Sports Report – Short Half 2023, Week 3

Tuesday 26th September

Senior Colts A vs Thornden School, HSFA Cup Rd 1

From the very start, the atmosphere from the Winchester massive was electric. Towards the start of the game, Jason (F) found himself in a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper. He placed his shot into the goal. However, the turning point of the match arrived when Isaac (B), conjured a moment of pure magic and brilliance. After a cheeky freekick, Isaac expertly received a low cross and, with his back to the goal, swiftly executed an audacious back-heeled volley. The ball floated beautifully into the top right corner, leaving both spectators and players awestruck by its sheer quality. Isaac's goal not only showcased his extraordinary vision and technique but also injected a surge of energy and hope into the Winchester side. Despite these moments of beautiful football, the overall momentum of the match remained heavily in favour of Thorndon. Lost 7-2. Good game. MoM: Theo Coles, DoD: James Kennedy for losing a (size-13?!?) boot pre-game. (Arthur H, B and a little bit from I Claisse, B)

3rd XI v Aldenham D6-6 4th XI v Aldenham W5-3

Aldenham came to Winchester to play the SCC's on the pristine Palmer 1. A hoof from the back and a clean touch saw Hugo Brett get his second goal of the season early on. The first half saw little action after the goal, apart from a scare by the opposition as the ball rattled our crossbar. Half time 1-0.

With Hugo pounding a header into the right post quickly into the second half the team held their heads in their hands. Nikita saw targets on the opposition's shins and His 'brexit' style football shown in the game against Eton proved to be absolute carnage. Arthur Duckworth was searching for a goal all afternoon and after various runs and shots at goal, he smashed it into the crossbar but the ball did not find the net. With positions slightly shuffled and some sloppy efforts, a ball was fed to the Aldenham's right wing who fizzed it across the box to find the feet of their centre-forward who struck it into the goal. Despite an amazing game by our goalkeeper Will Hagger, Aldenham drew with barely five minutes to go. With various efforts in the last instances we came relatively close to a late winner but in the end the task presented was too difficult. A well-fought game but a somewhat disappointing result. Full time 1-1. (Alberto Gianni, B)

The SCDs went into this game against Aldenham’s U15Cs hoping for our first win of the season and we started really well with high press from the attackers and midfielders to cause mistakes. From the high press, we managed to cause a mistake and with the ball in empty space and a through ball put through to Archie Lawson (I) who calmly finished it in the bottom corner for our first goal. We were dominating play for most of the first half with Monty Callaghan (F) at the forefront, and this allowed us to get another goal with great play from the midfield to build up to a cross from Tom Simpson (A) into Phol Suksriwong (H) who neatly volleyed it into the goal. At half time we were two-nil up. In the second half we lost a bit of momentum and control of play as passing was very scrappy and not reaching players. A clumsy tackle allowed them a penalty which they finished off but we managed to hang on and retain the 2-1 win. MOM goes to Will Higgs (G) for great defence and some great balls up the field. Hopefully, we can take this momentum as a team into the next game soon. (Aarav Sharma, I)

JCA v Hampton L1-9 JCB v Hampton U15C L2-5 JCD v Hampton U15E W3-1

The JCC took on another difficult match two games into the season. Hampton U15Ds took control of the ball since the start, passing around our defenders and taking good control of the ball. But our defence stood strong with Holly (I) and Charles M. (F) leading the line. Unfortunately, a goal slipped by halfway through the first half but the great efforts from Archie (H) turned the tables as we started to get closer to their goal. A brilliant drive by Ehaan (F) and an amazing cross led to an easy tap-in by me, the first goal this season. Our heads were held high as our defence stood strong throughout the first half. The second half started off slowly with an amazing goal by the opponent. This led to 4 more goals as our team was getting tired of the strategic passing by the opponent. In the last 10 minutes, we pushed back with more energy but we were shut down multiple times. The game ended with a score of 6-1, another great attempt and improvement overall. Match report written by MOTM [Thai, C]

Golf v Charterhouse (a)

Taanvir Sood & Sander Andreasen LOST 2&1

Harry Ho & Ray Sanmathy WON 6&5

Isaac Haines & Seb Wells WON 7&6

Rackets/ Real Tennis v. Clifton College

This is one of the few opportunities that Real Tennis is on the agenda. Clifton College were good enough to clear the court to afford our boys a proper familiarisation session. This gave an opportunity to learn about the many rules and court idiosyncrasies which enable boys to take up the game in the 30 or so accessible courts in the UK.

Afterwards, a dash across the suspension bridge to the main College campus where their sports centre has a rackets court. Stephen Lam (I) and Jamie Mitchell (G) played at 1st Pair with Stephen displaying some serious quality play at times, in particular, retuning some very challenging serves. Jamie, despite being in a younger year-group, did manage to keep up with the level and showed some consistency and skill. Winchester managed to ultimately post the win, 2-1. Representing our 2nd pair were Nick Reynolds (C) and Angus Hay (I). Angus, who considers raw power to be the main strategy at all times (an admirable attitude), did manage to make some good connections with the ball, but not all the time. Nick, who had taken a break of a couple of seasons from the sport, did show some impressive expertise at times and this demonstrates that with more practice, he could surpass his brother’s high level. After a long tussle, Clifton managed to take the win, but the result was close. (TERC)

Thursday 28th September

Fencing

Foil A loss 45E 35W

Foil B loss 45E 19W

Epee narrow loss 45E 41W

Sabre win 42E 45W

There was great revelry on the bus home as WinColl celebrated its closest overall loss against Eton in some time: with a well-deserved win in Sabre - Tabitha Penner winning all three of her matches. And a very close-run loss in Epee. Not quite the glory days of yore but 12 fencers returning home satisfied with their efforts on the piste today. (MJK)

Football v Canford School, Hampton School & Stonehenge School

Soccer XI welcomed our near neighbours Canford to a beautifully kept Doggers pitch on a breezy and bright afternoon.

The game started at a fast pace leading to lots of turnovers from both teams as each tried to put pressure on each other. Winchester looked for balls in behind the defence and to use our excellent delivery from set plays and that was how we managed to open the scoring. An Alex Claisse missile into the Canford box was met by a rising Lucas Payne to glance the ball past the keeper to lead 1-0. There had been a few near misses prior to this goal so the lead was warranted. The game was a bit scrappy but this was down to great pressure from both teams creating errors and turnovers. Winchester kept pushing and were rewarded with a wonder goal from Timothy. Put over the top he got to the edge of the box and drilled the ball into the top right hand corner to lead 2-0. You have to give Canford credit, they didn't give up and pushed to get back into the game but we stood strong to give Anthony C-B a clean sheet and a good win.

This was a good performance from the 2nd XI with a very satisfactory result and scoreline of 6-1. The game started quite open and after 3 minutes we could have been 2-1 up with good chances at both ends! We then scored a really good goal with some good build up play. The ball went to Laolu who centred from the left hand side and Charlie Barklam hit the ball first time on the volley into the far bottom corner. We continued to play some decent football and scored two further goals both from Seb Morgan, who used his pace and strong finishing to great effect. Laolu added a fourth with his left foot and we went into Half Time 4-0 up.

We stressed the importance of a good start to the second half and not allowing Canford back into the game, which unfortunately we did as we did not start with the same intensity we had in the first half and Canford deservedly scored. However, it seemed to wake us up and Seb scored again to complete his hattrick after a very fine ball from Charles into the channel where Seb was running into. Otto was then on the end of a corner and slotted first time on the volley to make the scoreline 6-1 and we were a little unlucky when the Ref (PNG!!) blew up for offside against Charlie after he scored! A very satisfactory result, but much to work on too. [PNG]

5thXI v Canford 3rd XI W5-0

SCA succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 loss to Stonehenge School in the first round of the ESFA cup. The balance of play was pretty even, but a semi-permeable-membrane approach to set-piece defending cost us two cheap goals. MoM: Sasha Rich, DoD: AJD (RJHM)

Having had the chance for plenty of training since our last match, it was pleasing to see the YA start their 1st Rd ESFA match against Stonehenge School well in possession. The midfield trio of Hunt, Husband and Catsaras were eager to get the ball moving and interchanged nicely with each other but found space tight on Lords 2. Gradually we began to use the width more and our first goal came via a Duckworth break down the right. His squared pass was well met and poked into the net by Odogwu. Further success came down that righthand channel when Irvine arrived to calmly volley into the bottom left from close range. In defence, a few injuries had necessitated a reshuffle but Bilfinger and Lau began well at centre half together, snuffing out the direct approach of our opponents. Hawthorne swept up well in goal and dealt calmly with any danger until the final minute of the half. As the ball reached the most effective Stonehenge midfielder, he struck it well from 20 yards and managed to beat Hawthorne. We went into half-time only ahead by one, despite also hitting the bar twice in an amazing goal mouth scramble in which we might have scored on four different occasions.

The message at half-time was to be 4-1 up within the next 10 minutes. The players settled on 5-1 instead as we immediately buzzed around the opposition area. Catsaras bagged the first before Shivji broke through from the right and calmly finished. Aighe was growing into the game by now too and his quick thinking from a throw-in put Catsaras in behind and he was able to lift a finish past the keeper. We sustained the pressure on Stonehenge with Odogwu adding another before Catsaras completed his hat-trick. Hunt snuck into the area from his regular holding midfield position and finished neatly before Baring add the final goal from a well delivered free kick. Stonehenge continued to offer threat on the counter attack but Bilfinger, Lau and Baring did exceptionally well to reduce the number of times Hawthorne was called upon to make saves.

Overall, this was a very encouraging performance to see how far the group have come in a short time and how well they are getting on together. Two further Cup tests await us next week. [JMB]

In the U14C's latest football clash with Hampton School, it was Hampton who emerged victorious, dominating the game from the very beginning and securing a convincing 6-0 win. From the first whistle, Hampton demonstrated their intent, applying relentless pressure on the Winchester defence. Their attacking prowess was on full display, with well-coordinated passing and clinical finishing that left the opposition struggling to contain them. Hampton's early success was undoubtedly aided by a series of defensive errors from Winchester. Misjudged tackles and lapses in concentration allowed Hampton to capitalize and put goals on the board early in the match. Winchester's backline found itself under constant siege as Hampton's forwards exploited every opportunity.

Despite the challenging start, the YCs showed resilience and determination as they entered the second half. Their improved defensive performance limited Hampton's goal-scoring opportunities. However, Hampton remained the dominant force on the field, and they managed to breach Winchester's defence twice more during this period. The final score of 6-0 reflected Hampton’s overall dominance throughout the match. Their cohesive teamwork and clinical finishing made the difference, while Winchester, although displaying an improved performance in the second half, couldn't overcome their early defensive struggles. It was a memorable victory for the hosts and highlighted areas for improvement for the U14Cs as we look ahead to our next fixture.(SJM)

Hampton wasted no time in asserting their dominance early on against the Yearling Ds, securing an early goal and controlling the majority of the play in our half. Midway through the first half, Bibbee came close to scoring, but the keeper managed to get to the ball first. Hampton swiftly capitalized on a quick counter-attack, notching their second goal. Winchester displayed some promising connective play, but it was short-lived, as Hampton delivered another decisive strike to make it three-nil.

The second half saw us launch a strong start, putting considerable pressure on Hampton and demonstrating a much-improved shape and pressing in our attack. However, the deadlock in second-half goals was finally broken by Hampton, extending their lead to 4-0. This was quickly followed by a fifth goal, courtesy of some less-than-ideal COVID-era defending. A sixth goal soon followed from a corner, showcasing Hampton’s clinical finishing. Regrettably for Winchester, they struggled to put a single shot on target throughout the entire match. Another goal followed, solidifying Hampton’s dominance in the final minutes. (PM)

In a nail-biting encounter between Winchester and Hampton Yearlings E, the first half played out as a cautious and tentative affair, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. The fans had to wait until midway through the second half for the game's turning point, as Phoom (C) unleashed a thunderous strike that narrowly escaped the keeper's desperate reach, finding the back of the net with precision. Winchester had a golden opportunity to extend their lead but inexplicably missed an open goal, leaving the scoreline tense. Hampton's hopes were momentarily rekindled when they were awarded a penalty, only for it to sail wide just wide of the post, letting Winchester off the hook. As the clock ticked down, Winchester defended resolutely, putting their bodies on the line with heroic blocks to protect their slender lead. In the end, it was Winchester's grit and Phoom's stunning goal that secured the victory, making this a match filled with heart-stopping moments and dramatic twists. (JOC)

Badminton v Wellington

On Thursday, we travelled to Wellington for a showcase of badminton skill. Despite losing Vincent Gueguen due to injury, Winchester’s top 8 managed to put forth an incredible performance and secure a decisive 16-0 win. Despite this seemingly daunting number, good-quality games were still had with back-and-forth rallies. For example, our fourth pair (Oliver Frost and Derek Wen) played 3 sets against Wellington’s third pair, losing the first 21-9, then spectacularly coming back and winning the next two. This was also Oliver’s first fixture, and it is safe to say he proved himself.

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

Sporting quote for the week:

“When your best player puts it on the line every day, the other guys can’t cut corners” George Karl, former NBA Coach

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

2nd October 2023

Twitter: @WinCollSports