Sports Report – Short Half 2024, Week 12
Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Basketball U15A’s v Perins School (h): W 50-42
Thursday 5th December 2024
Basketball U16A’s v Perins School (h):
This was a surprising result for the u16s. Perins openly admitted that this might not be their strongest side, and the talented Winchester u16s were hoping to go unbeaten this season. On the day, Perins played really well, and Winchester didn't. The best team won. In the long term, this may be a useful lesson for the u16s as they move forward in Common Time; they shouldn't lose another!
Climbing 1st v Embley (n):
The climbing squad managed to deservedly clinch their first victory in a fixture at Parthian Climbing Centre, Southampton. The team of eight put additional training in before this and come back stronger with an outstanding performance against a competitive Embley team that compromised of twelve pupils. The competition consisted of bottom ropes and bouldering routes which were all taken on without any hesitation. It was most pleasing to see pupils supporting each other from each school, there is now a real hunger for the team to attend the national competition in March where they would be joined by other independent and state schools. Well done to Catherine (G), Ivan (X), Billy (D), Oli (K), Harith (H), Phuc (I), Yuki (D) & Kentaro (H) [JXD]
Squash v Charterhouse (a):
1st: L 2-3
U18B’s: L 1-4
U14A’s: W 5-0
Saturday 7th December 2024
Football v Charterhouse
Soccer XI welcomed Charterhouse to Doggers in driving rain and wind. Not the ideal weather for football but the day would be a real test for both teams in regards to how they would play. With the wind in the first half we looked to get in behind and stretch the game but found it difficult to get the right weight of pass because of the conditions. We spoke beforehand about limiting our mistakes and taking advantage of Charterhouse's and that's where the first goal came from; ball into the box and Daniel (G) reacted quickly in stabbing the ball forward and unluckily the goalkeeper fumbled the ball between his legs and over the line. The half was fairly even with both sides having chances to score but either good goalkeeping or poor finishing kept the score down.
Charterhouse pushed forward in the second half and caused us problems and were able to equalise midway into the second half with a shot into the bottom left hand corner. Both teams looked to find the winning goal but again poor decision making meant the game ended 1 - 1 which, on reflection, was a fair result. The boys have been fantastic this term and have worked hard to gain some great wins and some narrow defeats and we have been proud to lead them.
The final match of the season for the 2nd XI was everything you’d want from a football game—intense, dramatic, and unforgettable. The weather was unforgiving, with torrential rain, gale-force winds, and a pitch turned into a mud bath, but none of that could dampen the determination of both teams. After our 3-3 draw earlier in the season, this was our chance to settle the score.
From the start, we looked the sharper side. Ted (B) and Arthur (D) were immense at the back, winning every aerial duel and ensuring our defensive line stayed solid. They’ve been pillars of strength all season, and today was no different. David (D)and Felix (H) , our full-backs, were relentless—pocketing their wingers and charging forward to support the attack whenever possible. But the conditions were brutal, and playing through the middle became nearly impossible. Despite our dominance, they caught us out with a well-timed ball that split our defence, finishing it clinically into the bottom corner. 1-0 down. We responded the only way we know how—by stepping up. Pressing higher and harder, we forced an error in their backline and pounced to equalize. It felt like momentum was shifting, but football can be cruel. Two scrappy goals in quick succession put them 3-1 ahead, leaving us with a mountain to climb. This team, though, never knows when to quit. We regrouped, refocused, and pushed forward with everything we had. A penalty gave us the lifeline we needed, and Amaar, as calm as ever, buried it into the bottom right corner. 3-2.
Sensing the game was still there for the taking, we switched to an attacking formation. Tomo(D), Michael(I), Ethan(D), Arthur (H), and Kostia(D) led the charge, piling relentless pressure on their backline. With time running out and the final whistle moments away, the ball fell to Arthur Duckworth in the box. He didn’t hesitate, slotting it coolly through the keeper’s legs. 3-3. Charterhouse then launched a desperate long ball forward, catching us momentarily off guard. Their striker found himself one-on-one with the goal in sight, but Anthony’s (B) phenomenal save, denied them what looked like a certain winner. The whistle blew, and though it wasn’t a win, the comeback summed up everything this team is about.
A special thank you to Mr. Good and Mr. Gover, who have been more than just coaches to us. Your belief in us, constant support, and guidance throughout the season have been incredible. You’ve helped us become not just better players but a better team.
To the squad: this season has been something special. Every single player has worked tirelessly, and the effort and commitment have shown in every performance. This final match wasn’t just a game—it was a reflection of everything we’ve built together. Thank you for such an amazing season. D 3-3 [Rocket B, C]
This was a fantastic end to an outstanding season for the 3rd XI. After losing the first three games, the team came together, trusted the plan and worked harder than any other so that they won seven out of the next nine games (and perhaps should have won them all). This cold, rainy day demanded backbone, toughness, determination and resilience, but also tactical good sense and discipline - all characteristics that this team has in huge amounts. Charterhouse, who beat the 3s 5-2 earlier in the season, were harried and out-worked, and sliced apart by through balls and intelligent running. They had few chances and all but one was skilfully saved by a flawless Coles (A). One should not otherwise single out any individual in such a cohesive team performance, but the of tireless gladiatorial heroes of this team were rewarded for their seasons efforts: Lecourt (K) with a Hat-trick and Moreno de Barreda (I) with the cherry-on-the-cake fifth and final goal of the season (Ungureanu's (B) opener wasn't too bad either). That the 3rd XI turned a 5-2 loss into a 5-1 win in such a short time period says it all.
JA and I have really enjoyed coaching this team and seeing them develop into such a formidable footballing unit and impressive bunch of men. We wish them the very best of footballing luck in the seasons ahead. [LNT]
4th XI (a): L 1-2
5th XI (a): L 1-2
6th XI (a): L 3-6
The Soccer Club Senior Dinner in College Hall that evening saw some excellent speeches from all the team captains followed by a number of awards. Congratulations to the recipients below.
Dominic Jackson: Player’s Player of the year 2024
William Alexander: Coaches’ Player of the year 2024
Sebastian Browning: Senior Golden Gloves 2024 (4 clean sheets)
Piers Fletcher: Senior Golden Boot 2024 (9 goals)
After a lengthy bus drive to Charterhouse, the SCAs were raring to go for our final match together as a team. With the rain hammering down and the wind blowing a gale the conditions were not optimal. However, the SCAs came out the blocks quickly and with numerous shots by Prince (D), Freddy (C), and Ferran (D) our spirits remained high. But it was Charterhouse who broke the deadlock scoring a scrappy goal from a corner, 1-0.
Going into halftime 1nil down we knew that a comeback was needed. From the start of the second half, Winchester seemed like a new team and began to dominate the game. It was Gabo (B) who latched onto a loose ball at the halfway line, dribbled past about 5 players, before firing a scintillating strike into the bottom left corner, 1-1. Having been rewarded for our efforts, Winchester continued to control possession with big shifts by the midfield including Mike (A), Jesse (C), and Gio (D). The backline remained composed with Ollie (X), and George (E) blocking out every counter attack, with Oskar (G) coming to help whenever called upon. Gabriel (B) and James (A) kept bombing up the pitch providing threats from out wide. However, a deflected cross by the Charterhouse winger allowed their striker to luckily poke the ball past Oskar (G) in another very scrappy goal, 2-1. This final goal proving too much for us to come back from, with the final score ending 2-1 to Charterhouse in well-round performance. [James R (A)]
The SCBs entered the stormy fixture hoping to avenge the loss against Charterhouse earlier in the season. The opposition capitalised on the poor terrain early on, utilising the mud and wind to score three goals in the first half. We were not lacking chances though: Pelham (F) received the ball on the edge of the box as it bounced out from a corner and whipped it towards the far corner, and despite the wind's aid still managed to miss the target. Casper (A) and Freddie (X) also made plenty of dangerous runs down the line, but to no avail.
The second half was characterised by numerous attacks down both ends, although the Charterhouse attack were slightly more clinical and they furthered their lead by another two goals. Geza (F), who hadn't stopped in midfield all game, then played a beautiful, knuckling pass over the defence which Freddie latched onto, firing a half-volley into the bottom left corner. After this our hopes were strengthened, and following multiple crosses and chances it was Bruno (E) who managed to get onto the end of a pass and fire a first time shot past the keeper, albeit into our own goal. Although we ended up losing 6-1, some inspirational words from the gaffer at full-time concluded the fixture, handing man-of-the-match to Freddie, with a goal on his debut. [JWS]
Sen Colts C (a): W 4-0
Sen Colts D (a): W 3-1
The final game of the term for the JCAs, in difficult conditions, against a tough opponent in Charterhouse who were undoubtedly seeking to avenge their defeat earlier in the season, was also likely to be challenging. And so it proved.
A slow start let the visitors take the lead which was doubled midway through the first half. Playing into the wind certainly made things difficult and it did take us a while to get the ball down on to the ground in order to instigate attacks. There were some chances with Lewin H going close from a free kick and Osamede A having a shot saved by the keeper. As the half progressed we settled at the back with Skylar B and Hector M quelling some of the threats, whilst full backs James H and Ollie L, started to progress further forward. As half time neared we managed to convert our pressure into something tangible when a goalmouth scramble saw Osamede poke the ball into the back of the net.
The half time message was to stay composed and build pressure. The early exchanges of the 2nd period saw Wincoll attack and we went very close on three corners; somehow the ball stayed out of the net when it seemed impossible for it not to go in. Another attack saw the ball passed into Osamede who burst past his marker to smash the ball in for an equaliser. Momentum seemed to be on our side but a counter attack from an attacking corner saw the Charterhouse speedy left winger outpace the cover to increase the lead. As we pushed forward for another goal we left ourselves open and Charterhouse scored a fourth to put the game beyond doubt.
A disappointing defeat yes, but the squad has developed and progressed greatly this term. We are still physically very small compared to many of our opponents but the technical ability, vision and enthusiasm of this group fills me with great optimism. As the boys develop athletically our core skills will come further to the fore and this squad can become one of the strongest groups we have seen for a while. L2-4 [MSB]
After a delayed kick off a truncated JCB match got underway as the dusk was rolling in on a windy and wet Gater pitch. The last instalment of this season's trilogy against Charterhouse followed the script of its predecessors. It was until Charterhouse had built up a comfortable 3-0 lead that Winchester sparked into life and started to create some real chances to score. Unfortunately none could be converted. The wind was in the sails of the away team, and Winchester were blown away. The match ended 3-0 to the visitors. (JCP)
Winchester Jun Colts C team played their final match of the season against Charterhouse in tough, windy conditions. Despite a determined performance, they were narrowly defeated 2-1. Charterhouse took an early lead in the first half with a tap-in after a well-placed cross. They then doubled their advantage with a penalty, awarded for a foul in the box.
Winchester responded after the break with a brilliant free kick from Spencer (A), pulling one back and keeping their hopes alive. Barnaby (A) also made several key saves in goal to deny Charterhouse further chances. Although Winchester couldn’t find the equalizer, they showed great spirit throughout the match, ending their season on a strong note. L 1-2 [James P (K)]
The JCEs suffered a frustrating loss to a marginally superior Charterhouse side in wet, dark and blustery conditions on Gater 3. Player of the match George Freeman was immense in midfield, as he has been all season. Jaden Omoruyi proved as prolific as ever in the goal-scoring department, latching onto a pacey throughball to level the scores at 1-1 just before half-time. Ultimately, however, Charterhouse emerged victorious from this tense and stormy encounter, scoring two further goals at the death to seal the match. Well done to all players on their excellent work rate and determination in these unusually challenging weather conditions. L1-3 (JL)
Yearlings A (a): L 2-5
Yearlings B (a): L 0-3
The Yearlings C final fixture of the year was to be a rematch against a Charterhouse team that we should have beaten early in the season. In difficult conditions we were to be able to level the score! The game kicked off in a strong wind and biting cold but the boys took the game straight to the home side and applied some early pressure. Charterhouse recovered their composure though and were able to apply some pressure of their won before a break on the right and cross in front of the goal allowed Innes to tap in our first (from what was now a well used move). The first half ended with us one ahead. Charterhouse were able to equalise not long after the restart due to a mix up in defence but to our credit we came out fighting in conditions that were increasingly sapping the boys strength. Ilan was able to put a second past the keeper and gave us the lead once more before Chris completed our tally for the day and gave us some breathing space. Charterhouse rushed forward though and in grabbing a second managed to turn the contest in a nervous final few minutes for us. We were able to secure a free kick on the edge of the box though which soaked up some vital time and the match, and our season, ended with the ball sailing past the post and in to touch. It was a wonderful end to a great season and won that we finished incredibly strongly losing only one of the last six games of the season. This is a team with a lot of promise and I look forward to watching them progress with great interest. W 3-2 [SJM]
All fixture details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/
Sporting quote for the week:
“A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player.” Former UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
10th December 2024
X: @WinCollSports