Sports Report – Short Half 2022: Week 8

Tuesday 1st November

The second inter-house cross country race of the term took place with boys across three year groups competing for Jun. The House title went to Kenny’s with Toye’s in 2nd and Hopper’s in 3rd. The individual title went to Ivor Martin (G), another fantastic run to add Jun to his JunJun victory and 2nd and 3rd spots were taken by Hopperites, Issa Duggan and Hugo Brett respectively.

Thursday 3rd November

Fencing: 1st v Marlborough College (a)

We took 8 fencers to Marlborough to fence foil and epee against their largely more experienced fencers. Beginning with foil our A team lost 3/6 but the B team were victorious 5/4. The epee double defeat followed with the A team losing more narrowly than the B team but a good performance was put in by all. (MSK)

Rackets: 1st v St Paul's (h)

The First Pair (Bertie Vallat and George Gardiner) took part in an exciting clash against an opposition who boasted the no. 1st seed in the upcoming National Schools Singles Championships. A slow start from Winchester saw them lose the first game, falling victim to the commanding serving of the St. Paul’s. However, in the second and third games the home team fought back, being very patient in the rallies and capitalising on the mistakes of our opponents. Bertie’s serving from the left was particularly effective and kept the pressure on throughout. However, down 2-1, the St Paul’s players rallied and ultimately took the last two games in a close, exhilarating contest.

Against a hard-hitting St Paul’s pair, our Colts, Jack Bristowe and Lukas Brunner, started off very slowly, going 13-0 down in the first game. However, they fought back valiantly with some excellent serving from Lukas and precise shot making from Jack, managing to level the score at 13-13. Unfortunately, after some tense rallies, this crucial game was seized by St Paul’s. Despite the majority of serves being returned in the next two games, the St Paul’s pair were simply too strong for Winchester on this occasion.

St Paul’s boasts a particularly adept group of Under 15 boys. Our A pair, Arthur James-Duff and Seb Kingsbury, were ready for what was sure to be the toughest fixture of the season. It took the Winchester pair a while to get the feel of the sharp, adept pace of the rallies and they went two games down. However, the gulf in the standard began to level out and Winchester got to 12 points in the third game before finally losing it. Overall, this was a fine effort by Winchester.

Jamie Mitchell (G) and William Hammerson-Jones (A), played as the Junior Colts B pair. Will started off with a series of unusual backhand serves which proved highly effective and confused the opposition. Coupled with Jamie’s powerful hard hitting, this paved the way to a 2 game lead. The St. Paul’s pair were noticeably gaining an understanding of the behaviour of the court and this led to 3 closely fought games which St. Paul’s narrowly won. An all-Kenny’s pairing of William Budden and Pran Busrapan played a strong St Paul’s Junior Colts C pair. They fought hard and Pran served a run of 8 serves at one point. Ultimately however, the opposition showed more confidence and strength on court which meant that despite some close games, St Paul’s managed to gain a 3-0 win. Great character was shown by our boys after their match and they will come back stronger next time. (TERC)

Squash v Eton College (h)

The 1st V suffered a 4-1 loss to a strong Eton side , the only Winchester player to win was our number 1 Shiloh Wu who played a very solid game for a 3-0 win. All the other Winchester players had good games but the Eton players were more consistent winning their matches 3-0. We hope to return to winning ways in our match next week Away v Radley.

The U14A V recorded a great win against a strong Eton side. The first two players on court, Ayush Shah at 4th string and Oscar O'Carroll at 5th string both had very similar epic battles. Both played incredibly well to secure the first two games but then were met with greater consistency from their opponents and having narrowly lost their 4th games 13-15 and 11-13 they had to try and win the deciding 5th game. Both Winchester players had great rallies and were really tested, kept their nerve and recorded 11-8 wins. After the great start it was up to the top three players to secure a win for the team. The Eton number one proved too strong for Winchester's Amar Fernando who lost 0-3 as did Laurie Sawbridge at 3rd string. The 2nd String match was the decider with Holly Wang who won the first game convincingly 11-3 but as his opponent improved he only just won the 2nd 12-10. As his opponent’s confidence improved Holly was struggling with his length and short game and lost the next two games 4-11 and 3-11, so once again the match went to the deciding game. In the 5th, Holly started playing greater length and was able to get his opponent deep which made his drop shots very effective and with his greater shot placement he just beat his opponent 13-11. A wonderful match which was played in a great spirit by all the players. Hoping that the team continue their winning ways in their next match v Radley.

Friday 4th November

Football: 1st XI v St Joseph's College, Ipswich (h)

Winchester’s 1st XI took to Doggers on Friday for their highly anticipated Round of 32 ISFA match. Our opponents were St Joseph’s Ipswich, who, having won their last two cup games comfortably, were expected to be a tough side to progress against. It looked like the match was heading this way when we went 1-0 down inside the opening minutes after a defensive error. A certain resilience and metal strength have anchored the team through tough times this season, and nothing was going to change that now. Within minutes, we responded with a bullet header from Van Every, who had just begun to get on top of a game which would earn him Yaya Touré comparisons from plaudits post-match. A back post finish from Foster and another penalty from Van Every put us up 3-1 at the break.

Most teams at this point would drop off, relax, comfortable with a two-goal cushion. But an eerie atmosphere of calm and promise flooded through the team at half time, who are beginning to look more and more like Barcelona 2010 than ever before. These assumptions were confirmed when Fennell, who was attempting his best Thiago impression, licked a side winder half volley in off the post from just inside the box shortly after the break. Yet another contender for goal of the season, which is quickly becoming a highlight reel that will be shown for decades to come. It is not often that every single player on the pitch drops a masterclass, but big teams like Winchester love to do it in the cup. A deft chip from Foster from outside the box less than a minute later secured the result. The intensity of this star-studded squad became too much for the opposition, who succumbed to a third Van Every goal, yet another bullet header, to seal his hattrick. Caspar Hall, who had been unlucky to not get in on the act thus far, scorched in a seventh goal from range. We were unfortunate to concede an own goal from a free kick late on in the half. But even now, tired bodies and empty legs, we continued to dominate the game. The tempo, flair and passion that is Wykehamist football was summed up by the final goal of the game, Brant nutmegging the keeper with a backheel. An 8-2 win, this was a perfect result at the start of a busy schedule. Into the national last 16, we can now dream of how far we can go in the cup. This is a squad that is getting better and better, whilst keeping the same energy, determination, and love of football to win games. Thank you to everyone who came to watch today, it is much appreciated. We are EIGHT (8) games unbeaten, and face Marlborough at home on Saturday next. Up the Winch. Will Whitehead, A.

Saturday 5th November

Football v Marlborough College, Ardingly, KES Witley

Having exhausted ourselves playing Brazil 1970 football the day previously, Soccer XI knew that regardless of the quality of the opposition, it was going to be a tough game in difficult conditions on Doggers. In classic fashion, we slipped to 1-0 down yet again, after a dubious call on a ball going out, before some tricky footwork by the Marlborough winger resulted in a tidy finish into the corner. But the comeback kings always step it up, and having been frustrated for most of yesterday, Caspar Hall buried a finish into the right-hand corner after a mazy run into the box. The remainder of the second half was scrappy, but on the stroke of half time, captain Van Every leathered in a free kick to put us 2-1 up at the break. It is a reoccurring theme that after the half time we take it to a new level. Expectedly, the R9 x Ronaldinho x Rivaldo triangle that is Caspar, Foster and Van Every dominated the half. Caspar dipping in a free kick from range, before another Van Every header sealed the result. Marlborough chances were far and few between, and after Winchester had sloppily conceded early on, the back line resembled Spain’s World Cup winning defence in 2010. Foster scored the final goal of the game, rounding the goalkeeper before passing it into an empty net. 5-1. This team have forgotten what losing feels like, and although not at their very best today, are closer than ever and looking forward to the big games in the upcoming weeks. We play Wellington (A) in the ISFA trophy on Tuesday. Thank you everyone. (W. Whitehead, I)

Another Saturday, another strong win for the Second XI, this time with Marlborough on the “chopping board”. The execution started off with a weak foot (if he even has one) peach of a finish from left back Jack Pascoe! There was a definite difference in class between the two sides, but Marlborough came back fighting only to be cut out by a strong show of heading from Lucas Payne and Callum Mackay. A finesse finish from Ethan Baker put the Seconds ahead by two going into the second half but Marlborough still thought they had a chance, so the Seconds showed generosity and let them score a scrappy goal off a free kick. However, from that moment the midfield reclaimed dominance and expanding the scoring, when Nasir tapped in from close range after a goalmouth scramble. Then a fourth goal followed after a world class assist from Rufus Bowder through to Sasha Del Mar who slotted the ball tidily. Pat Ritchie added a fifth after another excellent through ball from Bowder, who, like Willian for Arsenal, racked up a hattrick of assists for his seconds' debut. Overall, a strong performance from everyone on the pitch, let's hope Bulls Drove remains the fortress! (J. Pascoe, B)

After walking back and forth the 3rd XI finally arrived at the cold and rainy top of Marlborough hill. This was a match that the 3s should have won, but on the day they were slow out of the traps and falling behind after 20 mins was probably fair. For the rest of the first half and for almost all of the second Winchester looked the better team, and with about 20 minutes to go the pressure paid off and it was 1-1. It looked like Winchester would pull away now, but despite producing many chances the 3s lacked the killer touch in front of goal. Marlborough squeezing in a lucky goal in the closing minutes underlined just what a frustrating afternoon if had been. (LNT)

The Senior Colts A started the match very well on a cold windy day in Marlborough. We had lots of early opportunities and eventually a shot from Tim ricocheted onto a defender’s arm leading to a penalty for the SCAs. Oluwabusola calmly placed the penalty into the bottom left corner. We continued to trouble the opposition using Sam and Alexander on the wings very well. Half time arrived after a very dominant first half display from the SCAs. We started the second half well but a clever finish from their CM meant that the scores were now level. After their goal there was a period of constant attack from Marlborough until the ball broke down the left for Alexander who crossed it in. There was a scrap for the ball until Oluwabusola smashed the ball into the net from 2 yards away for his second of the day. After this goal Winchester continued to dominate until the ball found Malik on the right who played a De Bruyne-esque cross into the box which met Oluwabusola who placed it into the bottom right corner with a clever finish to complete his hattrick. (G.Bowder, B)

4th XI v Ardingly L0-4

5th XI v Ardingly W3-2

6th XI v Ardingly W2-0

On a soaking wet, muddy day KES Witley decided to try and play the ball around the back and unfortunately for them it was not the right tactic for a game on Gater against the SCBs. Our first goal came from Milo nicking the ball off a defender as he tried to dribble it out of the penalty box. The ball ended up at James Kitson's feet on the edge of the box and a clean strike was enough to beat the keeper. Our second goal was a delightful set piece with Stefan deflecting a dangerous cross past the outstretched hands of the goalie and into the roof of the net. The final goal was initiated from a well-placed wide ball over the top from Angus followed by a good run from Kostia, who eventually put the ball in the back of the net once his initial attempt had been cleared off the line. Overall, the sort of gutsy performance the weather demanded. W3-0 (JM)

In driving rain and boggy turf the JCBs gave one of their best performances of the season against KES Witley. The sheer effort on show is to be commended. The boys ran with heart applying pressure in attack and defence. Phineas, relentless in his pursuit of the ball, managed to fish it from the opposition and put it in the net. Alexis, employing pace and position scored two. The defensive effort was spirited and for the most part effective. Rufus Winkley showed that his nickname 'the wrecking ball' was not earned for nothing. Luke Edwards and Oli Street used their physicality well against a strong opposition striker. Man of the match was given to Freddie Spearing for saving the team on a number of occasions. Woe, rue and lackaday, the opposition managed to equalize in the last two minutes, but nevertheless an effort to be proud of. D3-3 (FC)

Fittingly on FA Cup first-round weekend, the JCC played Ardingly in wet, and slightly miserable, conditions on a very wet riverside pitch. It was not a day for lots of free flowing football, but the team battled hard and managed to play some excellent football. An Archie Lawson strike, which VAR might have awarded as an own goal, gave Winchester an early lead, but Ardingly equalised against the run of play, and the score was 1-1 at the break. However, a combination of superior tenacity, quality, and energy, meant that Winchester gradually applied more and more pressure, with Austin Lam and Arthur Duckworth scoring in the second half and Archie Lawson completing his hattrick, as the home team ran out as 5-1 winners. Austin Lam and George Cummings were in contention for man of the match with excellent performances, but Archie's hattrick earnt him the metaphorical champagne and match ball. Well played all. (JWS)

Yearlings A began fairly positively after Leave Out against KES with Oluwabusola causing problems with runs in-behind the back four and putting keeper and defenders under pressure. This soon told as the keeper hurried a pass to his left back, only for Laarman to force him into giving up the ball and finishing from the top of the box. We continued to control much of the game without making the most of possession and territory. Shortly before the break, a series of mistakes lead to the KES equaliser, well taken by the right winger.

The team felt they should have been ahead and intended to do something about it, however, we continued to make errors that brought unnecessary pressure on our defence, allowing KES to take the lead. They then increased their advantage when a corner travelled across the 6-yard box without any Winchester player taking the initiative to deal with it and it was turned in at the far post.

As we entered the last quarter of the game, we upped our energy and drive and Laarman scored his second after a break down the left-hand-side. Another such break saw him set up Santagati at the top of the box who scored via some assistance from the KES keeper. With the final few minutes remaining in the game we felt we could grab a winner, only for more defensive lapses to allow KES to find a winner themselves. L2-1 (JMB)

After the break of Leave Out the Yearling B team began rather sluggishly against KES Witley. Although dominating possession passing was a little sloppy and we didn't win the 50/50 challenges in the midfield very often. Leo Vedral galvanised the team through increasing the communication and some surging runs down the right wing. Prince Gbedawo was similarly effective on the left with some clever one-twos with Gregory Dolgopolov. Winchester's persistent pressure eventually told when Dologopolov's shot in the box found its way through the defenders and cascaded in off the right post. He struck again for his second in a well worked move with Lev Rubin beating the keeper at the near post. Winchester conceded on the stroke of half time which knocked the wind out of their sails, and sent a determined KES in with growing momentum. They missed a penalty shortly after the break with their one real chance of the second half. It took a wonderful strike from outside of the box and into the top right-hand corner by Amar Fernando to steady some nerves and, from that point, we never really looked in any real danger. Lev Rubin added one more before the end to make it 4:1. This was a confident and assured victory, though Winchester need to learn an important lesson about starting with the right mindset from the first whistle. (JRM)

Yearlings C v Ardingly U14C W6-1

On a sodden pitch with drizzle hanging in the air a mixture of Yearlings C & D team players took to the pitch against KES Witley. Three goals were scored on quick succession, two by Finley the third by Alex. The game ebbed and flowed between the sides, King Edward’s getting some goals back. We were always the stronger team though the final 5 minutes were tense as we led 5-4 after plenty of missed opportunities. Finley scored again to everyone’s relief sealing a 6-4 victory.

Badminton vs MCS (A)

Our hardest and most anticipated game of the season finally arrived after leave out. After only one session of training due to Jun Jun, the team was ready to take on the undefeated MCS. Last year, we suffered a huge defeat away and wanted to improve things this year. We started off poorly as our second pair of Yuyao and Ben were unable to beat a challenging MCS 3rd pair. The second round saw things improve as our first two pairs came off with two wins, making the score line 5-3 to MCS at halftime. The next half was 2 matches of 3 sets, a tiring and demanding fixture. Our third pair of Ashmit and Alvin had a stunning game against MCS's first, losing just 21-19, but were sadly unable to capitalise on beating any of the other pairs. Our new fourth pair of Oliver and Derek had a poor outing too, coming to a deuce against MCS's fourth but eventually losing. Lastly, the first pair of Rudra and JP saw 4 close games, with all coming down to a 3 set showdown, in which JP played with great effort no doubt earning him the 'Man of the Match'. JP's game was on point with his smashes intimidating the opponents leading to 4 wins for the first pair. Overall a disappointing 11-5 loss. The team could have come off with a win however failed to capitalise on easy sets, a lot to learn from! (R.Patel, I)

Sailing -U18A v Twisted Tube (Firefly Mixed Pairs Team Racing)

The Twisted Tube is a Spinnaker Sailing Club event, where a range of sailors, from schools sailing at Spinnaker, through talented club and university sailors, to world-class team racers, come together and sail in a random pairs event. For each race, a boat is paired at random with another, to form a team. They then race in 2v2 team racing against two other boats. 2v2 team racing is great fun, because you always know whether you are winning or losing at any point (the team with the boat in last loses) - and so it is reasonably obvious who has to attach who in order to rescue the race.

Saturday had ideal wind conditions for sailing, although the officials (including JAAB on the start boat) would have wished for a little less rain. We thought we might have to move to cutdown sails (smaller sails) during the day but, bar a few minutes where we had a couple of capsizes, the wind strength was just about right. Each boat had 7 races before lunch and 6 after lunch, so our crews were almost continually on the water between 1030 and 1300, and then 1345 and 1545: quite a lot of fortitude required.

Our crews were: Finley Stone and Nestor Montagu; Orlando Kennedy and Alexander Varouxakis-Thomas, and Noah Hensher and Rupert Balmain. All acquitted themselves well - the standard of racing across the day was high and all were in the mix. When the results had been totted up (counting the number of times you were on a winning team), Finley and Nestor were the first placed junior team (out of our three crews and the two Bryanston crews), and in 6th place overall. Noah and Rupert were 2nd placed junior team and joint 7th overall. It was a fun event and a good end to our season.

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

Sporting quote for the week:

Players need to be aware how much their body language says about them. Negative body language can be as damaging as poor technique. (UConn Basketball Coach, Geno Auriemma)

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

8th November 2022

Twitter: @WinCollSports