Sports Report – Short Half 2022: Week 12
Tuesday 29th November: Football: JCA v Harrow, ISFA Trophy (a)
On Tuesday, the JCAs faced Harrow for the first time in the first round of the ISFA Shield. After a tense start, Harrow scored first from a poor pass back by usually reliable defender Arthur J-D (D) who misjudged the slower pace of the sandy pitch. Winchester were straight back in to the game and after a sustained period of pressure in the opposition box, Gabriel O (B) pounced and equalised after some scrappy play from both sides. A couple minutes before half-time, a Harrow midfielder picked up the ball and dribbled all the way into the box where he took a shot at goal. After an unlucky deflection off yearlings defender Oliver K (X), the ball was guided into the top left corner.
Winchester dominated and were on the front foot after the break however we just couldn't finish in the crucial areas. Sadly reminiscent of Saturday, Harrow won the ball in the midfield and after dribbling through our defenders, they scored which boosted their moral and gave them hopes to win the game. Halfway through the second-half, the Harrow captain was given a yellow card and sin-binned for dissent. Unfortunately, Winchester could not score any goals in the time they were one man up. After further pressure, Harrow again scored on the break to wrap up the game, but the score line doesn't reveal how close and hard-fought the game was. Ethan Xiao (D)
Thursday 1st Dec
Badminton v Radley
Our final match of the term. The long trip on the misty roads up to Radley only made us want to get to the game that much more. We warmed up efficiently while getting used to a different kind of shuttle. The first round saw 3 victories with Vincent and Ollie putting up a good fight but narrowly missing out. Next two rounds saw two sets of 4/4 wins. JohnPaul Cheng played some spectacular shots winning the rally numerous times. The fourth round started off with 3 wins to Winchester all only going to two sets in the best of 3. The first pair vs first pair match was one to watch. JohnPaul Cheng and Peiyan Han kept fighting in the long rallies with some bullet-like smashes from JohnPaul. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out in the third set after going to two clear points with a score of 22-20 to Radley. Congratulations go to Ashmit Pande and Alvin Yu for their consistency on keeping the opposition under 10 points against three pairs. MOTM goes to Alvin Yu for his consistent and accurate serves. (A Pande, F)
Squash v Charterhouse (a)
The 1st V played well against the Charterhouse 1st V and there were some close matches but for all their efforts they were defeated 4-1. Shiloh Wu at 1st String played very solidly and won a very close match 3-0 , winning two of the games very narrowly 12-10 !
The closest match was Will Gladston's at 5th string where he started really well and was 2-0 up only for his opponent to up his game , winning the third very narrowly 12-10 . Will having narrowly lost the 4th played well in the 5th only for the Charterhouse player to win the final two rallies for a 11-9 and 3-2 win.
The other three matches were 3-0 wins for Charterhouse with Brian Chan almost winning his third game , narrowly losing it 14-16. All the matches were played in good spirits by all the players .
The U-14 1st V had a very good 4-1 win against their Charterhouse opponents. On fairly cold courts they used their high shots and attacking short game to great effect. All the Winchester players used their very good shot placement and by controlling the rallies recorded 3-0 wins. The only player to lose was Charlie Mavor at 5th string who played well but had to play his opponent with a ball that died in every corner, making hitting the ball deep extremely difficult.Having narrowly won the 1st game 13-11 Charlie was put under pressure by his opponents effective use of height , eventually losing 1-3 . A very good win by the very competent U-14 team.
Fencing: 1st v Bradfield College (h)
EPEE 45-25
FOIL 45-13
SABRE 45-43
Friday 2nd December: Football, ESFA U14 Cup 4th Rd v Desborough College (h)
Despite a lengthy preparation time prior to the start of the game, we did not start this 4th round ESFA Cup fixture particularly well. A free kick from the right-hand side was turned in at the back post to give our guests the lead. As we entered the second quarter of the game, we managed to return the favour as Oluwabusola got the last touch on a free kick of our own. We grew into the game as Feyita and Santigati began to gain control in the midfield and a through-ball released Oluwabusola to break through and add a second before half-time.
Playing down the slope in the second half, we were able to exert more control, with Redfern providing a constant outlet from right-back and getting forward regularly. Sullivan and Kaung kept things quiet and simple at the back as Desborough looked to push on, which inevitably opened up more space for Oluwabusola to exploit. He was twice played in mid-way through the half, the second via a subtle first touch from Jurdjevic on half-way that allowed Oluwabusola to double his tally for the day. Laarman was able to add a fifth from close range towards the end. W5-1 (JMB)
Saturday 3rd December
Football v Wellington College & Lord Wandsworth College
Winchester 1st XI had another trip to Wellington this afternoon and the weather was much better than the last time we came here for the ISFA Trophy first round match. After beating them a month ago we knew it was going to be a different challenge as they would know a bit more about us and that was evident from the first whistle. Their gameplan was to sit back and soak-up the pressure and try to hit us on the break so we had to be patient and move the ball quickly to disrupted the rugged back five. We certainly controlled the play and territory for the majority of the first half with Alex Foster making the Wellington keeper produce two excellent saves to keep the score level at half time.
The message at the interval was for the boys to improve the quality in final third and mix our set plays up and it was through a corner we got the opener. Sebastian Fennell swung over a delightful right footed corner for Freddie van Every to power a header in the top left-hand corner. This settled us down, but we still found it tough to break down a well organised team. The breakthrough came again from a set play with Sebastian again delivery a great ball in for Luca Ryan to again power into the top left-hand corner. To just see the game out would have been too easy for us and we conceded with a great left foot chip over Will to make the last 5 minutes interesting. Although Wellington’s spirits elevated with the goal the 1st XI were adamant this would be no more than a consolation and dug in to see the game out. This was another good win to take into our last ISFA Cup last 16 game on Tuesday away at Berkhamsted..
Thank you as always to the great support from the travelling parents and I know the boys have loved having you at the games; see you on Tuesday. W2-1 (JRD&MSB).
On a cold, grey day we were missing a few players due to injury/sickness etc.. for our last match of the Second XI Season, but this gave a good opportunity for some others to step up into the side. Despite dominating the possession we struggled a little in the first half to create many clear chances, either our final ball or touch not quite there. In fairness it was a tricky pitch on which to play good passing football but I was pleased with our shape and how the lads coming in contributed well to the team effort.
At nil-nil at half time we talked about trying to be a little quicker with both our movement and the ball. We quickly created several chances and thankfully Sasha struck a great shot into the far corner to put us 1 up. We scored again late on when Charlie Barklam followed up a mistake by their Goalkeeper and was rewarded for his endeavour. This was a pleasing outcome to what has been a thoroughly enjoyable term of Second XI football, with some great results too! My thanks to all the players, for their efforts throughout and also the magnificent support we had had from the parents.
The Sen: Colts As finished a good season on a high, beating Wellington 2-0 and making it five wins from six in the process. We started in dominant fashion with Tim Oluwabusola and Moyo Macauley threatening in behind with their pace. Indeed, it was the two of them who brought the first goal about, Moyo dinking the ball delicately into Tim’s path; he was able to get his body between the ‘keeper and the ball and was brought down for a penalty that he tucked away in style. The rest of the half drifted by a little, but Jason Ma, George Bowder and Wil Alexander kept the energy levels up and we were good value for our lead at the interval. Our second-half performance was among our best of the season: we barely let Wellington out of their half and created chance after chance with Adan Rubin pulling the strings in the centre, but to no avail. Nerves were just beginning to jangle when Jason was able to bundle a loose ball over the line following a corner. A well-deserved win!. W2-0. (RJHM)
Junior Colts A v Wellington College (h)
For our final fixture of the term, Wellington were coming to us, with the fixture on the first team pitch, Doggers. After a quick meeting in Hunter Tent and a warm up the JCA's were ready to go, eager to improve on the 5-1 victory earlier in term.
Winchester started strongly, but it took a while for the shots to start hitting the target and their goalie got used to collecting the ball from the cricket nets quite early on. The ball spent all its time in the Wellington half, with only the occasional goal kick straying past the half way line. These were soon returned and converted to attacking moves from Arthur (D), Arthur (B) and Max (A). We had a few good chances, though a few last gasp tackles (or 'cynical fouls' as some of the spectators commented) helped keep the scoreline at 0-0. Eventually a free kick from James (D), was spilled by the keeper, allowing Seb (A) to pounce and break the deadlock. This looked to open the floodgate with Jason (F) managing to stay on his feet to score another fairly quickly. The opposition did not seem keen on him and ill-discipline drew another two of our players out of position to back him up - sadly Wellington pounced on this opportunity to break with numbers and we found ourselves losing a goal.
This set the tone for the second half, which was scrappy and not great to watch, with no further goals added. There was time at the end to reflect upon the season and the progress made as a whole, and this should be the memory for the boys. They have really come together as a group, but will want to start scoring more goals from the midfield, rather than relying on a slightly isolated attack. JPT. W2-1
Yearlings A v Wellington College (h)
Kicking up the slope first on our favoured Lords 1 pitch we began to control the game early on. However, plenty of possession and territory did not lead to goals as our final pass often let us down and shots from around the top of the box lacked power and precision. Maithya-Garcia and MacCabe were busy in the midfield and prevented breaks causing much threat to Stoesser's area. Redfern was having great fun against the left-winger and displayed more skill and flair than previously this season, providing a constant threat and delivery down the right-hand side. However, it was Zawoda's corner that found the breakthrough, as he 'noticed' the keeper's advanced positioning and directed his set-piece at goal instead, a helping hand form the keeper ensuring it crossed the line. After a delayed arrival into the game, Oluwabusola shrugged off his weariness to add another, using his strength and pace to wriggle through defenders before calmly beating the keeper.
We dominated the game playing down the slope and should really have extended our advantage by more. Some over eagerness on runs in behind lead to many offsides being given and, again, our awareness and precision in the penalty area could have been better. Oluwabusola scored his second and struck the woodwork twice in search of yet another hattrick. Laarman had a few great chances, including a header from 6 yards, and Jurdjevic, Feyita and Santagati were eager to get into the box to score for themselves. Gbedawo, making his debut, also provided a good outlet on the wings and fitted in well. A 3-0 win was a good finish to the term's football and the team will look forward to the 5th round of the ESFA cup in the New Year, when Oluwabusola can look to add to his 32 goals thus far for the school! JMB W3-0.
Yearlings C v Lord Wandsworth College (h)
Our final game of the season started brightly with a quick fire three goals in the first five minutes. Both Kirks and Edwards on target, as the Yearlings exploited gaps in the defence. We were the better side from the off although did not really play the fluid passing game of recent weeks. Man for man physicality and individual skill were the difference. One more from Lewis, who swept in at the back post made it 4:0 at the half time break. With the game won we set ourselves targets of scoring only after 15 passes or from a header. F. Kirk, Monaghan, Currie and Du Ry each scored in the second half. Credit must go to the opposition who generally played a neater passing game and were well rewarded with two goals, both from freekicks. This was a successful season for a super group of boys. One narrow (controversial?!) loss meant that we were not quite unbeaten, but this year group will be one to watch as they come through the school. W8-2 (JRM.)
Other results
6th XI v Lord Wandsworth College 1st XI (h) W4-2
JCC v Lord Wandsworth College U15A (h) W7-1
Rowing: Wycliffe Head
On a very cold December Saturday, Winchester College Boat Club travelled to Gloucestershire, to take place in the Wycliffe Small Boats Head. Every year group was represented, with 35 athletes racing throughout the day. This event gave our J14 boys the chance to put all their training into practice, with a first experience of competition since taking up the sport this term. We had two boats charge down the track, both putting in committed performances and it was very encouraging to see such a high level of sculling. The results were equally pleasing, placing 2nd and 6th out of a field of 11 boats. We are very proud of the boys for representing themselves and the boat club so well. We look forward to their progress throughout next year.
Our J15 boys have been growing in strength, with a cohort that remains a tight unit after their impressive J14 year. The boys have been learning sweep rowing, and this was their first race in this discipline. The boys raced up a year, in a J16 category, but this was not apparent from the strength of rowing on display. With two boats entered, both looked very much at home with this new challenge. One of the boats came only four seconds away from winning the entire category. We were also pleased to field a J16 boat. A year group that has struggled to see consistent training, the boys did a great job on the day of coming together to race well and have an enjoyable row.
The senior squad have had a hard term of training, racing at high level events such as GB trials and the Fours Head. Wycliffe was a chance to maintain momentum and complete some good training in the form of a race. The boys raced twice, once in two man boats (pairs), and once in four man boats (fours). Both races saw the boys demonstrate the good progress that has been made, with a squad that is coming together as a formidable unit. In the pairs racing, we saw an extremely close fought race, with our top two boats separated by only 0.9 seconds, a testament to the strength in depth of the squad. The boys came together well in the fours, to finish first and second in field of four.
Huge thanks goes out to the parents of WCBC, the support is greatly appreciated by boys and staff alike. The hot food went down particularly well. (SJL)
House Football
Ellis Pot had a busy week with the final two rounds played across two days. Congratulations to Phil’s who take the title with Kenny’s and Hopper’s in 2nd and 3rd respectively. The Flower Pot title was claimed by Hopper’s with a week to spare and Furley’s took 2nd with Beloe’s in third.
The finals of Chawker Pot & Foster Pot take place on Thursday afternoon and it would be great to see a big crowd come out to support these matches. In both cup competitions Furley’s and Toye’s will battle it out for top spot.
Aikido
Last week a number of pupils undertook their Aikido gradings and congratulations go to the following pupils
Oscar Mitcham Brown belt
Kostya Evdokimov Green belt
Orlando Beesley Junior Orange belt
William Newport Junior Orange belt
Kian Barazi Junior Yellow belt
Oliver Shah Junior White belt
Tuesday 6th December 2022
Football: 1st XI v Berkhamsted School, Round of 16, ISFA U18 Cup (a)
The team were very much looking forward to playing under lights at Berkhamsted FC for our National Cup quarter final game, our last match of the term.
Preparation went well and we started the game solidly, both teams looked to play and from a neutral perspective you would have said two good teams were playing the right way. We had four or five very good chances in the first half and but for some good defending and a little wayward finishing we should have lead at half time.
Berkhamsted started the second half well and after about ten minutes scored from a long ball over the top which saw their number 9 bully past our defenders to coolly strike the ball across Will Whitehead. It didn't stop us from pushing forward and trying to get back in the game but we were hit with a sucker punch when the ball was played back from the by-line for them to slot the ball past Will in goal. We had chances again with Caspar denied by a great save from their GK but we just couldn't get the goal we deserved.
We lost 0-2 to a good side so we certainly have nothing to be ashamed off. We have had a great cup run and now the focus is to rest, recover and regenerate over the holidays and be ready for Lancing in the quarter final of the ISFA Trophy at the end of January. Well done boys and enjoy your break. (JRD)
All fixtures details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/
Sporting quote for the week:
“The body language of player and coach is so vital: it is a learned skill over time and situation; key is a face of restraint.” (11 times NBA Championship winning coach Phil Jackson)
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
6th December 2022
Twitter: @WinCollSports