The first Sports Report of the final half term is relatively short due to many fixtures being cancelled because of the weather - unfortunately only managing to complete one tennis and one cricket match. Meanwhile a group of Lower School girls completed a six-week programme of golf lessons with Mark the Henley Golf Club Pro.
Tennis
Mixed U13As v Crosfields
On what was a sunny afternoon on Monday 1 June Shiplake were narrowly defeated by Crosfields School in this timed format 6-10 on matches. Pupils from Year 7 and 8 enjoyed an afternoon of doubles games where creativity and accuracy made the difference between the two sides and led to rallies of 20 being seen on some courts. There were several excellent team performances on display but would specifically mention S Terry and S Hashemi who were resilient and determined in every game they played. A good display and plenty to work on ahead of the remaining fixtures.
Cricket
U15A v Holyport
Shiplake College U15As delivered an outstanding all‑round performance to claim a convincing 73‑run victory over Holyport U15s in a dominant display at Shiplake on Tuesday 2 June.
After winning the toss, Shiplake elected to bat first and produced an excellent total built on two superb individual innings. E Hills anchored the innings with a composed 50 from 41 balls, combining steady accumulation with well‑timed boundaries. He was brilliantly complemented by D Mellor, who played a more aggressive role, striking an impressive 50 from just 25 balls, including a flurry of boundaries at a strike rate of 200. The pair shared a decisive partnership that took control of the game and laid the platform for a big score. Earlier, captain L Waldegrave contributed a useful 14, helping set the tone at the top of the order. Despite a couple of late wickets, Shiplake finished strongly on 149 for 5 from their 15 overs, with extras also boosting the total.
In reply, Holyport struggled to build momentum against a well‑organised and disciplined Shiplake bowling attack. An early breakthrough from E Hills set the tone, and wickets then fell at regular intervals. D Mellor led the attack superbly, taking 2 wickets for just 11 runs from 3 overs, while also maintaining tight control. Holyport’s resistance came primarily from their middle order #4 (16) and #5 (15), with #4 briefly showing attacking intent. However, the required run rate continued to climb, and Shiplake’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Contributions from L Ellison (1 wicket) and sharp fielding, including run‑outs, ensured that Holyport were never able to mount a serious challenge. Holyport were eventually restricted to 76 for 6 from their 15 overs, falling well short of the target as Shiplake completed a comprehensive victory.
A dominant display from Shiplake College U15 A, highlighted by half‑centuries from E Hills and D Mellor, along with a disciplined bowling performance, proved far too strong for Holyport. The convincing 73‑run win reflected Shiplake’s control in all areas of the game.
Golf
Over the past six weeks, a group of Lower School girls have participated in weekly coaching sessions with Mark, the golf professional at Henley Golf Club. During this time, they have developed their skills in key aspects of the game, including driving, chipping, and putting, with the programme culminating in the girls playing two holes on the course in the final session.
Throughout the sessions, the girls have enhanced their coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, while also improving their concentration and focus. Playing alongside their peers has fostered positive relationships, teamwork, and mutual support.
There is now an opportunity for the girls to continue their lessons in September at a reduced rate. The sessions to date have been fully funded by the Oxfordshire Ladies Golf Association, and following the programme, a number of scholarships to Henley Golf Club may be awarded to participants
