing with a huge 51-24 win!
Opponents’ player - Abi O'Shea
Players player - Saachi Bhambra
Coaches player - M Mundy
Shiplake 51 – 24 Reading Bluecoat School
1st XII (Lords Wandsworth Tournament)
We headed off to Lords Wandsworth College for a Saturday tournament in the sun. With only one sub, the girls worked incredibly hard and had lots of determination securing a win against the reigning cup champions. An extra special thank you to Miss Lovelock who accompanied the 1st team girls as the coach and guided us with some very useful tips!
Player of the tournant - Abi O'Shea
players player - Molly Craig
Coaches’ player - Saachi Bhambra and M Mundy
Staff vs Students Netball
College beat Male Staff 11-9
POM: Angus Mulles & Mr Dix
Female staff beat the girls 10-8
POM: Tilly Stewart & Miss Addison
Prefects vs Chapel Wardens
The second ever Prefect vs Chapel Warden took place at lunchtime on Skipwith Astro. Everyone got involved and had a great time. The chapel Warden took the first goal meaning the Prefects had to catch up. With the Prefects having a strong lead in the last quarter, the Chapel Wardens managed to pick up their play to finish the match extremely close with a 7-8 win to the Prefects who have claimed the trophy again. Congratulations to player of the matches Hamish and Jake. A special thank you to Miss James and Miss Neil who gave up their lunch to umpire for us.
