Sports Report – Short Half 2022: Week 4

Tuesday 27th September

Football v Aldenham School

The 2nd XI game was played in quite blustery conditions and on a dry, bumpy pitch, which meant playing good flowing football was never easy. However both teams competed really well and it was a good game, despite the fact we lost 3-0.

I was really pleased with how we still tried to play despite the conditions and how hard we worked throughout the game, never giving up and going all the way to the final whistle. We conceded two goals in the first half, both we probably should have defended a little better. One from a corner, the other a shot which Harvey VW saved well but their attacker was first to react and tap in the rebound. We played most of the second half in the ascendancy, but could never quite find the final pass to create better chances as we either shot at the keeper, wide or over the bar! Aldenham scored late in the second half when again we probably should have cleared. The score line probably slightly flattered the opposition, but plenty of positives to take from the performance. L3-0 (PNG)

4th XI v Aldenham D2-2

SCB v Aldenham L3-0

A tough fixture for the JCBs against an athletic and skilled opposition. Winchester were energetic in defence but a couple of moments of loose marking allowed the opposition to strike on goal. There were some good moments in attack with Henry Spoerri showing nice footwork in the midfield. Stanley Askew had a good battle with his opposite man and generally came off better. Aryaveer Baljee saved the team a number of times with his brave saves. L0-3 (FHC)

Winchester JCC started another match in sluggish fashion, this time going 1-0 down to a great individual goal after 11 seconds. Aldenham scored another in quick succession, and some feared that it might end up being a rather one-sided match. However, Winchester weathered the storm slightly to trail 3-0 at half time. Again, Winchester were much stronger in the second half. Following a few pointers from the referee/coach for the day, and with greater fitness levels, Winchester competed strongly for much of the second half. Man-of-the-match Phineas Fletcher, playing in a more attacking role, was the first to really stretch the defence when he hit the post, Nikita Sirotin hit the bar from long range with an excellent freekick, and Archie Lawson finally found the back of the net with a cool finish to earn Winchester's first goal of the season. Final score was 3-1 in an enjoyable match, which left the players wondering what might have been had they started more strongly, and taken their chances. L1-3 (JWS)

Accidentally having 15 players was not ideal, but thanks to all who played for the Yearlings B team. Sorry those of you who only got half a game. We took our best chance (Greg) and they didn't take theirs. Well done to Monty who was solid at right back in defence and great going forward. Man of the match was captain Mike who was like a bunny chasing after carrots, making tackles and coming away with the ball on numerous occasions. Well done on your first victory. W1-0 (PAH)

Golf U18 v Charterhouse

We played Charterhouse at a neutral venue: South Winchester Golf Club. The team's third friendly of the season ended in 1.5-1.5 draw. The first pair, T. Sood and I. Haines, played some very solid golf over 18 holes but were, once again, bested by their opponents. Isaac's consistent pars and Taanvir's 2 chip-in birdies put the pair in a one-hole lead until the 15th green. However, their opponents' birdies on both 16 and 17, found them one down coming down the last. Unfortunately, a par was not enough to win them the hole and they lost the match 1 down. However, they are proud of their better ball 2-under-par performance in tough conditions, having only made one bogey all day.

The second pair of second years A. Hampel and S. Wells continued their unbeaten streak winning their match 1up despite having to give their opponents 10 shots. Their cat-and-mouse play, with Seb dominating the front nine and Arthur dominating the back, led to consistent better ball scoring which led to them winning their match with ease - albeit by a slim margin. The match was also full of comedy with Arthur losing grip of his 9 iron, resulting in it flying 30 yards forward into the fescue.

The final pair of H. Xu and J. Bristowe fought hard to finish all-square on the 18th. With their opponents having a shot a hole, the pair were pushed to four down with 4 holes to play, despite Jack's admirable performance. However, Harry's clutch putting led to the pair winning four straight holes and finishing all-square. The pair secured a well fought half-point over the course of 17 holes (having managed to get lost, skipping the 9th hole) and save the team from what could have been a disappointing loss. Well done to all those who played, and we look forward to the Aldington match over the weekend. (RSM)

Squash v Epsom College (h)

The Winchester College 1st V Squash team lost 0-5 to a formidable Epsom team which was led by a player who is Number 1 in his age group nationally as were a number of his team! All the Winchester players played well but were defeated by their opponents consistency and ability to attack their loose shots. A tough result before the team's next match Away at Bryanston. (RAA)

Against a very solid Epsom team the Winchester College U15 side played well winning one string and having match balls in another .Having risen to their opponents level of play Victor Sim at 2nd string and Kentaro Tada playing number 4 both just lost games 10-12. Amar Fernando at 5th string played superbly and by really placing his shots and making his opponent work won his match 3-0. The match of the afternoon was between Winchester's Rory McGregor and Epsom's Luca at 3rd string. Being superbly matched in ability Rory playing good resilient squash won the 1st game 11-9 only to lose the 2nd 9-11! He then went on to win the 3rd 13-11 and then had two match balls in the 4th which were incredibly saved by the Epsom player who won the game 14-12! By now both players having given their all and very tired, the Epsom player proved to be the stronger and won the 5th 11-3. A wonderful match to see with both players playing their best. Hopefully the side can replicate the great play in their next match Away at Bryanston.(RAA)

Thursday 29th September

Badminton 1st v Radley College (h)

Bar End was the venue this week after a disappointing loss against Harrow a week ago. The team needed to get back in form due to the busy season ahead. Against Radley, our fourth new pair of Vincent and Derek were still finding their footing, winning just one of their four matches. The second pair of Yuyao and Ben showed even more signs of improving as they comfortably beat all four Radley pairs. The first pair of JP and Rudra had a simple outing winning all matches by a good margin. Lastly, the best performing pair: Ashmit and Alvin (MOTM). Our third pair defeated Radley’s first 21-5 showing how well they could work together even after a bad show at Harrow. Overall, a great performance by the squad and signs of improvement and promise. The score line 13-3 to WinColl, something to be proud of! Rudra Patel [I]

Basketball U16A v Eton College

This was a 'pre-season' practice match but, unlike the recent U18 game, on this day Eton were definitely the better team. Winchester had brief spells in which they played well, but too many basic errors stopped them being competitive. On the bright side, things improved, and the Winchester players could not have worked harder. Moving forward though, they also need to work smarter, and they will get chance to do so when these teams meet again in the new year. (LNT)

Fencing v Eton College (a)

FOIL A: 45-25 (LOST)

FOIL B: 45-13 (LOST)

EPEE: 45-33 (LOST)

Very strong Eton side!

Football

1st XI v Ryde School with Upper Chine (ISFA U18 Boodles Cup 1st Round)

The Isle of Wight was the destination for our 1st round national cup game against Ryde School. The balmy conditions on the ferry crossing saw the team arrive at the opposition school in great spirit.

With the opposition an unknow quantity the focus needed to be on our own play and the boys performed excellently. Despite a very small pitch, with long grass and under-size goals the boys stuck to the task at hand and dominated proceedings to produce numerous chances throughout the game. Having been profligate in front of goal last week against Canford the shooting accuracy was much improved leading to a 7-0 victory. Scorers were Luca Ryan 2, Fergus Brant 2, Seb Fennell, Casper Hall and a 1st Goal in nine years for George Batt!

A really good team performance means we look forward to St John's Leatherhead in the next round. (JRD & MSB)

Senior Colts A v Bay House School, ESFA U16 Cup 1st round (a)

After waiting 45 minutes for the game to commence, the boys were raring to go. The tempo was good, and the passes were smooth. After a missed chances from both sides, the intensity increased further. A corner from Bowder saw Jason scoring his first goal of the season. Unfortunately, the opposition equalised after a period of pressure. Now it was extra time. Once again, the team were applying pressure. A missed header from their centre back saw a tap in scored by Laolu. It was now 2-1. A soft handball saw a penalty given by the ref. The penalty was taken well by the opposition. Then soon after, a miscommunication led to them putting the ball into an empty net. The game ended 3-2. Some quality football was shown. Hopefully a win can be secured in the next game. (L.Agunbiade, F) L2-3 After extra time

Junior Colts A v Lingfield College ISFA Rd1 (a)

Our opponents in the first round of the cup were Lingfield, drawn away. After the minibus journey and packed lunch we arrived with a little time to warm up and set about our task. The first half was close, with Seb Kingsbury (A) and Jason Chiang (F) having the best of the chances; we were confident that we had had the better of the game and the opposition were clearly getting restless.

A few changes in personnel due to knocks and injuries meant that our previously effective offside trap was caught out early in the second half, despite some excellent marshalling from Max Jackson (A). A player broke through, hit the post and then recovered quicker to put the ball home. This was swiftly followed by two more and the shock of going from 0-0 to 3-0 in the space of a few minutes could have ended the game right there. The boys showed good resilience in not allowing this to happen, and dominated the remaining twenty five minutes on the clock - plus a further twelve rightly added on by the official. Perseverance paid off with a well-deserved goal for Jason Chiang (F), but some fine saves and close calls meant it wasn't to be our day.

It should be noted that in difficult circumstances Winchester showed themselves at their best, not lowering either their levels of play or behaviour despite provocation. On another day victory could have been ours, but instead a journey home with doughnuts kindly provided by some of the excellent supporting parents had to do. L3-1 (JPT)

Golf: Mixed-U18A v Dauntsey's School (h) 2 - 1

This was the second match of the ISGA Knockout. I. Haines played as the first seed and came off with his first point of the season in style finishing 6&5. Facing almost no competition, Isaac led from the front and with a gross score of +2 would have challenged even the best of opponents. T. Sood also won his match 2&1 although it was far more closely contested than the one in front. Remaining one down after 7 holes, some great short game and clutch putting found him one up after 12. An errant tee shot on 16 found him in a difficult position but allowed a beautiful up-and-down (which gave him the name of the 'Indian Phil Mickleson') won him the hole and effectively the match. S. Wells lost his first match of the season, 2&1. After a tough start and with his unwavering opponent 1 under through 8 holes, Seb found himself 4 down. However, as all seemed lost, his undying spirit never gave up as he fought to make a comeback. He ended up winning two holes in a row but halved on 17 to lose the match.

Overall, a great start to the season with both Winchester teams moving in to the next round in the ISGA bracket. We look forward to the Aldington Cup over the weekend and hope to reach the National finals this year. (T Sood, X)

Saturday 1st October

Badminton: 1st v Bradfield College (h)

After an encouraging win against Harrow, the WinColl Badminton B team took on Bradfield at Bar End. Our fourth pair of Vincent Gueguen and Derek Wen had a tough match losing to Bradfield's top two pairs. However, the pair came back in the latter stage of the fixture beating the other two Bradfield pairings. Our third new pairing of Alvin Yu and Oliver Frost surprised the Bradfield top two pairs beating both by a slim margin. The pair also went on to beat the other two pairs, winning all their games in the match- a quality performance. Our second new pair of Ashmit Pande and Josiah Essiam started off well, beating Bradfield's bottom two pairs. However, the pair lost form at the latter stages of the match, losing to Bradfield's top pairs by a slim margin. Lastly, our best pair of the day, Ben Wen (MOTM) and Yuyao Xie impressed us all as they were on top of their game, beating all Bradfield pairs by a significant margin. The pairing have been on a roll this season! Overall, a strong performance by the WinColl side and a dominant 12-4 win. Well done to Theo, Bryan, and Matthew for rotating around to accommodate for Bradfield's 8th player. Rudra Patel (I)

Football v Bede’s

After a great trip to Ryde on Thursday Soccer XI welcomed Bede’s to Doggers on a beautiful afternoon. We started excellently and played the first 30 in a lovely controlled manor and were rewarded with goals from Casper Hall and Alex Foster to take a deserved lead. Inevitably, Bede’s came into the game in the last ten and scored with a great strike from outside the box to get themselves back into the game.

Talk at half time was about continuing to play our way and trying to limit Bede’s to shots from distance. This worked but we began to sit deeper and deeper inviting pressure and mid-way through the half we conceded to make the score 2-2. The game could have gone either way but after great counter-attacking work down the right side a cut back for Casper Hall saw him make it 3-2. Bede’s then pushed to get the equaliser but Winchester showed heart and togetherness to win the game 3-2. This was a thoroughly enjoyable game played in the right manner; physical and committed from both teams and we were delighted for the boys to come away with their first win against Bede’s since 2016. (JRD & MSB)

Determined to come back from a harsh defeat midweek, the 2nds started the game vs Bede’s with real intent. The fast start from the boys saw a quick turnover in the midfield which allowed Oshai to cut in on his right foot and guide the ball with a shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner. As the half continued, the boys tried to keep the same intensity and were further rewarded with two more goals from Patrick Ritchie including a brilliant individual effort culminating in a deft left foot finish. The boys began to drop off a bit as the first half ended but did not concede any real chances. Sasha del Mar finished off the first half with a brilliant finish into the top right corner.

At 4-0 up, it was important to go into the second half focused. After we missed a few good chances, Nasir Ogunmola finished the game off with his simple tap-in at the far post. Although the score line is very positive, the boys know that they could have played better at times. However, it is difficult to have too many negatives after scoring 5 goals and keeping a clean sheet. W5-0 (A. Oshai, F)

In the words of many a 1980s football manager, 'we was robbed'.

The 3s played superbly and could have scored a hatful if were not for some desperate Bede’s defending and a couple of unfortunate bounces. The Bede's goals came against the run of play; for the most part they had been reduced to long range efforts which Lam dealt with easily. Bede’s are strong opponents and some might have taken a draw before the game started, but the Winchester players looked disappointed at the final whistle - they were dominant for the majority of the match, stuck together and could not have worked harder. They just needed a bit more luck on the day. (LNT) D2-2

4th XI v Bede’s (h) W4-1

SCA v Bede’s (h) W2-1

SCB v Bede’s (h) W3-1

The JCAs played away at Bede's after their second long coach journey of the week. This was going to be a strenuous, testing match-one that resulted in a heavy defeat last year. The game started positively with the front lines pressing the ball well and the back line playing the Bede's striker offside on countless occasions. We had a few chances in the first half, the closest resulting in the ball bouncing past the opposition's goal. The first half ended 0-0, a score-line their team clearly weren't expecting.

We started the second half with an aim of keeping the ball in the opposition's half. We were energetic and looked threatening, personified by Jason Chiang (F) and his tenacity in trying to win back every single ball. One of these resulted in a one on one with the keeper out of position, though it wasn't to be as the ball shot past the far post. After this missed opportunity, Henry Spoerri (X) put a through ball around the opposition's right-back for Jason to run on to. He then controlled the ball and confidently tapped it around the keeper to put us in the lead, and make almost immediate amends. This was followed by two close opportunities which were not capitalised on.

On a Bede's counter-attack, a Winchester defender deflected the ball in our box in to the arm of another Winchester player barely a meter away, and a penalty was given. This put the score to 1-1. Bede's then followed this quickly with a tap-in at the near post from a cross. After another 10 minutes, where it had looked like we were going to equalise, Bede's put in another cross, which was put away to make the score 1-3. We dealt with this positively and we fought back putting pressure on their team with several missed opportunities on our side. This was followed by another through ball curling around Bede's centre back from Henry Spoerri (X) to place it right in front of Sebastian Kingsbury (A) where he put the ball under control and chipped the keeper to make the score 2-3. From there, we continued to push, but Bede's put one past us to make the score 2-4 with five to go. We continued to push hard for the last few minutes of the game with a few missed opportunities but the match ended there. Overall a good all-around performance from everyone left Winchester with a respectable score line, though we would certainly have liked it to have been closer. Bede's made their height count at times and we didn't capitalise on our chances. Man of the Match goes to Theo Coles (A) for keeping us in the game with some amazing saves. L4-2 Seb Kingsbury (A)

The JCBs, not to be criticized for lack of consistency, took a 4-0 loss this weekend. In the first half there were good individual efforts but the structure was not quite there. Bede's were able to make inroads between our midfield and defence and finished with some good shots on goal.

In the second half the Winchester back-line pushed up and did a fantastic job of stifling the Bede's attack. Indeed we didn't concede at all this half and centre back Freddie Spearing won Winchester’s man of the match for his efforts. Our attack showed promise and we had some chances in the box but, alas, we couldn't quite put it in the back of the net. Lessons learned and hopefully a better result next time. L4-0 (FHC)

Following our longest coach journey of the season, it could be forgiven if the JCCs arrived feeling slightly lethargic. However, despite only a short warm-up, we made our strongest start to the season, with Matthew Sneller scoring a fine early goal. This put Winchester ahead for the first time this season. However, Bede's were a strong team and equalised in the first half. The second half was also very energetic, with Nikita Sirotin particularly being in the wars in mid-field. As the weather alternated between rain, and rainbows, Winchester competed hard to keep the score 1-1, and did ultimately have a few chances to snatch the win. However, we left on the long coach journey home pleased with a 1-1 draw. There were numerous contenders for man-of-the-match as the entire team performed well, with it being awarded to Kyven Tan for his best performance of the season so far. D1-1 (JWS)

A quick warm-up got the YAs going from the first whistle, immediately applying pressure in midfield and finding space to play down both flanks. Laarman and Zawoda linked up well on the right, allowing both to have shots at goal, however, it was pressure from Oluwabusola down the left that won us the ball and allowed him to drive at goal, passing the keeper and finishing in the open net. At the other end, we were mostly able to limit Bede's to shots from range, although corners looked dangerous too. It was a shot from the top of the box that brought the game level shortly before half time.

We continued to look to play, mixing up our style and Coles regularly looking to release Zawoda down the right again. However, we then conceded from a corner, allowing the ball to travel too deep into the box without dealing with it. We thought we had replied quickly when Zawoda again found space and finished smartly from outside the box, however, play was brought back for an off-side. We continued to push despite flagging energy levels. Bede's continued to play direct from their keeper, who found the right winger and neatly brought the ball under control before driving beyond Bowder and then finding the net with a firm strike. Bede's had created more chances across the game, and Browning had done well with a handful of fine saves. Sullivan and Kaung made many important blocks and challenges. Feyita, Maithya Garcia and Santagati all worked hard defensively and are growing in confidence in possession in the midfield. Bowder performed well for much of the game in his first appearance for the As and Jurdjevic had his best sustained performance thus far. The group are growing in belief and are eager to improve on their performances further. L3-1 (JMB)

The YB game was played on a mountain. When we played down the mountain, we dominated but only went in at half time, 2-1 up. When the other team played down the mountain, they dominated but luckily only managed to score one, to leave us with a creditable draw. Man of the match was Lev Rubin with two awesome defence-splitting passes. D2-2

This was the first away game for the Yearling Cs and the long journey to Bede's took its toll. A slow start saw us two goals down before the boys had properly woken up. A few choice words from Mr McKinnel - and the very real possibility of a heavy defeat - kicked them into action. They began to play with more composure and move the ball around with confidence. Freddie Matthews scored two well taken goals to level the scores before half time. The sides were quite equally matched, though the greater physicality of Bede's told as their winger beat two defenders, put in a cross and the ball was bundled into the back of the net. With ten minutes to go Colin Kirk got on the end of a well-worked through ball from his brother Findlay and the scores were level. Winchester hearts were broken with a few minutes to go when they conceded from a corner and were 4:3 down. For a moment the boys thought they had equalised when Casper Edwards poked it past the keeper after a goal line scramble in the last minute, only for the referee to rule it offside. There were many positives to take from the performance and they will have learned a lot from the manner of defeat today. L4-3 (JRM)

Football v Charterhouse

5th XI v Charterhouse (a) W2-3

6th CI v Charterhouse (a) L2-1

Football v Eton

JCD v Eton JCE (h) L 10-0

The JCEs put in a valiant effort against an impressive Eton side, coming agonisingly close to finding a late equaliser in the dying moments of the game. This performance represents a dramatic improvement from that seen in the same fixture away three weeks ago, and offers excellent encouragement for the rest of the season. Captain Alex Parkinson, Lachlan Lui and Season Li all worked tirelessly in defence, while debutant Yash Sawhney was formidable in goal, and unlucky to concede the second that ultimately decided the match. L1-2 (JL)

After a steady start from the Yearlings D Eton Ds put three past us in quick succession. The boys kept their heads up but found it difficult to clear the ball without giving back possession in our own half. Nathan had another solid match in goal, making many saves. The difference in quality showed and even Xanders hard chasing couldn’t bridge the gap. The second half was more even and when we could put them under some pressure their defence showed weakness. Alex hit the woodwork with a great solo effort and turn of speed. A solid last 15 minutes was put in by all. L11-0 (PM)

Yearlings E v Eton U14F (a) L6-0

Golf: Mixed-U18A v OWs for the Aldington Trophy (h) won 4.5 - 3.5

Sailing: Mixed-U18A BSDRA Midlands

We took six sailors (Orlando Kennedy, Finley Stone, Noah Hensher, Rupert Balmain, Max Büchner and Nestor Montagu) to the BSDRA Midlands Area Championships at Oxford Sailing Club. The organisers did a great job putting on the event under difficult circumstances, with the reservoir water level at least two metres below its usual level and therefore causing problems with the pontoons and launching areas. The conditions were very blustery, and all our sailors did well in coping with the strong gusts. There was a lot of close team racing and I think the team learned a lot, which will serve them well in next week's event. They got through to the semi-finals, and fought hard, although ultimately lost the semi-final and third-fourth play-off to finish the event in fourth place. (JAAB)

Rowing: Wallingford Sculls

The first race of the new academic year for Winchester College Boat Club saw five boys travel to Wallingford, to take part in their long distance sculls race. Training for the first part of the term has taken place mostly in single scull boats. This has allowed us to concentrate on building skill and strength before moving into the bigger boats later in the year.

Racing at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls is always of a very high standard, with rowers coming from around the country to test their early season form. The boys from WCBC performed very well, on what is an extremely technical course. Each sculler was committed to the task and executed a strong race plan, building upon individual objectives. Our top two performers were separated by only seven tenths of a second. The finish times bode well for upcoming challenges, with GB trials and the Fours Head of the River on the horizon, the hard work will continue.

Competitors; George Travis (H), Hugo Killian-Dawson (E), Lawrence Hagger (G), Thomas Jurdjevic (B), Ben Searle (B)

All fixtures details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/

Sporting quote for the week:

“There is nothing more critical to your success than the individuals you choose to surround yourself with.” (Former NCAA College Basketball Coach, George Raveling)

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

3rd October 2022

Twitter: @WinCollSports