Sports Report – Short Half 2022: Week 5
Tuesday 11th October
This wasn't a good day for the U18s. Marlborough are a decent side, but should not have caused Winchester any problems. On the day though, the result was predictable from the first quarter as Marlborough piled on the pressure and Winchester went away from their usual style. The home team pulled out a lead of 25 at one point in the second half and it was only some better play in the final quarter that made the scores a little closer. Usually Winchester are the disciplined, organised and clever team, but Marlborough were smarter and simply played better today. There will be a lot of much-needed training sessions before these teams meet next. Highlights were a strong match from Ahearne and first points of the year for Bunn-Livingstone. L32-49 LNT
The U16s will look back at this game as one they should have won. At times they were superb, passing slickly and defending with pride; they played some of the best basketball that they have ever played. At other times though, they made basic errors. A couple of streaky bank shot 3 pointers from Marlborough made the difference, but Winchester had had plenty of chances to put the game beyond doubt by then. These teams will meet again in common time and, if Winchester play as they now know they can, hopefully the result will be very different. Highlights were the continued development of Ojeaga who had over 10 blocked shots, and a warrior-like performance from Garlick at both ends of the court. L30-33 LNT
Football
1st XI v St John's School, Leatherhead (a) ISFA U18 Boodles Cup, Rd 2
We travelled to St Johns in good form and looking to extend our run in the ISFA competition after being unbeaten in the last four matches.
The pitch was very narrow and is played on by the rugby team, so we knew it was going to be a physical game but it didn’t take long for us to dominate proceedings and control the match. The boys were magnificent, each player knew exactly what to do and how to play and we played arguably the best game easily of the season. Goals from Alex Foster, Casper Hall and Luca Ryan put us in a commanding lead and one we should have extended. We knew St John’s would come at us after the break, but the boys dealt with everything comfortably. We did concede to a decent goal but to top off the afternoon Sebastian Fennell went on a great run into the box and instead of pulling the ball back, stroked the ball inside the near post to cement a convincing victory 4 - 1.
I was so pleased with the way we played and went about our work. The boys deserve to progress to round 3 and look forward to seeing how far we can go. W4-1. JRD
Yearlings A v Brookfield Community School (a) ESFA U14 Cup, Rd 2
In the second round of the ESFA Cup we travelled to Brookfield School to play on their 3G surface which allowed good confidence for players in possession and we settled into our game quickly. Our hosts were very competitive and Santagati in particular received a few strong challenges, one leading to a free kick in a central position from 40 yards. Sullivan stepped forward and stroked his pass over the defensive line to bounce before the keeper, who amidst a rush of Winchester players looking to attack it missed it entirely and Sullivan's effort bounced into the open net.
We retained the lead until half time but then conceded early after the break, via a left footed shot from the top of the box into the far bottom corner. Browning had made some excellent saves before this but was to be undone again by a fantastic free kick into the top right corner of the goal to give Brookfield the lead. We responded well and Oluwabusola showed good footwork and presence of mind to toe-poke an effort from close range. Both sides pushed for a winner but neither found one, taking the game to 10 minutes each way of extra time.
Brookfield continued to battle hard and put together another good passing move that allowed a midfielder to receive on the half-turn and then thread a pass through to the forward. He showed good presence of mind to allow the ball to role across him and past Browning (who did well not to bring him down and risk being sent off) before gathering the ball and placing a shot beyond the defenders on the line. A lot of excitement ensued from the home supporters.
Needing a goal, or more, we discussed passing with more conviction and exploiting the speed of Laarman and Oluwabusola up-front. The players responded immediately as our kick off was set back to Santagati who played his lofted pass well enough to evade both centre backs and Oluwabusola breaking in behind them, who calmly took the ball around the goal keeper and scored in the open net. Buoyed by the early goal we kept looking to play on the front foot and created further chances whilst Browning made yet more good saves at the back. From a Brookfield goal-kick, with 3 minutes to go, Redfern, who had returned to right back after an excellent start there, stepped in front of his man to intercept the pass and immediately lofted a ball over the scattered Brookfield back line. Laarman broke what they thought was an off-side trap and advanced on to the ball, striking cleanly from the top of the box and finding the left-side netting despite a decent hand from the keeper. The team then showed great composure amidst growing encouragement from the local support to calmly see out the game without any further drama.
The whole squad put in good performances and grew in confidence throughout the game. Oluwabusola was constantly dangerous to our hosts. Browning made important 'big' saves when he really needed to. Sullivan was often the calmest head on the pitch at the back and demonstrated a good array of passing skill. However, Santagati's tireless performance in midfield was the pick of the bunch on this occasion. W4-3. JMB
Thursday 13th October
Badminton v Harrow (h)
After a 6-2 loss earlier in the season at Harrow, the team was determined to win this game. Due to a late arrival by Harrow, the match was reduced to 12 matches. The first two pairs of WinColl, JP and Rudra, Yuyao and Ben, won all 3 of their respective matches by a decent margin and set the scene for a close battle against Harrow. Our fourth pair of Vincent and Derek showed glimpses of great skill and technique but weren't able to consistently win points against a tough Harrow pairing. Our third pair of Ashmit and Alvin put on a great show, battling it out to three sets against Harrow's fourth pair and showing great determination when they were pushed to the limit. Although, they didn't end up winning, the team was proud of their 'never give up' attitude which embodies Winchester spirit. Overall a 6-6 draw. Not the best result we could have got, but still something to be happy with. Onto Wellington on Saturday! (R, Patel, I)
Squash v Wellington College (a)
The Winchester College Senior VII had a very convincing 6-1 win in their away match at Wellington. The warmer, livelier Wellington courts suited the Winchester side whose very accurate hard drives created loose shots from their opponents that they then attacked! The consistency and positive spirit of the Winchester players was very impressive and this was reflected in the very good result. The next match is at Bishops Wordsworth (Salisbury).
Winchester Sen VII: Shiloh Wu, Freddy Fisher, Oscar Henshaw, Ludovic Remers, Brian Chan, Will Gladston and Rory McGregor. (RAA)
In this 'friendly' fixture v Wellington the U-14 VII had two matches against Wellington. The Winchester team lost 2-5 in their first match with the Wellington players using the height of the courts to great advantage . The courts were also livelier than the Winchester players were used to and sometimes hitting the ball hard just gave the Wellington players more time!
Having become used to the speed of the courts the Winchester side reversed the previous result and won their second match 4-3. Now placing their shots better and having learnt from their previous matches the Winchester side played with more accuracy and better shot placement to record a very good victory. A good result in a match where all the matches were played in a wonderful spirit by all the players.
Winchester U-14 VII : Holly Wang, Laurie Sawbridge, John Langdon, Charlie Mavor, Ayush Shah, Alex Fairmann and Johnnie Bailey. (RAA)
Rackets: 1st v Charterhouse (h)
Our 1st pair, captain George Gardiner (D) and Bertie Vallat (F), played adeptly against an experienced Charterhouse pair. A combination of home court knowledge and consistency from both Winchester players allowed them to take the match in straight games. A new pairing of Stephen Lam (B) and William Hammerson-Jones (A) came up against a mixed Charterhouse pair. The games were close throughout. However, thanks to Will's ability to play on the left, this allowed Stephen to take his preferred right. This proved an effective combination. Winchester was able to stay ahead at most of the tight moments and this resulted in a 3-0 win, a score that does not reflect the intensity and closeness of the match. A special mention must go to William for playing at a level significantly above his age but showing a skill and calmness under pressure.
At Colts level, Ollie Frost (G) and partner Arthur James-Duff (D) performed with a composed efficiency. With Ollie’s aggressive serves and Arthur’s usual steady approach, they won the match without the loss of a game. Seb Kingsbury (A) and Arthur James-Duff (D), playing at Junior Colts level, combined well and manged to win against a hard-hitting pair, 2 – 0.
Last up on the left court were Jamie Mitchell (G) and Oscar O’Carroll (I) who were playing the same pair as Seb and Arthur. For Oscar, this was his first inter-school match and he displayed an impressive competitiveness and maturity throughout. He also displayed a confidence in being prepared to take the more challenging left side. This was a closely fought match, with some proficient volleying by Jamie and accomplished racket work by Oscar who, despite Charterhouse’s consistent serving, achieved some remarkable returns. Ultimately, Charterhouse were victorious, two games to one, with Winchester unfortunately falling short in the deciding game by the finest of margins. For Winchester, this reveals an exciting glimpse of the future.
The final match on the right court involved the last senior clash. With George playing up, this allowed a newly formed duo, Seb Robertson (B) and Jack Bristowe (A) to play together. This offered Jack an exciting challenge to be tested at senior level. However, the hard-hitting pace of Charterhouse won many points and although both Winchester players maintained their presence on court, they came up short against Charterhouse, losing 3-0. (TERC)
Saturday 15th October
Football v Gordon’s, Wellington College, Bradfield College, Lord Wandsworth College
The 1st XI ventured back to where we started our pre-season at Gordon’s School. Despite a short warm-up, we knew that we needed to start strongly. An early left-footed volley from Salar Moghadam into the top corner from a Dom Hall wonder pass put us on the front foot to control the game. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a hold of the game and after countless defensive heroics, we frustrated Gordon’s. They scored from outside the box after a corner.
Going into the second half on the back-foot, Mr Dodd wanted to see a reaction and he saw just that. We started to control the game and force Gordon’s to make mistakes. A bullet-header from Luca Ryan put us in front. After taking the lead, we didn’t sit back. Subsequent goals from Alex Foster and a Freddie Van Every penalty, guaranteed the win. A well fought battle continued our unbeaten streak, and we hope to see as many of you to support us on Tuesday at home against Harrow. W1-4 (Salar Moghadam, C)
The 2nd XI also played the game on a wonderful artificial 4G pitch, which once the team came to terms with the pace and bounce allowed for a very competitive game. We fell behind midway through the first half, slightly against the run of play, when a long throw in bounced in the area and was finished on the volley into the far corner; a really good finish. The game remained pretty even throughout the rest of the half, but we were left a little frustrated with either our final pass or decision making.
We started the second half really well and were rewarded with a fine goal from Doran, when he broke free down the right channel and slotted in at the far post. The rest of the half was similar to the first, very competitive and could have gone either way, although Gordons did hit the bar twice before they scored with approx 10 mins to go. We then pushed hard for an equaliser which on the balance of play we probably deserved, but unfortunately conceded another right at the end of the game. Once again, I was really pleased with how we played and our attitude, especially considering we were missing a couple of players through injury/illness. L1-3. PNG
After five minutes it looked like Winchester 3rd XI might win easily but they didn't score and instead, possibly due to underestimating the task, went away from their normal style. Over-committing in tackles and spending too much time on the ball meant 1-0 to Gordon's at half time was fair. In the second half the 3s got down to business and played a bit more like their usual selves. The goals eventually came from Malik and Barklam after good passing sequences and movement off the ball. The margin should have been bigger, but after going behind and having to adapt to an unusual pitch, it was good to drive away with a well-deserved win. W2-1. LNT
4th XI v Bradfield 4th XI: L1-3
5th XI v Bradfield 5th XI: L3-4
6th XI v Bradfield 6th XI: L0-3
7th XI v Bradfield 7th XI: L2-14
SC B v Bradfield U16C: D0-0
The Sen Colt Cs recorded their first victory of the season on a windswept pitch away against Bradfield’s U16D team thanks to a scorching goal off the boot of Haddad. Although the scoreline only shows one goal, this was a dominant performance, with a vivacious attack, energetic pressing from midfield – in particular Zhong - and some authoritative defending from Tait, Perks, Bhagobati and Oliver, with Shi and Humphreys bringing energy in the CDM role as well. In fact, the only Bradfield opportunity came from Bhagobati’s rolling back-pass, which left keeper Ohiwerei temporarily caught out, and the coach’s Garmin showing a distinct spike in heart rate, before a scrambling clearance.
Winchester dominated possession throughout, with Hayward playing a strong pass and move game to open up the right-hand side of the pitch, and at half time the corner count was already well into the double digits with Bradfield’s keeper being kept in gainful employment. In the first half, Smith was unlucky not to poach a goal at the back post from his outstretched right boot; Vorobev unleashed a couple of shots which found the field behind the pitch rather than the back of the net; and Belingheri – who had an otherwise excellent performance – couldn’t exert his influence on the score-sheet despite eluding the clutches of a flat-footed Bradfield defence.
Deep into the second half, came Haddad’s wondergoal: an arcing missile of a shot from the outside of the right boot which flew past the Bradfield GK and took up residence in the top right corner of the net, as an elated Nikita peeled away to celebrate with his teammates. From that point on, it was game over: Bradfield’s long ball game was read superbly by Perks, whose positional awareness deserves special mention, and Winchester’s keenness both for victory and for match tea meant we closed the game out with a clean sheet. W1-0. TDQ
A last-minute fixture resulted in a first win for the Sen Colts Ds against Bradfueld’s U16Es. At half-time the scores were 0-0, but after some wise words shared between our players the score quickly became 1-0, thanks to a deflected strike by Henry Husband (H). Bradfield became increasingly hasty and frustrated. We were able to capitalise. Bradfield got a goal back at 2-1, but some lovely passes, and an own goal, resulted in a 5-1 win. Max Yu (F) has man of the match for an absolutely superb goal. The celebration was equal to the strike. W5-1. BHGC
SCA v Wellington College U16A: W1-3
Max Jackson (A) won the toss and the JCA’s kicked-off. We quickly got away and Jason (F) was awarded a free-kick from the edge of the box in prime position. It was a good attempt from Max however it sailed just over the bar. Winchester controlled possession and were unlucky not to get a goal early on, especially after a goal-mouth scramble resulting in 10 shots on target in the first twelve minutes. However, against the run of play we conceded a soft penalty when their forward ran in to Arthur, which was quickly put away into the back of the net. We then realised we needed to get the ball down and play. James Kennedy (D) put a ball over the top and after fending off a couple defenders Isaac Claisse (B) slotted the ball into bottom right corner (1-1). Half time.
The second half started just as positively as the first and we were rewarded when Seb Kingsbury (A) received the ball from a throw-in and appeared to be rugby tackled from behind by their CB - a penalty was given. Seb calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner and Winchester were ahead (2-1). Shortly after this, Max was awarded a free-kick after theatrically falling onto the ground which Michael J sent the ball into the box which was impressively flicked on by Seb into the right side netting (3-1). Just a few minutes later Sasha (G, on debut) put Michael Jin (I) through on goal which was calmly put round the keeper (4-1). In to the final 5 minutes Seb chased the ball down and with a clinical finish he rounded off his hat trick and it was 5-1. Great win for the JCA’s. (Seb K with a well-deserved MOTM). W5-1 (Isaac Claisse, B).
A worthy performance from the JCCs against a Lord Wandsworth A Team. Morale was palpable; the warm up first class; the start was smooth and Winchester showed control in the midfield. Options were provided down the wings and a number of lovely through balls were threaded between defenders. In attack, Piers showed physicality and together with Duckworth managed to get of a number of shots on goal. Vardan has a good do from range but, alas the opposition keeper held firm. Our defence chased down opposition through balls and used their physicality well. In the end Lord Wandsworth managed to make the most of their chances and scored three. All agreed that this was not an accurate reflection of the match. It should also be noted that Winchester’s resistance to rain and howling winds was nothing short of remarkable. A dark day for the umbrella, a good day out for the JCCs. (FHC)
The Junior Colts D put up a valiant effort against Bradfield's dominant and skillful side. The first half was very competitive and we "only" conceded two. However, in the second half, the weather worsened drastically and the Bradfield boys really came into their element. They switched into top gear and scored some beautiful goals with balls skidding and bouncing unpredictably. A great game with an absolute cracking penalty save by Winchester goalie Seb Wells. L0-8. JJP
The JC Es played (literally) liquid football on a torrential afternoon on Gater 3. A disappointing first half that saw the Es concede three goals in quick succession was followed by a brave performance in the second, in which Rufus Winkley, Alberto Gianni Garcia and Wilson Tang led an impressive fightback. Keeping a clean sheet and forcing an own goal produced a final score of 3-1, which reflects a determined effort in inclement conditions, against a high-quality Bradfield side. Will Higgs deserves a special mention for putting in an outstanding shift at the back, on debut. L1-3. JL
On the further reaches of Wellington's playing fields, the Yearlings A found conditions less conducive for getting the ball on the grass and looking to play. Despite this, Oluwabusola brought his usual drive to the game and scored our first with Jurdjevic soon adding the second after a blocked cross fell kindly for him from close range. Wellington made in-roads though and forced Browning into action to keep our lead intact at the break.
Despite our aspirations to raise the intensity and level of our performance, we actually conceded when Browning's clearance found the Wellington right-winger who drove into the area and beat Browning on his near-post side. Laarman had chances to extend our lead but it was an eventual goal from Maithya-Garcia, from a Laarman drive down the left and cutback cross, that made the result safe even if the performance were not quite as we would like to showcase. A-team debuts for Vedral and MacCabe show that there is good depth within the year group as both looked to get onto the ball and link up well with teammates. W3-1 JMB
I took the Yearlings Cs and honestly, half of them could be picked for the Bs. They played Lord Wandsworth A team and it was a tight match. Aaron scored a scrappy goal in the first half but we should have had more. Then the oppos came back at us and it was only determined defending that kept them at bay. The back four line of Ziao, Holly, Alex and Theo were excellent but also distributed the ball well. In the first half, Caspar was rampaging down the wing. Kirk squared were awesome as was Freddie in midfield. Surely the Bs coach will take notice now? W1-0. PAH
Bradfield played with purpose and spirit and so did the Yearlings Ds. Early on the boys sensed there was a match to win and really did play with a desire to win. Even the prolonged heavy rain didn't distract from the task at hand. Our striker Alex having a handful of goal opportunities feed by a surging midfield. All players competed strongly and fairly for the ball, showing an improved physicality. A team performance that was noticeably improved from the previous match. They go into the next match with a belief and confidence that they can and should win. L2-3. PM
Yearlings E v Bradfield E: L0-10
Badminton v Wellington College (h)
For the last game on this side of term, the squad took on a tough Wellington team at home. After drawing with Harrow, the team was thirsty for a win against Wellington. The match was in deadlock after the first 8 matches, the top two pairs winning their 2 games. The third round was where the match changed sides as our fourth pair of Vincent and Derek pulled off an amazing win against Wellington's third pair. The last round was a thriller with most games having a less than 6 point margin. Our third pair of Ashmit and Alvin delivered beating Wellington's third pair and Yuyao and Ben, our second pair, beat Wellington's second. The last two games went to three sets with disappointing losses for our first and fourth pair, JP and Rudra losing their first game of the season. Overall, a very strong performance by team to take a 9-7 victory against Wellington. Our third and fourth pairs have seen massive improvements over the course of the term and will be ready for Abingdon, MCS, and Wellington away after the break. (R. Patel, I)
All fixtures details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/
Sporting quote for the week:
Don’t let talent get in way of team performance. Great players do what’s outstanding for the team, not what makes them stand out. (Jerry West, Former NBA player & Coach)
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
17th October 2022
Twitter: @WinCollSports