In this week’s Sports Report, we look back at the football fixtures that brought the Spring term to a close. With an exciting girls’ fixture, a dominant cup final victory for the Boys’ 1st XI, and a spirited final outing for the 3rd XI. The term concluded with a highly successful programme of House Football, providing a fitting end to an outstanding football season.
FOOTBALL
Girls U18 vs The Marist School
On Tuesday 24 March the girls put in a fantastic performance only narrowly lose out to a late Marist goal on Tuesday afternoon. The game started and Shiplake were very much on the front foot that saw some excellent link up play between Ayla Ellis-Jones and Ella Shraga before Ella was able to hit a thunderous strike that nestled right into the top left corner. Unfortunately, the Marist School were able to quickly respond and went 2-1 up in a matter of minutes. However, the girls did well and stayed in the game managing to score an equaliser through Ayla whose hard work and tenacity in the press caused a mistake from the keeper. Although, with one minute left to go that went on for quite a while The Marist School were able to grab a winner late on. A great effort from all girls involved.
Shiplake College 2 - 3 The Marist School
Boys 1st XI vs Claire's Court (Berkshire Super 8 League Final)
Wednesday 25 March saw the 1st XI win their first silverware of the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Claire's Court in the Berkshire Super 8 League Final. Within the first minute, Shiplake got off to a nervous start when hesitancy and a lack of focus creeped in allowing Claire's Court to create a chance at goal. However, this only lasted a matter of minutes, as for the rest of the game Shiplake were in complete control moving the ball well, drawing the opposition out to hit them down the inside channels. This is what Shiplake did and was done emphatically the first after some good build up play Charlie Nash-Steer received the ball on the half turn laid the ball in behind for Toby Williams to roll the ball into the bottom corner. A second was soon added when the ball was pulled back to Rory O'Boyle whose shot was saved but rebounded straight out to Toby to grab his brace. Toby then soon after got his hattrick when Alex Hooker pressed the ball well up the pitch delivered a good ball into the middle for Toby to pivot and power it home with his left foot. Shiplake were then waved away from a penalty that looked like Alex had been brought down in the box. However, the game was done at this point and Shiplake did well in the second half to see out the close ensuring no mistakes at the back and to limit the chances Claire's Court would have and Shiplake did this superbly. A fantastic achievement by all involved and should add confidence for the 1st XI going into two more finals after Easter.
Shiplake College 3 - 0 Claire's Court
Boys 3rdXI vs Holyport College
The 3rd XI season ended with a hard fought 4-2 loss against Holyport College. In the beautiful sun it was a great occasion for many of these 3rd XI students to play their final football game for the school and to have fun playing with each other for the final time. This was most certainly the case and despite losing the game, it was played with great spirits throughout. A massive well done to all those who played in the 3rd XI this season.
Shiplake College 2 - 4 Holyport College
House Football
Senior Boys (Yr 11-13) House Football — Winners = Orchard
Senior Girls (Yr 12&13) House Football — Winners = Welsh
Year 9 & 10 Boys House Football — Winners = Orchard
