Sports Report 28 April 2026

28 April 2026

It has been another busy and varied week of sport at Shiplake College. Our U14 girls began their cricket season, senior tennis teams were in action against strong oppositions, with a confident performance from the 1st IX in rounders. Our Year 9 rowers saw success racing at their first regatta in Birmingham and three junior crews medalling at the Junior Inter‑Regional Regatta. There were also notable individual achievements in fencing and exciting development opportunities in golf, alongside the latest House competition results in netball and football.

CRICKET

Girls’ U14 vs Claire’s Court

The U14 Girls played their first Pairs Cricket match of the season against Claire’s Court, with the fixture marking a particularly special occasion for several players who were taking part in their first ever competitive cricket match. Although the team were unable to secure a win on this occasion, the game provided a valuable learning experience for all involved. The girls approached the match with enthusiasm and positivity, growing in confidence as the game progressed, laying strong foundations for the rest of the season.

Result: Lost by 10 Wickets

Vs The Oratory

1st XI

Lost by 57 runs

2nd XI

Won by 8 Wickets

U15 A

Won by 16 runs

U14 A

Won by 55 runs

1st XI vs Magdalen College

Lost by 10 Wickets

vs Dr Challoner's Grammar School

U15 A

Lost by 8 wickets

U14 A

Won by 23 runs

Lower School 1st XI

Lost by 6 wickets

Lower School 2nd XI

Lost by 142 runs

Boys' U12 A

Lost by 153 runs

U14 A Girls vs Claires Court School

Lost by 10 wickets

U17 A vs Abingdon School

Lost by 237 runs

vs St Gabriel's School

Lower School 1st XI

Won by 16 runs

Lower School 2nd XI

Won by 119 runs

TENNIS

1st vs The Oratory School

Shiplake College descended upon The Oratory on a spring afternoon so blissfully sunny that even the grass courts appeared to be in an unusually cooperative mood, and before one could say “advantage Shiplake,” the contest was very much under agreeable control. Zack Fisher, Rosie Davis, Sam Murray, Milo Crane, Febe and Will Fisher, together with Will Griffith and Harriet Gresty‑Evans, proved a most excellent mixed senior side and proceeded to collect victories with admirable nonchalance. By the time proceedings concluded, Shiplake had secured twelve wins to The Oratory’s four. Particular distinction must go to Sam Murray and Milo Crane, who won all four of their matches with the calm assurance of men who had scheduled success well in advance. Meanwhile, Zack Fisher produced the stroke of the afternoon: a resplendent winner struck cheekily around the net, which caused immediate admiration and, one suspects, mild despair in the opposition ranks.

1st vs Leighton Park School

The second senior fixture featured Rosie and Zac, Sam and Milo, and the ‘double‑Will’ combination of Smith and Fisher, all brimming with optimism and racquets. Three matches were optimistically pencilled in, though only two survived the onslaught of heroic tie‑breaks, each stretching to a solid forty minutes of perspiration and moral fortitude. Fortunately, after much rallying and resolute brow‑furrowing, we emerged comfortably triumphant, six rubbers played, five won, and spirits exceedingly high.

ROUNDERS

1st IX vs Holyport College

The 1st IX secured a confident victory against Holyport College, producing a strong all‑round team performance. The side showed good control and composure throughout the match, creating numerous attacking opportunities and maintaining pressure on the opposition. Praise goes to T Bignell and M Bolton, who were deservedly named Players of the Match for their standout contributions. Both players impressed with their work rate, skill and leadership, helping to drive the team to a well‑earned win.

ROWING

Birmingham Regatta

The Year 9 rowing squad competed in their first ever regatta at the Birmingham Regatta, marking an exciting milestone in their rowing journey. The event was run in a round-robin format, giving all crews plenty of valuable racing opportunities against a range of opponents. This format ensured that every crew gained vital regatta experience, helping them to develop confidence, race skills, and teamwork on the water. The day was a great success, with all crews performing strongly and each crew securing at least one race win. Most importantly, the rowers thoroughly enjoyed the experience and demonstrated excellent commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. It was a very positive first regatta for the Year 9s, providing a strong foundation for future racing.

Junior International Regatta

Three crews were selected to represent Thames Upriver Central at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta held in Nottingham this weekend, competing against the strongest crews from across the country. The regatta format began with a 1km time trial, followed by 1500m side-by-side racing to determine final placings. This tested both race pace and endurance, providing a demanding but exciting competition for all athletes. The J16 Coxed Four raced first and produced an excellent performance, moving up from fourth place in the early stages of the race to secure a hard-fought silver medal in a thrilling finish. The J15 Coxed Four delivered a very strong day of racing, posting the fastest time in the time trial before going on to claim a well-earned bronze medal in the final. Despite not putting together their best race of the season, the J16 Quad showed great determination, racing to a bronze medal after a very close battle with the crew in fourth place. Overall, it was a highly successful regatta, with all three crews medalling and representing Thames Up River Central.

GOLF

Following an introductory golf session at the end of last term, several Year 7 and 8 girls had the opportunity to receive six hours of group golf coaching with a professional at Henley Golf Club, funded through a grant from the Oxfordshire Ladies Golf Association. The sessions run on Wednesday afternoons over the next six weeks and will be delivered by PGA professional Mark Howell. We look forward to seeing how the girls progress this term.

FENCING

Well done to James Middlehurst who competed at the British Para Fencing National Championships, held in Sheffield on 25–26 April. Competing against the very best fencers in the country, James delivered an outstanding performance, winning bronze medals in all three weapons; Foil, Épée and Sabre - a fantastic achievement at national level. The championships featured some of the toughest competition on the British circuit, including Paris 2024 Paralympic champion Dimitri Coutya. James produced one of the standout moments of the weekend with an impressive 5–3 victory over Coutya in the poules round. His performances highlight his growing potential, and he will undoubtedly be one to watch as he continues his journey towards a possible Team GB future, with LA 2028 firmly in sight.

HOUSE SPORTS COMPETETIONS

Several House sports competitions took place last term, with pupils competing across netball and football. The events showcased strong House spirit, teamwork and competitive determination throughout. Congratulations go to all involved, with the results below reflecting some closely fought and enjoyable contests.