Sports Report – Short Half 2023, Week 11
Tuesday 28thNovember 2023
Basketball U14A v Perins School (h):
This was another excellent win for the U14s, one in which they learnt from mistakes and improved. They showed a fierce-but-fair competitive spirit which meant they secured the 50/50 balls and rebounds and didn't allow Perins a chance to establish any rhythm. A fast break layup in the second half was the highlight and underlined the potential of this group: after a strong defensive rebound the ball passed between all five players without touching the ground, the ball eventually reaching Hector who had maintained his width and was able to finish unopposed pleasing this coach and an excited crowd. It was the best piece of play from any team so far this year. There's still lots to learn, but the future looks bright. W52-35 [LNT]
Football: ISFA Trophy 2nd Round v Sherborne School & Downsend School
Despite arriving at Sherborne excited to get underway, Soccer XI got off to what I can only call a hesitant start. It was somewhat even for the first 20 minutes of play as both teams battled hard to get ahead until Winchester won a corner. Whipped in by none other than Euan Woodworth, the ball was gently caressed around the corner by Ethan at the near post before Lucas Payne smoked it into the roof of the net giving us a 1 - 0 lead. This beautifully crafted passage of play seemed to cut deep into Sherborne’s morale as soon after another ball fell loose in the box and again was finished by Lucas! However, this time an industrial toe punt was the finishing touch. From this point onwards the Winchester boys dominated the game and played great stuff. Both Ethan and Henry slotted away glorious goals that Messi himself would have been proud of before the half time whistle blew.
Similarly, after the restart the Winchester boys were slow to get the goals flowing once more but in the space of 2 minutes Timmy managed to slot away another two goals for the final score of 6-0 to Winchester. Shoutout to Dom and Nas for dominating the midfield and the back line. We progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition. (Ethan Baker, G)
The JCAs continued their ISFA trophy journey against Downsend. We used the 3G surface to our advantage, playing balls along the ground to each other and making it in to their box eight times in the first 15 minutes, but it was our opposition who had the first chance of the game, a volley from the edge of the D palmed over the crossbar by Seb (G). The Downsend striker rose highest from the ensuing corner, hitting the bar with his header. In a first half where clinical finishing would prove to be incredibly sparse, Gabriel Oluwabusola (B) latched onto a long ball from keeper Seb and Gabo, who only found himself in space because of a clever run from Jesse Feyita (C), finished well for 1-0 (17 mins). Our tempo then slowed and we gave our opponents more time on the ball than their quality deserved and they made use of their time on the ball as they replied with a goal of their own, making use of our poor communication and marking in the box to level at 1-1.
Half time brought the blunt information that we should be comfortably leading and needed to make the most of our opportunities and talk to each other, information that was subsequently ignored as we again lacked communication and organisation and our hosts finished clinically, after walking through our midfield, for 2-1 (34 mins). We then lost the ball from our kickoff and played ourselves into pressure. A ball was able to be played wide and with a lack of marking, a free man was able to finish in the box (3-1).
As we looked to be more attacking to play ourselves back into this game, some good linkup from Jesse and Prince (D) allowed Prince to play a ball to Gabriel who made no mistake and finished for 3-2. It was Gabriel who struck again, a ball from Freddy Laarman (C) allowing him to do so after some great work from James Redfern with a cross field pass that developed space for Freddy (3-3). Gabriel’s fourth of the day came courtesy of a ball over the top from Seb, his second assist of the day for 4-3. As the game got back underway, our defensive frailties showed again, our midfield again walked through as our hosts were allowed the space to play a 1-2 and their winger finished into the far corner (4-4). Going forward, we were dynamic and some great work from inspired substitute Ferran M-G (D) allowed Gabriel the space to work his magic again for his fifth goal of the day with only thirty seconds left on the clock. When asked, the referee had added a little time on and said there were two minutes, but still out lead was not held, our midfield again lacking defensive strength and stability, the opposition again sliced through us like a hot knife through butter and their striker allowed a free run at goal finished for 5-5... 3 minutes after we thought the final whistle should have gone. We needed to regroup but conceded the same goal again, our defensive ability in midfield and communication between our defenders again proving to be our Achilles’ heel. A ball was played to a winger who was immediately flagged offside before he touched the ball. The referee decided to overrule this, and the ball was in the back of the net for 6-5, 7 minutes after the ref had called 2 minutes, and nearly 9 after the time was up.
The squad knows that we were our own undoing and we are hoping that the opposition share the Veo footage to allow us to analyse the ease their wingers and midfield had slicing through us, which was something we should have been able to control. No point worrying ourselves over the things we can't control, but it doesn't take away the bitter taste in our mouths. A thriller which we were unfortunate to find ourselves on the wrong side of as we crash out of the cup. MOTM goes to Gabriel Oluwabusola for his 5 fantastic finishes. (Seb Browning, G).
Netball 1st VII v St Swithun’s (a): Won 17-12
Swimming v Eton (a)
Having two consecutive competitions is tough in any sport, even more so for a team that has not had a gala all term. Nevertheless, we departed for Eton attempting to grasp the victory that we have waited a long time for.
After arriving at their "Athens" sports centre, the same thought crossed everyone's mind: 'Our pool will be of superior quality in maybe the next 5 years.' Anyway, upon gauging our opposition, I can't say that we didn't feel a tiny bit intimidated. Tucked into their undersized racing suits, they waddled with an imposing gait. As anyone would have done, we went into the race with the confidence to win. A couple of things, however, altered our victorious future. Faulty time pads and an inaccurate program sheet all became obstacles in our path. The largest obstacle though, was their swimming prowess, especially the swimmer from Tonbridge who went 2'08" in the 200m individual medley. Although we, unfortunately, came third place, only winning two or three races in the whole meet, I must say we are fired up more than ever to improve further. (M. Yan, I)
Thursday 30th November 2023
Basketball U14A v Perins School (h):
This was the first chance for the U15s to play together against a mixed team of U15 and U16s from Perins School. Perins is a very strong sports school with some tall and talented individuals, so this was going to be a challenge, but on the day the passing and teamwork of Winchester was too much for the opposition. There were times when players dribbled too much and were sloppy in defence, but these were more than made up for by some quality fast breaks, patient half-court offences and quality interior passes. Every player competed, improved and had moments of which they can be very proud. W46-43[LNT]
Fencing v Bradfield College (a):
Success for the Win:Coll Foil and Epee teams against Bradfield with the foil team winning 45:4, and the epee team winning 45:31. Fantastic performance by all members, and thank you to Bradfield for welcoming us.
Football Senior Colts A v Bedales School (a): Won 7-1
The penultimate game of our season saw two debutants take the field for the SCAs: Aryaveer Baljee and Arthur Duckworth. We dominated the first half. James Kennedy and Jason Chiang proved to be crucial, with Jason picking up two assists and James a goal as well. Gabriel Oluwabusola and Sebastian Kingsbury added their names to the scoresheet not long after. Henri Bertheau, Arthur Hampel and Sasha Rich were solid at the back, and Baljee made a couple of saves too. Rather unluckily, however, Bedales managed to sneak one into the back of the net, finishing the first half off at 3-1.
The opposition kept on trying to penetrate our strong defence, but it took only a few minutes after kick-off for us to find the back of the net again. Rocket played a key part in midfield, acting as a stronghold. He managed to pick out an assist, as well as a few close long range attempts. Duckworth, the new addition, added an assist to his name. Isaac Claisse, a rather prolific winger, scored a brace, both drilled hard across the keeper, with Gabo and Sebo doubling their individual goal tallies too. Arthur finished with an assist as well. The match ended with us bringing home a 7-1 victory. Man of the match goes to James Kennedy for an incredible display in the midfield. We move onto Wellington this Saturday. W7-1 (Aryaveer Baljee, K)
Squash 1st v Charterhouse: Lost 2-4
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Football v Wellington College & Canford
The 1st XI game started rather slowly for us as we lacked preciseness and consistency. However as we moved into the middle of the half we were gifted an opener when Lucas scored a gorgeous header. He followed it up around 5-10 minutes later with another bullet header making it his 4th in two games and our second of the game. We had played well, but went into half time knowing we had more to give.
In the 2nd half we moved the ball delightfully, not giving the opposition a chance to form many opportunities whatsoever. A Nicholls corner curled gorgeously across the box and found itself in the far corner. Was it his goal? Was it the goalkeeper’s? we will never know. Nicholls scored again a few minutes later with a loose ball in the box, tucking it into the left hand corner of the goal. Finally, a well worked throw in put Rubin through cheekily chipping the ball into the box to be headed into the top of the goal by Ethan Baker. Our defence stood strong, our midfield were creative, our strikers were hungry and our finishing was clinical. A very good end to a very successful term. W5-0 (Alex Claisse, B)
On a freezing Saturday afternoon, the 2nds welcomed Wellington to fortress Bulls drove for the last game of the season. Unfortunately, the cold weather also brought a slow start, and we quickly found ourselves a goal down to some good work on the counter by Wellington. However, we were playing good football, with the midfield duo of Bailey Clark and George Bowder spraying passes around, and creating chances. Eventually, some good pressing from Jonnie Inglis on the Wellington centre back led to a mistake, and a well-saved shot was tucked away by Will Alexander on the rebound to level the scores. We continued to press high in search of another goal, but an unfortunate penalty soon put Wellington 2-1 up. We were not discouraged, and soon afterwards Bailey Clark arrowed a menacing free-kick into the box, which found its way into the net via a slight deflection. We ended the first half at 2-2, controlling the game but looking for more goals.
As the second half started fog began to move in, and Wellington continued to test our backline with through balls – but the imperious pairing of Ted Miers and Bosco Oficialdegui, well supported by Jidechi Ohakosim and Charles at right and left back, stood strong. Despite this, we soon found ourselves 3-2 down due to some miscommunication and a good finish, but this only strengthened Winchester’s determination. With David Sam and Charlie Barklam causing problems for their back line, it was only a matter of time before we scored – and so it proved, as Charles produced a wonderful cross which was headed home by Jonnie Inglis to restore parity. As the final minutes ticked by, both sides pushed for a winner, but to no avail. The match ended 3-3: perhaps a scoreline that did not reflect the game, but a fitting finale to a great season for the 2s.
[William Alexander, B]
4th XI v Wellington 3rd XI: Won: 6-0
6th XI v Canford 3rd XI: W5-0
The last game of the season for the SCAs was highly anticipated. After negotiation with Coach Mercer to play the ‘full team’, the game was dubbed ‘the last dance’. We had played Wellington earlier in the season in a comfortable 4-0 win.
We started off the game very sharply, pressing the Welly defenders with grit. Eventually, we broke the deadlock. A corner from the golden teammate of the week Jason Chiang (F) was fizzed in. A part of Seb Kingsbury’s anatomy was hit by the ball which ended up in the net. The box was so packed that it was unclear which part. Unclear to WinColl but seemingly clear to the Wellies – 11 of the Welly team (yes 11!) and one Wellingtonian linesman all appealed in unison for handball to be met with the words from the ‘impartial’ referee (Coach Mercer) “sorry, chaps: I just didn’t see it.” VAR may have seen it differently. The ‘hand of Seb’ was certainly covering a smirk as he jogged back to the half-way line. Then Michael Jin (I) got the ball 5 yards outside the box. He sent two players to the shops and then drilled it into the bottom left corner. As Mr Taylor has always said, “Michael Jin only scores worldies.” The year-below West-Ham maestro Gabriel O (B) came on and was shouted at by the captain for being in the wrong position. Fortunately, 5 seconds later he scored a banger and then scored another banger. Due to his ‘excellence’ he was moved to right-back for the remainder of the game. With two minutes to go and the game in the bag at 5-1 the Welly striker was taken out in the box by Hampel and a penalty given (on this occasion VAR may have agreed with the referee).
Last game of the season and what a win. We have come so far as a team. We started with 4 losses and we have ended with 7 wins. I would like to thank Mr Mercer for being a great coach throughout the whole season. W5-2 [Arthur Hampel, B]
Covered by fog and determined to win after a string of losses, the JCA's took to the pitch against Wellington for the second time this season. We started off well and playing beautiful football, however, after 20 minutes we were still deadlocked. Finally, the first goal came in the 28th minute after a perfect through ball from Jesse Feyita (C) found Freddie Laarman (C) who swiftly finished. We didn't have to wait long for the second goal as Freddie scored again in the 33rd minute to get his brace. In the final minute, Jesse got a goal after a crossed scrambled around the box for a while, putting us 3-0 up going into the 2nd half.
With the increasing fog in the second half, we conceded after a through ball found their striker who chipped it into the goal. However, we never put our heads down and continued to dominate the second half. Eventually, we found another goal 21 minutes into the 2nd half with Prince Gbedawo (D) calmly finishing into the top right corner. He would soon find another goal with a scruffy half volley found its way into the goal, rounding off the goals for the day. Overall, a solid game and a great finish to the season. A huge thank you to all the coaches who've helped us this season. W5-1 [Ferran Maithya-Garcia, D]
Despite being under orders to condition our play, the Yearlings A still began with great fluidity in attack. Short and incisive passing did not inhibit us as Hawkins and a brace from Odogwu saw us go 3-0 up in the opening 6 minutes, Catsaras and Hawkins being providers with well threaded passes for Odogwu. We continued to control the game and quick feet from Odogwu helped him complete his hat-trick from close range. Hawkins added his second following a save from Odogwu’s shot. Striker Pritchard, whose link up play had been very good, then got onto the scoresheet with a smart finish from a tight angle. Irvine scored from left wing-back, arriving on cue at the back post and finishing via the cross bar. Despite the coach then adding to the challenge for the team, Husband added a brace whilst Wellington got their first after we failed to deal with a corner adequately enough.
As the mist descended upon Logie we sought to challenge ourselves further with a numerical disadvantage and with some adapted roles and responsibilities. Baring and Bilfinger found themselves much further up the pitch than normal, whilst McGregor developed his range of incisive passing. Hawthorne engaged well with trying to be more involved in retaining possession and this could really benefit the group in the future. Despite losing the second half, Hoskin got himself on the scoresheet via some calm build up play and selfless assisting from Pritchard, who was also able to add his own goal shortly afterwards. The group have grown impressively as characters across this term and feel they have made good progress with their football performances too. They will relish the challenges to come next year and approach each game able to focus on a cohesive effort towards achieving their collective goals. W11-4 [JMB]
Rowing – Wycliffe
With great anticipation the club headed to Wycliffe Head for a good day of competitive racing. On arrival to a very foggy Gloucester Canal it became apparent there was to be no racing as the fog wasn’t going to lift. Quick thinking and a change of plan, we returned home where there was a team challenge so everyone would still have a competitive day of racing. In teams of 4 or 5, a single person rowed on the rowing machine while their teammates ran sharing a 16kg weight, to the Handle Bar café and back, and so this was repeated throughout the team. Everyone put in a big effort and they were all suitably tired afterwards.
The girls had a scenic foggy session in singles on our own stretch of river, followed by some warming hot chocolate. The novice girls and boys went out in a mixed quad while the JP rowers went out in a quad also. After a disappointing cancelled race everyone back at the boat house still had a good afternoon of racing or rowing. [SLG]
House Football
The various House football competitions are reaching their conclusion this week. In the junior Foster Pot competition the final is between Hopper’s and Furley’s. For the third consecutive year Furley’s take on Toye’s in the Chawker Pot final. Both matches take place on Thursday afternoon. In the first ever OTH v Commoners Girls’ football match there was a closely contested 3-2 victory to OTH. It looked like the contest might go to penalties after a brace from Amara Moore was matched by one each from Bea Bus and Sanvee Prabhu but with time running out Sanvee bagged her second goal to give the brown & whites the maiden victory. Flower Pot & Ellis Pot were concluded at the end of last week and congratulations go to Hopper’s and Chawker’s respectively.
And finally..
Huge congratulations go to Sebastian Morgan on achieving selection for the England U19 cricket squad for the forthcoming U19 Cricket World Cup. Seb has just returned from a tour to India where he represented England against India A & B as well as Bangladesh U19s displaying fine performances with both bat and ball. We are all hugely proud of Seb’s achievements.
Congratulations also to Sophia Liu who will be competing in The 2023 Youth World Sailing Championships from 8-16th December in Brazil representing China in the Female One-Person Dinghy (ILCA 6) category.
Also, a number of pupils will be playing Rackets at Queen’s next week in the National Schools’ Singles Championships and we wish them the very best of luck in their matches, even when drawn against each other!
All fixtures details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/
Sporting quote for the week:
“Players that learn the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork and sacrifice are the ones who make their teams great.” Tom Crean, former NCAA College basketball coach