Another outstanding week of sport at Shiplake saw impressive performances and hard-fought matches across cricket, tennis, and hockey. The U14A side delivered a particularly strong display against Leighton Park, while the 1st XI faced the MCC in their annual friendly. There was non-stop action on the tennis courts, with the 1st team, U15s, and U13s all competing against tough opposition, alongside an internal Shiplake tournament. Finally, the 1st XI hockey team remained unbeaten in a triangular tournament at the Oratory School, taking on multiple teams. Read on for this week’s highlights.
Cricket
U14A vs Leighton Park
Shiplake College U14A produced an excellent all-round performance to secure a well-earned victory against Leighton Park on a bright, if slightly blustery, afternoon.
Having lost the toss, Shiplake were asked to field first and initially took a little time to find their rhythm in the field. Leighton Park made a positive start, but the breakthrough came in spectacular fashion. After a powerful strike looked set to race away, George Denning produced a moment of real brilliance, contorting his body mid-air to claim an absolutely outstanding catch and secure the first wicket.
That moment proved to be a turning point. Shiplake’s confidence grew, and they began to take control of the innings. Oliver Laventure added to the momentum with a well-taken catch, while C Healy demonstrated excellent awareness and consistency, taking two fantastic catches to further restrict the opposition.
The bowling attack was equally impressive throughout. Mylee delivered some superb spin bowling, consistently troubling the Leighton Park batsmen, while Timmy Jackson contributed with a deserved wicket of his own. The innings was brought to a close with a sharp piece of fielding, as Charlie Goss combined effectively with wicketkeeper Rory Collar to take the final wicket.
Leighton Park finished on 96 for 6 from their allotted overs.
In reply, Shiplake’s innings got off to a slightly shaky start. Openers Max Brown and Rory Collar took to the crease, but an accurate delivery from Leighton Park saw Collar dismissed on just the third ball of the innings.
However, any early nerves were quickly settled by an outstanding partnership between Max Brown and Lewis Moss. The pair batted with composure and confidence, steadily building momentum and punishing loose deliveries. Max played an excellent knock, scoring 34 off 29 balls, while Lewis was equally impressive, finishing on 40 off 29 balls. Their partnership proved decisive, showcasing fantastic skill, running between the wickets, and shot selection. Shiplake reached their target comfortably, finishing on 98 for 2, sealing a convincing victory.
Overall, it was a superb team performance, highlighted by exceptional catching, disciplined bowling, and confident batting - an excellent result for the U14A side.
Final Score: Won by 8 Wickets
For: 98 for 2
Against: 96 for 7
1st XI vs Maylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
Final Score: Lost by 96 Runs
For: 139 ao
Against: 235 for 3
Tennis
1st vs The Oratory School
The Shiplake girls took to the courts against Oratory on a sun-drenched Saturday that seemed determined to bring out both the best in the tennis and the occasional last-minute wobble in team sheets. Indeed, there had been a flutter of ‘drop-outs’ beforehand, rather like guests slipping quietly away from a slightly overcooked luncheon, but a splendid trio assembled nonetheless, ready to do battle with rackets drawn and spirits commendably intact.
What followed was a most emphatic display. Of the six rubbers contested, Shiplake carried off all but one, with a combination of grit, flair, and the sort of sanguine confidence one rather wishes one could bottle. Sammy Haigh produced a sterling performance, all industry and intent, while Rosie Davis delivered a quite astonishing game featuring no fewer than four unreturnable serves, an exhibition so brisk one suspected the opposition scarcely had time to blink. And presiding over it all, in her final outing, was Y13 veteran and Head of College, Febe Fisher, who took to the court with the assured air of one concluding a distinguished chapter, and did so in fittingly composed fashion.
U15A vs Crosfields School
On what was a great afternoon for tennis Shiplake's U15's convincingly beat Crosfields School in these fast fours format 9-3 on matches. Pupils from Year 9 and 10 enjoyed an afternoon of doubles games where power and accuracy made the difference between the two sides and led to some excellent topspin shots down the line. Throughout the entire team all played exceptionally well and were very consistent Benjamin Dean and Luca Currie who came from 3-1 down in a game to win 12-10 on the tiebreak after drawing the match 4-4 on games.
U13A vs Leighton Park School
Despite, the on and off showers Shiplake got to play the fixture at Leighton Park, although were sadly beaten 8-0 on matches by a strong Leighton Park side. Pupils from Year 7 and 8 enjoyed an afternoon of doubles games that saw volleys dominate the game play and needed pupils to be accurate with anything heading cross court. A good team display and plenty to work on ahead of the last fixture of the year.
U12 and U13 Tennis Tournament
On Saturday 13 June, pupils from Years 7 and 8 took part in an internal tennis tournament on a beautiful morning at Shiplake. A total of 14 players competed, divided into two groups. Their finishing positions in the group stage determined the matchups for the final rounds. Each pupil played at least five matches, with the morning showcasing some excellent rallies and highly competitive points. The tournament culminated in a final between Sam Hashemi and Sam Terry. On this occasion, Sam Terry emerged as the winner, taking the match 3–0 in games to claim the title. Well done to all pupils who participated and contributed to a fantastic morning of tennis.
U14 and U15 Tennis Tournament
Following the earlier event, pupils from Years 9 and 10 competed in the U14 and U15 internal tennis tournament to determine the Shiplake champion. Four players took part in a round-robin format, each competing in three matches. Matches were decided by the first player to win a set (six games). As the tournament progressed, the standard of play continued to improve, with impressive rallies, strong recovery shots, and determined defensive play keeping points alive. At the conclusion of the matches, Alexander Bellman (Year 9) was crowned the winner. He delivered a standout performance, including a remarkable comeback from 4–1 down to win his final match. Overall, it was an excellent effort from all players and an enjoyable morning of competitive tennis.
Hockey
1st XI v The Oratory School and Leighton Park School
On Wednesday 10 June, Shiplake College travel to the Oratory School to play in a triangular tournament with the Oratory School and Leighton Park School. Shiplake remained unbeaten for the afternoon, finishing with a draw against Oratory and a draw against Leighton Park. This was a great way to get the girls playing hockey again after a couple of months off. We are really proud of all the girls and their play on the day and would like to take a moment to say a massive thank you to Alice Godfrey and T Nicholson as this was the last time playing for Shiplake, they have been key members of the 1st XI for the past two years. Three year 12 played excellently and this bodes well for the upcoming season in September.
