Sports Report – Short Half 2024, Week 11
Tuesday 26th November 2024
Basketball U18 v Peter Symonds’ College (h): W 52-37
Rackets v Marlborough College (a):
This was a designed as a fun outing to expose the boys in their first term of playing rackets to competitive matches. The format was one game per match with a new partner each time. Our opponents were of similar age and experience and were from both Marlborough and Clifton. Everyone took part in at least 4 matches and the standard of play was impressive bearing in mind the difficulty of the game. Cameron (I), Henry (B), Bear (D), Xander (B), Freddie (E), Hugo (I) and William (I) all took part and it was pleasing to note that Winchester won all but a handful of matches.
Thursday 28th November 2024
Basketball U14 v Perins School (h): W 53-41
Fencing v RGS High Wycombe (h):
A great performance by the B Foilists, especially Thomas (E), resulting in a solid 33:45 victory for Winchester College.
In a closely contested match, the Épée A team remained a few points short throughout the entirety of the nine bouts. This deficit ultimately cost the victory, though well deserved for the opposition. Max (C) is nominated Fencer of the Match (FOTM) for achieving the best point positive on the team despite facing skilful opposition. L36:45 (Seb Y)
The Wincoll Epée B team faced RGS College's Epée B as the first opponent after the half term. WinColl Fencers had a strong lead from the start and RGS put up a valiant effort throughout the course of the match. Midway through the bout our Fencers managed to catch up to regain the lead we once had, ultimately resulting in the Epée B team having the upper hand and a win of 45:36. (Lachlan M)
The Foil Team A faced up against highly technical fencers and despite the win provided insight on areas for improvement, including speed and timing. Rajesh (H) is nominated Fencer of the Match (FOTM) for his leadership as the anchor fencer, and excellent performance against the RGS anchor. W45:22
Football v Ibstock Place School – ISFA Trophy (h):
Hopes were high for the JCAs in this ISFA Trophy match against Ibstock Place School. The game started with the away team applying pressure and from a scrappy attempted clearance they capitalised and scored to take a 1-0 lead. The JCAs composed themselves and then proceeded to have more of a say in the game. Attempts on goal came from Will H (H), a fierce free kick from Isaac H (K) which tested the keeper's hands and a clever flick-on by Skylar B (C) from a corner almost led to a chance but no real clear cut chances. Ibstock Place had one further attempt on goal but Luke H (E) saved smartly.
Down 0-1 at half time but very much feeling like we were in the game the boys began the 2nd half well. Most of the possession and territory was Wincoll's but despite some nice build up play we just couldn't fashion a clear cut chance. Isaac and Phillip C (A) both had shots on target saved and despite a few more crosses from corners and free kicks the goals didn't come. This was a very good performance in which the JCAs deserved something from the game but as with life, football is not always fair, and Ibstock Place School progress in the Trophy at our expense. L 0-1 [MSB]
Rackets v Harrow School
Princes’ went into this game against a strong Harrow pair, both of which have been selected to play in the elite Foster cup (best 16 in the country), with a positive attitude. After starting the first game strongly and with Winchester gaining momentum, Jack (A) finished off the game by serving clinically. Princes’ intended to bring the same energy into the second game but after some missed opportunities Harrow came back strongly and ultimately the game slipped away in Harrow's favour. In game 3, Harrow stormed into the lead but Seb (A) turned up the heat and started an impressive run of serves and clawed the game back to 12-12. The pressure then took its toll and Seb unfortunately served a double fault which handed the service back to the opposition. Harrow took full advantage by then taking the game. This acted as a tonic and Harrow continued by also taking the next game and the match with relative ease. This had been a close, useful contest and vital experience has been gained which will be useful in the National Schools Singles Rackets Championships which start in a few days’ time at the Queen’s Club in London.
The 2nd pair, William (A) and Jamie (G), played in what proved to be a tightly fought contest that was the spectacle of the day. The match began with ping-pong-style points, with the serve changing sides multiple times until Harrow were within two points of winning the first game. However, solid serving from Jamie and well-crafted strokes by Will brought Winchester back to 13-13. Harrow opted for a Set 5, and after a sequence of points with the serve changing hands a number of times, it ended with Harrow taking the first game 18-16.
The second game was another intense battle, but Harrow edged it 15-12. Despite trailing, Winchester entered the third game with determination, delivering strong serves and well-measured volleys. They reached 13 again and seemed poised to win, but Harrow clawed back to level at 13-13 which resulted in another set. This time, after several twists and turns, Winchester closed it out with Jamie serving 3 consecutive aces. In the fourth game, the rallies grew tense as the score reached 13-13 yet again, forcing Winchester to decide their next move. However, their choice of choosing Set 3 unfortunately failed and Harrow served out 3 consecutive points to seal the deal. The match, filled with high-level play, dramatic moments, and exciting swings of momentum had been a thrilling matchup and was a thoroughly entertaining contest to watch.
Our 3rd Pair (K), Rupert (K) and Angus (I) initially competed well, narrowly losing the first game 15-12. However, they struggled to gain momentum when serving, meaning the second game went to 13-13. However, Winchester lost the serve on game ball and that effectively gifted the game to Harrow. In the third game, both Winchester players tended to over-hit which led to prolonged rallies and meant the ball seldom ‘died’ in the corners – the equivalent of hitting a winner in tennis. As such, Harrow was allowed to retain the serve for far too long, although there were some glimmers of hope in some difficult returns of serve by the Winchester pair. Nevertheless, Winchester effectively lost focus when Angus recklessly tried to hit the ball, despite ‘Time’ being called, and then misguidedly challenged the marker’s decision. A harsher official may well have forfeited the match against him in such circumstances. This was a disappointing end to a match which had started in a promising way.
Sen. Colts, Amar (I) and Oscar (I), faced a Harrow pair consisting of one U16 boy and, astonishingly, a boy in his first year. Winchester initially came out with flying colours with Amar serving surgically and Oscar keeping the door warm. However, Harrow's youngster (who had been playing for a number of years) started to show how good he was. He had an extremely consistent serve which proved to be too strong for Amar and Oscar. Harrow won the next two games in quick succession and although Winchester tried to get back into the match the consistent serving and clinical shot making from Harrow overwhelmed Winchester, resulting in a loss in the third and final game.
The JC pair, Sam (A) and Casper (E) went in with confidence after a solid win against Marlborough last time out. They started well producing long serving runs and were able to return well enough to regain the serve relatively easily when the time arose. They won the first game comfortably and this form carried on throughout the match, and despite a couple of slip-ups, were able to comfortably finish the contest with a 3-0 win. (TERC)
Saturday 30th November 2024
Badminton v Abingdon School (h): W 9-7
The final fixture of the term saw our team in a closely contested match against a strong Abingdon lineup. With plenty of drama on the court and a few surprises along the way, the day was a fitting end to a term of growth and competition.
The fourth pair, Josiah (F) and Brian (D) faced difficulties as they battled against Abingdon's top fairs, ending in a 11-21 and 15-21 loss respectively. Despite their best efforts, they fell 11-21 and 15-21 in their first two matches. But by the time they faced the fourth pair, they had found their rhythm, notching a satisfying 21-11, 21-16 win.
Derek (G) and Vincent (H), the third pair, showed tremendous improvement with newfound synergy and greater direction in game. Their match against the first pair ended 15-21, but it was their near-miss against the second pair, a tense 20-22, that highlighted their growing synergy. Vincent’s sonic smashes combined with Derek’s dynamic interceptions made them a formidable duo. Following a fourth pair win, they had an intense clash with the third pair, a three setter of 22-20, 15-21, and 21-11.
Benjamin W (A) and Jesse H (A) had early success with clean 21-10 and 21-15 results against the third and fourth. Inconsistency through unforced errors led to a rocky 10-21 start against the second pair. They fought back with 21-15 but ultimately fell short 18-21.
Yuyao X (H) and Ayson K (C) smoothly sailed through the third and fourth pair with 21-9 and 21-14 wins. Then, they put on a confident display to beat the 2nd pair 21-15. In the face off against the first pair they seemed to slot in together, ending with two identical 21-14 wins.
Christmas had come early with a tight 9-7 win against Abingdon, a first in the last 5 years. Massive thank you for the hard work and commitment the training squad has put in this term. The team has culminated a great season of immense success and I hope that we can carry this momentum into the next. [Yuyao X, H]
Football v Gordon’s School & KES Witley
The 1st XI travelled the short trip to Gordons hoping to put a good performance in after a couple of loses and looking to finish the term well.
An even contest, with both teams mixing up their styles, playing and finding space in behind to try and find a mistake in the opposition. Mid way through the first half Gordon’s scored with a beauty from just right of the box and driven into the top right corner giving Sebastian (G) no chance in goal. Then, so not to be out done, George (B) from just inside the right of the box drilled an amazing strike into the far corner; a contender for the best goal of the season so far.
The second half was shared with limited chances but some excellent defending until with 15 mins to go we allowed their midfielder to dribble past a few defenders and sneak the ball into the top corner. We then poured forward and created a few chances but the ball never fell our way and we had to accept defeat 1 - 2. Improvements to make going into our final fixture of term at home against Bradfield on Saturday 7th December.
Do please come and support and give the Top Year boys a good send off. [JRD]
Yet another game for the 2s, this time on the hunting ground that is Doggers. We faced a Gordon’s team who we knew would be a challenge. However, they started sluggishly and we capitalised. Positive wing play by Michael (I) and Amaar (I) coupled with excellent ball retention from James (B) and Ethan (D) led to chances being created. And after Gordon’s conceded a foul, Jin whipped a ball in, missing their keeper and finding it’s way into the back of the net. Fullbacks David (D) and Tomo (D) drove into Gordon’s defence, causing problems they struggled to find solutions to and we were rewarded for our persistence and authority in the game when the ball found Kostia’s (D) feet, who played it back to Amaar to produce a tidy finish. However, they started to grow into the game and with one of their first attacks, drew a foul in the box and slotted the penalty.
We went into half time 2-1 up, and confident we could score many more. Both teams started well in the second half, with Ted (B) and Felix (H) being tested more often, but both stood tall, either finding passes to midfielders in space, or showing strength in defence. In attack Inglis (B) and Duckworth (H) worked together to exploit their weak fullbacks, with Duckworth managing to weave his way past players on more than one occasion. The security of Rhys (D) and Martin (I) behind the front two allowed our attack to create chance after chance, yet somehow none found their way into the back of their net. The game became more stretched, and Anthony (B), who hadn’t had much to do all game, was required to make a few miraculous saves. With Inigo (A) dominating in the air we had confidence to keep going forward. However, on a quick counterattack, we conceded another penalty in the dying minutes which they, again, scored. Perhaps their 3rd or 4th chance of the game. It ended 2-2, the 2s feeling frustrated with a draw but pleased with another great performance. Charterhouse awaits… (Amaar, I)
4th XI v KES Witley 2nd XI: L 3-1
5th XI KES Witley 3rd XI: L 4-0
U17 v KES Witley 1st XI: L 3-4
The JCAs were looking to bounce back to winning ways after their narrow defeat in the cup on Thursday. Unfortunately, the first few minutes play looked like we were suffering from the metaphorical hangover as a long ball over the top from KESW caught us napping and the visitors took the lead. Shaken, but thankfully stirred, we grew into the game with some nice build up play leading to a shot from skipper Lewin (H) which went wide. Minutes later we were on the attack again and a lovely ball through the middle put Osamede (G) clear and left with a 1v1 against the keeper he made no mistake to draw us level.
The game ebbed and flowed but our two centre backs, Skylar (C) and Hector (H), dealt extremely well with the KESW centre forward, who was a handful. There were a couple of headers from the visitors that went over the crossbar and from our own perfectly flighted corner Osamede (G) grabbed his brace with a good header. The diminutive midfield pairing of Philip (A) and Will (H) continually stole the ball from their bigger opponents and used their football savvy to generate attacks for the JCAs.
The half time message was focused on keeping the same intensity and a very professional performance ensued. This was typified by Ollie (B) stepping in at left back today to cover the injury to James (D). Selfless tracking back, timely interceptions and tackles, and clever link up play characterised his performance. KESW were frustrated by our excellent game management and resorted to speculative long range shots which Luke (E) either comfortably dealt with or left to sail harmlessly over the bar. More attacks from the JCAs threatened and a lovely free kick saw Osamede (G) flick the ball on (just!) for Oscar (X) to tap home at the far post. Two goals and an assist from Osamede (G) in probably his best team performance of the season, holding the ball up well and bringing others into the game. A 3-1 win was a very deserved victory and an excellent performance sets the boys up well for their final game against Charterhouse next Saturday. [MSB]
The JCBs produced a magnificent performance against KES which saw them confidently win 4-2. A high energy press with some strong tackling unsettled the away side who failed to get their passing style of football into any kind of rhythm. Sid (F) encapsulated the team display with outstanding forays on both the left and right flanks. With incisive attacking play when on the ball, Winchester carved out many chances to score throughout the entire match. Danny (D) capitalised twice with composed finishing to give the home side a 2-1 lead after they conceded early on from a corner. An own goal and a finish from Henry (I) after some impressive harrying in the opponents box saw Winchester stride home as eventual 4-2 victors. [JCP]
The JCCs started the game strong, pressing hard and applying pressure to their defence. Graydon (K) gave us a 1-0 lead with a crisp finish into the bottom corner to start the scoring early. We didn't let up, and shortly after, Spencer (A) had the opposition's goalie make a mistake, which he took advantage of to make it 2-0. With a strong shot from outside the box that struck the crossbar and almost went in, Phoom (C) nearly added to the score sheet. Our defence was incredibly strong the entire time, with Aaron (B), Allen (D), and Will (B) making vital tackles.
Graydon scored after a gorgeous through ball from James (K) to make it a 3-0 score. Soon after, a fantastic assist from our quick right-back Jayden (C), saw Spencer add another with a clever run and a chip to the keeper. Arlen (C) then made it 5-0 by launching a shot into the top corner to complete an outstanding team effort. After a defensive blunder, the opponent pulled one back, but we didn't let that stop us. We continued to press forward in the second half, and following excellent build-up play from Phoom (C) and Nikandros (C), the Cooks link up, Yourui (X) scored with a sneaky flick into the net. With a strong shot Graydon got his hat-trick and the score went to 7-1. Cem (B) and Arlen scored two more goals to complete the victory, 9-3. (Graydon P, K)
Yearlings A v KES Witley: L 2-4
Yearlings B v KES Witley: D 3-3
It was to be an exciting match for the Yearlings C against KES as our first goal from Gaston (B) was to testament to. A huge effort from our Captain from outside the 18 year box, lobbing their keeper and giving us the lead. We were 2-0 up shortly after as a beautiful worked move, led to a cross from the right across the face of the goal and Innes (B) was able to put it home. A little confusion at the back cost us though, and saw the score cut to 2-1 by the break. At the beginning of the second half a scrappy clearance and a goal mouth scramble resulted in the scores being brought level. To our credit, we were able to bounce back and began to apply consistent pressure to KES. We were unlucky not to be rewarded with several goals, but eventually over the course of the latter stages of the half, the relentless push paid dividends with a huge effort from Alfred (X) replicating Gaston's of earlier in the match. Illan (D) was also able to make something from within their box after a lovely piece of skill and a deft touch. We finished 4-2 but could have added many more. We look forward to revisiting Surrey next week to play our final match of the season against Charterhouse. [SJM]
Netball 1st VII v Canford School Development VII (h):
The team warmed into the game confidently, displaying solid communication and teamwork. Canford started strong, but Winchester remained composed and stayed within two goals. Sanvee and Hesper were outstanding in defence, with exceptional communication and coordination. Cleo controlled the centre court expertly, disrupting Canford’s flow and making it difficult for their attack to gain any momentum. Q1: 7-9
The second quarter mirrored the first in intensity and competitiveness. Eloise and Ami worked tirelessly to deny their opponents space and possession, making life difficult for Canford’s attackers. Hesper continued her excellent form, standing tall against Canford’s 6’2” goal shooter and impressively intercepting three crucial passes with her exceptional timing and jumping ability. Despite trailing slightly, the team demonstrated resilience and determination. Q2: 12-14
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Liv Palser took control of the game with her incredible agility and movement, leaving Canford’s defenders unable to keep up. Her sharp passing and dynamic positioning created numerous scoring opportunities. The team’s energy and confidence surged, allowing Winchester to outscore Canford by a significant margin, building a six-goal lead. Q3: 24-18
The final quarter was a masterclass in teamwork and dominance. Amelie Skinner dazzled with her precise shooting and clever movement, consistently outmanoeuvring her defender. Ami Butler was relentless, making four interceptions in just five minutes and completely shutting down her wing attack. Meanwhile, Hesper and Sanvee were an impenetrable defensive duo, conceding only six goals in the quarter. Cleo continued to control the centre court, dictating the game’s tempo and exposing Canford’s weaknesses.
Winchester College delivered an impressive performance, particularly in the second half, showcasing their adaptability, skill, and teamwork. From Liv’s unstoppable energy to Amelie’s clinical shooting, the entire team contributed to a well-deserved victory. Special mentions go to Hesper and Sanvee for their defensive brilliance and Cleo for her commanding presence in the centre. A fantastic team effort and a well-earned win! W32-24
House Football
Flower Pot saw the final round of matches take place on Monday 2nd December and despite not being statistically clear at the start of the day Chawker’s were able to seal their victory in the competition with a comfortable 11-0 victory over the Zs. Runners up, on goal difference, were Beloe’s and in third were Toye’s. Many thanks to all the players who represented the Zs this term – there may not have been any points in the win column but there was certainly lots of endeavour and good humour.
This Friday sees the final round of Ellis Pot take place with the highlight match (the script couldn’t have been written any better) being the teams in second (E) and third (I) playing each other, with both having the chance to overtake Toye’s at the top of the table. Toye’s have played all their games so must sit on the sidelines and hope for a draw.
Girls’ House Football: OTH v Commoners
The girls played their annual house football match on Tuesday 3rd December with a closely fought contest eventually going the way of OTH 1-0. There weren’t many clear cut chances but those on target found the two keepers, Kansola and Martha, in good form. Ami and Bea exhorted their respective teams to keep working hard and there were strong performances from Chloe and Tabatha against each other in midfield.
All fixture details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/
Sporting quote for the week:
“Being a part of a team’s success is more important than being personally indispensable.” Former NBA Player and LA Lakers & Miami Heat Basketball Coach, Pat Riley
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
3rd December 2024
X: @WinCollSports