Sports Report – Common Time 2024, Week 6

Tuesday 5th February 2024

Basketball v Eton College (h):

The Winchester U18s played well for large portions of this shortened game. The final result was only because of a late run by Eton as Winchester were within a point with a few minutes to go. Importantly, Winchester continued to show toughness and determination, and their better passing was good to see. Eton were deserved winners, but Winchester were in this game throughout and came away with a lot of credit. (L 21-36)

The U16s have been playing really well, but started this game as if they deserved to win. This resulted in sloppy play, and in Eton growing in confidence and leading for much of the game. In the end Winchester dug in, gained some focus and pulled away to a comfortable win. So not the best game for the U16s, but more proof that they are a talented side with enough resilience and pride to get results. (W 45-36)

Football U15/16 XI v RGS Guildford U16A (a):

Unfortunately, we were unable to start the match on time, as the opposition were delayed in arriving at the excellent 4G pitch at Surrey University. Despite the quite windy conditions, both sides adapted well and tried to play good, quick flowing football, looking to pass and move as much as possible, quite rightly keeping the ball on the floor!

We had the majority of play but could not quite find the finishing touch or execute the final ball/decision, although Jason C was unlucky when he made a strong run into the box and hit the post. We then found ourselves hit on the break and found ourselves two down at Half Time, their first goal was a great finish from just inside the 18 yard box.

At half time, we discussed being a little more clinical, with a few more shots on goal, but to continue with the momentum that we had played in the first half. We were rewarded after about 15 minutes when Arthur D shot and Seb K followed up, no more than we deserved in my opinion. We continued to press for the equaliser, but unfortunately the pitch had been booked until 6pm which meant we had to finish approximately 15 minutes before the official final whistle! In the final minute of this, we conceded a 3rd, when a brilliant shot from about 25 yards forced Oskar into a brilliant save, which he pushed onto the bar, only to see another RGS player follow up and squeeze the ball into net, despite bravely trying to block it.

I was not at all disappointed with how we played and our attitude reacting to individuals playing slightly out of position, it was a very positive performance so well done to all. L3-1 (PNG)

Golf 1st v Canford School, ISGA Regional Final (n):

Unfortunately, Winchester were unable to progress to the ISGA National Finals for the second consecutive year, losing to a very strong Canford side in the Regional showdown. Harry H (I), Winchester's youthful number 1, played a solid match against his opponent, several years his senior. Canford's Captain is about as good a golfer as you’ll encounter on the school circuit and, at the time of victory, was 4 under par; given the conditions, this is exceptional scoring.

Ray S (E) scrapped hard in the second match against the Canford number 1’s younger brother, also a high quality golfer. The two were neck and neck throughout the round, with neither man getting more than a shot ahead. Frustratingly for Ray, his opponent took the 17th hole to go 1 up down the final hole, a lead that the Canford man was cool enough not to relinquish.

Seb W (G) was also involved in a gritty third match, with his county-level opponent. Some inconsistent golf meant that Seb found himself 3 holes down on two occasions but he showed class and stoicism in abundance to recover and take the final two holes and win his tie, 2up.

The boys will be kicking themselves that they could not take this opportunity but they came up against a very strong opposition. Much can be learned from this experience in preparation for several important matches still to come this term. [RSM]

Hockey 1st XI v King Edward VI (h): Draw 3-3

Thursday 1st February 2024

Badminton v St Edward’s School (h): Won 9-3

Basketball v Wellington College (h):

The U15s had to face Wellington without most of their main players due to exams, but ably supported by members of the fast-improving U14s the result was never in doubt. The team played with confidence and style, passing superbly and working really hard. John M, back from injury, was on fire, hardly missing from mid-range, but he could not have done so without the excellent ball movement, teamwork and vision of his team-mates. All of the players should be proud of their performance and their comfortable victory – Wellington are a decent side. (W 68-35)

After improving week on week, it was inevitable that the U18s would get back to winning ways before long. This was a physical encounter against a similarly determined Wellington team, but on this day Winchester were not going to let the victory elude them. Yi led with 36 points and looked the best player on show, but the victory was really down to team defence and control of the boards. Two huge rebounds from Ogunleye just as Wellington tried to make a comeback typified the team’s new-found uncompromising toughness. Wellington are a strong side, but Winchester did not let them get into their stride and always looked like winning. This was a well-deserved victory. (W 64-46) (LNT)

Fives

U18A v Oxford University (a): Won

Fives v Sherborne School (a):

Our U16 pair (illness have robbed us of the chance to put out a IV), Daniil and Theo, had their work cut out from the off against Sherborne's U18 IV. They fought hard in every game, got through a lot of Fives and learnt much from the experience. It might not have been a win, but it was a great result nonetheless as they went down 85-56 to their more experienced opposition.

A mixed IV (two U16s and two U14s) took on the Sherborne U16 IV. The first pair took some time to get the bus journey to Sherborne out of their legs, losing their first game 0-11. Thereafter things went much better and the final score after all the doubles and singles had been played, was 76-106 and a win for Winchester. Our U14 pair, Casper and Michael, deserved much credit for the way they competed and held their own against bigger stronger opponents.

A very convincing win for our U14 IV against their U15A counterparts: 132-16. The Wykehamists were simply too strong for their opponents in all departments. (JM/GEM)

Hockey U15A v Kings School (a): Won 7-0

Judo v Harrow School (n):

On Thursday 8th February a team of Winchester judoka met for a match with Harrow School at Pinewood Judo Club. This was a regular fixture prior to the lockdowns and it was good to get it back on the calendar. The boys were matched for weight and experience and Winchester fought with great spirit, employing some great judo to win convincingly by 10 matches to 6.

Coaches Mark Fricker and Rob Maurency were very pleased with the performance of the team ahead of the HMC competition in March. (MF)

The results were as follows:-

Oliver R lost 2 won 1 Matthias L won 1 Will H won 1

Ben A won 2 Max A won 1 lost 1 Eson P won 1

Rosco P lost 1 Ronin H won 1 Harry M won 1

Aaron L lost 1 Gavin G won 1 Bruno J lost 1

Netball 1st VII v The Portsmouth Grammar School: Lost 12-21

Rackets 1st v Clifton College (h):

A team of mainly Under 15 boys and a senior pair came to play our squad. We decided upon a format of several best of 3 matches so we could include as many WinColl boys as possible. Oscar O and Dima K managed an impressive 2 -0 win over their senior pair. Jack B and Rupert B narrowly also claimed a win 18-17 in the deciding game against the same opposition. Fergus T, an emerging player, did well in his matches and is improving fast. Overall, this was an enjoyable day of rackets which provided valuable court exposure in a relaxed manner. [TERC]

Squash v Wellington College (a) Draw

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

Sporting quote for the week:

“You can’t always control circumstances but you can always control your attitude, approach and response.” (Tony Dungy, Former NFL Coach)

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

13th February 2024

X: @WinCollSports