Sports Report – Short Half 2024, Week 8

During Leave Out two of our pupils achieved outstanding successes which deserve all of our praise.

MP pupil Harry H (I) represented Vietnam U18s in the 30th Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship and as a vital member of the team played a key role in securing a magnificent victory. Harry, at 14 was the youngest player in the field and his contribution proved to be pivotal holing numerous putts to keep Vietnam ahead and he lent the perfect supporting role to his teammates, ensuring Vietnam’s success.

Harry was the youngest player in the field of 57 and finished T17 with rounds of 72-76-74-69. As the format was a team event, only two scores were counted from the 3 team members per day, which meant Harry's first and fourth round scores were counted, helping Vietnam win the trophy

Lords Captain Seb M (D) is recuperating well from recent ankle surgery but the discomfort from the surgery has been offset by the fantastic news that Seb has recently signed his first professional contract with Middlesex CCC. Having represented England at the U19 Cricket World Cup last year and played for Middlesex’s 2nd XI during the summer the contract signing caps a fine 12 months for Seb. Seb is the first pupil from Winchester to ever sign a professional cricket contract and we all look forward to seeing him in action again in the summer of 2025.

Tuesday 5th November 2024

Football v Harrow & Latymer Upper School

The 1st XI had our first game after the break and it looked liked we had just had a few weeks off to begin with but when we relaxed and got in and around Harrow we began to make an impression on the game. Harrow are a good side and the game was a real test for us but I cannot fault the effort put in by the boys. We conceded a goal which was harsh for us but from their point of view you would say it was an excellent move from Harrow and a confident finish over Sebastian in goal. 1 down and half time but we felt we were in the game. Half chances followed and with a little bit of luck we might have sneaked a goal but all credit to Harrow who defended well and caused us many problems in the final third. Positives are we do not concede many goals and stay together when it gets tough. Great game leading into the game at Bradfield on Saturday. L 0-1. [JRD]

Despite the long road trip to London the JCAs were looking forward to their ISFA Trophy match against Latymer Upper. A cagey start was rudely interrupted when a defensive lapse from the Wincoll boys saw the home team take the lead. However, undeterred the team bounced back, increasing the pressure on Latymer and Philip C (A) struck the post with a shot. Shortly after, boosted by the near miss a passage of excellent passing saw the ball crossed from the left to the far post where Philip struck a sublime, first time shot into the top corner to level the tie.

The half time message was to remain calm and continue to apply the pressure and the second half saw a dominant performance from the JCAs. Latymer attacks were often broken up by the terrier like tackles of Will H (H) and Bertie D (H) and whenever the midfield were by-passed, central defenders Skylar B (C) and Hector M (H) closed down the opportunities. As we continued to launch attacks Isaac H (K) received the ball on the edge of the Latymer box and with a great turn and shot buried the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. With only a few minutes remaining the Wincoll boys were let off the hook when an excellent cross saw the Latymer centre forward in space but he headed over. Clinically, the JCAs counter-attacked swiftly up the left as James H (D) and Philip linked to put Isaac into space and he finished with aplomb. A 3-1 victory and into the last 16 of the ISFA Trophy. W 3-1 [MSB]

Thursday 7th November 2025

Basketball v Eton (h):

1st: L 27-32 U14A’s: W 64-16

Fencing v Marlborough College (a):

On Thursday, we took a strong team to Marlborough College to play their under 18 Foil and Epée teams. Matches were carried out in individuals as opposed to a relay, which meant that the team with the highest number of victories in their bouts would win the overall match. Winchester College were rewarded with excellent results.

First in Foil: We won 8-1, with Thomas F (MP, E) and Lucien G (MP, E) not dropping a match and Bodhi B (JP, F) only losing one of three.

Second: valiant efforts were put in from the Epée A team and the members were rewarded with a solid 7-2 victory. Woolf (MP, C) won two of his bouts and lost one, Kim (VI2, E) won three, and Uzuner (MP, B) won two and lost one. [LD]

Fives v Marlborough (a):

U18B’s: L82-104 U15A’s: W132-40

Saturday 9th November 2025

Badminton v Magdalen College School (h): L4-12

Football v Bradfield College & Canford School:

It was a rather chilly Saturday afternoon, when the Soccer XI travelled to play Bradfield. Once we had arrived, we started the warmup with prolific intensity which followed through into the game. We knew we had to set the tone early. We did just that, with a high co-ordinated press causing the Bradfield team to boot the ball up the pitch, giving us possession. Within the first 5 minutes we were rewarded with a goal from Sebastian (A) after he turned his defender and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving us a rush of confidence. We continued to pile on the pressure, ensuring that Bradfield were not able to get the ball down to play. A bit of magic from Clark (A), with an outside of the boot pass that split the Bradfield back line, we won a corner. A beautifully whipped ball from James (D) caused trouble in the box, allowing Sebastian (K) to poke the ball over the line to double our lead.

At half time, Mr Dodd reminded us to keep our discipline, since 2-0 is always a dangerous scoreline in football. One goal and they’re back in it. The next goal was important. With the message on board the boys went into the second half continuing the same intensity that we started with. A flurry of exceptional two-touch football followed, with the boys popping the ball around the Bradfield team. Defensively, Bradfield had no time on the ball, constantly being pressed whilst we kept our shape. A ball sprayed out wide for Isaac (B) led to him making the two defenders unsure where he was going with his elegant footwork, he then crossed the ball in, putting it on a plate for our skipper Tim (I) to knock into the bottom left corner. 3-0. This put the game to bed, the players of the home side looking at the ground in desperation. We did not stop. This time Tim decided to beat his defender, cut in, and drill an absolute peach into the bottom left corner, leaving the keeper rooted.

Ultimately, the mindset the boys took in this game was exceptional. Always working hard for each other and we reaped the rewards for it, this gives us a sense a confidence, looking towards our massive cup match vs Aldenham on Tuesday. The boys deserved this result. Full time 4-0 W [B Clark (A)]

The 2nd XI started well with intensity and pressure forcing an early own goal on Bradfield’s part. However, a slight drop off in focus resulted in Bradfield hitting back hard and levelling the score soon afterwards, making it 1-1. Despite the 2nd’s not quite playing at the standard they’re capable of, it didn’t stop Amaar (I) putting in a composed finish to make it 2-1 going into half time.

Winchester turned it up a notch coming out of the half time break and began to play with the freedom, composure, and finesse they’ve repeatedly demonstrated throughout the first half of the season. Ethan (C) and Tomo (D) both displayed brilliant workrates in the midfield, consistently keeping Bradfield under pressure and winning important challenges. Although the 2nd’s had risen in standard throughout the game, three unforeseeable concessions put Winchester down 4-2 with not long left to go. Despite being on the back foot, Winchester continued to press and push as a team, exhibiting a good attitude and consistent communication. Winchester were given a late lifeline when Michael (I) slotted one into the bottom left corner, giving the side something to really play for in the final minutes of the match. Had an earlier, impressive, but narrowly unsuccessful attempt on goal from Arthur (H), from a long way out, found its way into the net, Winchester would have ended with a very respectable 4-4. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Despite Winchester playing well in the second half, this perhaps wasn’t rewarded in the scoreline this time around. FT: Winchester 3, Bradfield 4. We look forward to our next fixture against St Benedict’s on Saturday. [Arthur (D)]

After a long half term, the SCAs got back into things quickly, looking ready to take on a strong Bradfield side, as we sought to take revenge for last year’s 7-1 loss. The game started well for both sides with a few half chances until a good strike from a Bradfield player at the edge of the box put them 1-0 up. Although Winchester heads were not bowed low after this with the likes of Giovanni (D) and Michael (A) continuing to press vigorously. However, soon after, a lucky second goal dribbled across the line after hitting the post. Once again, Winchester went out, hunting down a goal to get back into the game but just could not quite find the final finish. Late in the first half, a good run through from their winger saw Bradfield go 3-0 up from a tap in.

The second half commenced in a similar fashion and stayed that way for most of the half as SCAs stayed very compact, not letting Bradfield through. Furthermore, there were crunching tackles from the likes of Alex (I) and Ollie (X) and once at the same time as well as a decisive tackle in a similar fashion from Kamran (I). Mid-way through the second half, a brave header from Jesse (C) put Prince (D) through on goal and he finished it cooly as expected until the linesman slowly raised his flag. Winchester finished the game out with no further goals with a result of 3-0. We look to bounce back on Thursday in our fixture against Frensham Heights School which will be a good challenge but for this game a special mention must be given to Michael (A) and Gio (D) who worked non-stop on and of the ball never fearing the challenge as well as Prince (D) who made an immediate impact when he came on and also gave us our biggest opportunity which was sadly offside. L 0-3. [Gabriel (B)]

After some worrying moments and good football from the opponents, the SCBs found ourselves down 2-0. However, after a beautiful run for Thai (C) which found Alex (B) in the box, the score went down to 2-1. After half-time we started with a bang, firing shots here and there, but to no avail. Sadly, the game slowly spiralled out of our control and our keeper Tom (E), left the game with an injury. Greg (F) bravely stepped up to do the job. Unfortunately, his keeping skills were no match for Bradfield, as he conceded three goals through his legs. So after a great effort, the Bs lost 6-1. [Alex (B)].

The Bradfield match was always likely to be one of the toughest on the fixture list for the JCAs and so it transpired. Initial exchanges between the two teams were pretty even. Full back Ollie (B) and James (D) closed down the Bradfield wingers and we launched some promising attacked ourselves. One such attack saw great interplay between Lewin (H), James (D) and Isaac (K) down the left side and as the ball was played across Bertie (H) found himself in space just outside the box but his shot went wide. Bradfield then capitalised on some confusion int he defence and a speculative cross/shot looped over Luke (E) into the goal to take the lead. Mid-way through the first half we were slow to react to a quick free kick and Bradfield extended their lead but we bounced back immediately to half the deficit. A blistering shot from Isaac forced the keeper to parry his shot and Philip (A) headed home neatly.

We felt we could pull things back in the second half but Bradfield's smart build up play, coupled with some sloppy passes and lack of concentration at set pieces allowed the hosts to open up a 4-1 lead. Luke (E) kept us in the game with some excellent saves but we conceded from another set piece and at 5-1 the game was effectively over. Nevertheless, we didn't stop battling and after good pressure from Isaac (K), Oscar (X) was able to capitalise on a defensive error to pull one back. A 5-2 loss but plenty of things to learn from as we approach the final month of the season. [MSB]

Against tough opponents the JCB equipped themselves well and translated the hard work on the training pitch into a superb second half performance. Losing three goals in the first half was a tad harsh for the efforts of the team. Danny (D)came close with a long range effort and there were several more chances that could have made the halftime score more even sided. The second half saw the JCB really turn on their attacking flair. Danny added to his tally for the season with two well taken goals. It was thoroughly deserved for Winchester. Will (H) and Ismail (B) proved the solid defensive base for the team to showcase their attaching play. In the end a spectacular rabona finish from Bradfield with the last kick of the game saw the second half finish 3-2 in their favour. The final score 6-2. [JCP]

The JCEs played the best football of their campaign so far and were unlucky to come up short against a strong Bradfield side. Man of the match George (G) was imperious in midfield, dominating possession and controlling the tempo impressively. Overall, this was a strong team performance with excellent signs for the future. [JL]

The YB opposition coach said our goalie did a good job. These were not just words of pity. He did make some excellent saves. Many other players had moments of great vision and tenacity, but I'm afraid they were interspersed with moments of bafflement in defence. Chris (H) was super-dangerous up front and Arthur (H) was valiant in the losing cause. A terrible end to the first half behind us, I am proud of the way they kept their heads up and fought to the end! L 3-8. [PAH]

The Yearlings C stepped onto the pitch on Saturday against Bradfield knowing that it would be a hard game. The early stages of the match were characterised by a healthy to and fro between the two ends, but it was Winchester that had the best of it, and a quick break on the right by Aditya and a well weighted pass to the left wing, into the path of Innes gave us the lead. A further period of play in which both sides traded blows resulted in Winchester adding a second from a poorly defended corner that Wilf was able to spring onto and slot home. Winchester, having been in this situation before, knew all too well how easily leads could be given away and to their credit came out fighting in the second-half. Bradfield were desperate to claw themselves back into contention, and were working hard to do so. Some rock solid defending in both the centre of defence and in the midfield kept us in the match though. In the final third of the game, Aaron’s shot was deflected by a Bradford defender and over there keeper to give us a third and to put the match beyond the visitors. The scoreline is testament to our teamwork on this particular occasion, but is perhaps a little unfair to Bradfield who individually possessed some excellent players. Nevertheless, it was the ability of the two sides to work as a unit that was the difference and that gave us a memorable victory on this occasion. W 3-0. [SJM]

Very smart play in the first half saw the Yearling Es taking advantage of opportunities given by the Bradfield defence. A few quick goals just after half time saw Bradfield take the lead and, despite a nice late goal from Tiger [K], Bradfield left the victors 3-5. [TMP]

Other Results

3rd XI (a): L 1-3

4th XI (a): D 2-2

5th XI (a): L 0-1

6th XI (h): L 1-2

7th XI (h): L3-5

Sen Colts C (h): L 0-8

Sen Colts D (h): L 8 -2

Jun Colts C (a): L 0-6

Jun Colts D (a): L 1-3

Yearlings A (h): D 2-2

Yearlings D (h): L 3-4

Girls 1st v Canford School (a):

Our final game of the season ended with a showcase of talent from every single player with the referee saying that “this was the most enjoyable way I could think of to spend my Saturday afternoon”.

The competition was fierce and put up a fight. Cleo K (D) managed to score an excellent goal straight into the top right halfway through the first half. The adrenaline was running as we kept the level of play increasing. However, just before the half time whistle was blown, Canford managed to slot the ball into the goal. The second half saw the same level of play.

Defence played some of the best football that has been played all year. Ami B (D) was unstoppable. She stopped any played that came near her and always won the ball. Megan W (K) was not afraid to go for both the player and the ball and her commitment to the cause throughout the season has been unwavering. Tabi P (I) is known for her skilful play and this game was no exception. Due to consequences of the last game, Tabi stepped up in defence and showed how great of a player she is with her all-round ability; she deserves all the praise she gets! Hesper H (B) is forever the hero of the Girls’ 1st. She stepped up as our goalkeeper after no training and did an unbelievable job! She stayed cool, calm, and collected for the entirety of the game making many seemingly effortless saves.

This has been a fantastic season for the girls and the level of play gets better and better by the day! It has been a pleasure to see every member of the team grow in their confidence and skill. Thank you, Miss Bonham, for your time and everything you have done for us! L3-1 [Bea B (F)]

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

Sporting quote for the week:

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying”. Former NBA player, Michael Jordan

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

12th November 2024

X: @WinCollSports