Sports Report – Common Time 2025, Week 5
Tuesday 4th February 2025
Basketball v Marlborough (h):
U16B: Won 63-67
U14A: Won 78-38
Netball 1st VII v Milton Abbey School (h): Won 48-2
Rugby Sevens v Embley (a):
The U14s 7s squad had their first rugby fixture for Winchester College with a series of games for the full squad against Embley (away). The first match started with Embley breaking through and scoring within the first minute. But the boys settled down creating a solid defensive line and the score remained 5-0 at half time. Growing in confidence the team managed to get some good off loads away allowing Hugo F (D) and Pun (C) to score. Finishing the first match 5-10 to WinColl.
The second game saw the team start playing with width and speed putting Barnaby D (B) and James P (G) over the line. Then Otis D (G) sniped down the blindside of a scrum to make the score 0-17 to WinColl at half time. Second half Embley brought on some speed and power putting the team on the back foot and some late tries by Embley equalled the score 17-17 at full time. In the final game, the fatigue was showing and the depth of Embley’s squad proved too much for the boys with the final score being 17-0 to Embley. [THW]
Squash 1st v Radley College (a):
The Senior V suffered their first defeat in four matches against a strong Radley. Although they lost there were some notable matches for the side. Holly W (I) in his first match for the side was very impressive, retrieving all of his opponent’s shots he lost the first game only to win the 2nd and then narrowly lost the 3rd 11-13. Showing great resilience, he won the 4th but was unable to maintain the pressure and just lost the 5th.
Pran B (D), Matthew L (H) and Felix C (E) all had 3-0 defeats. It was left to the captain Ludovic R (I) to win the only match for his side. After a titanic first game which he only just lost 14-16, Ludovic won the 2nd and narrowly lost the 3rd 10-12. The match was not over, and he then won the 4th 11-9 to force his opponent into a 5th game decider. Using his tight backhand drop he forced his now tired opponent into making errors and he clinched the 5th 11-3 for a very good win. [RAA]
Inter-House XC Relays
On a wet, cold and grey afternoon the Inter House Sprint relays took place after a year’s hiatus. With the squads consisting of runners across all year groups each team member’s efforts were vital. The triumphant team were Furley’s with Kenny’s in 2nd and Phil’s in third. The fastest individual runners across the race were Benedict J (D), followed by Ivor M (G) and then Inigo H (A).
Thursday 6th February 2025
Badminton 1st : Charterhouse Invitational
Winchester sought to reclaim the Charterhouse Cup for a second time, determined to defend their title. Unfortunately, with Benjamin W's shoulder injury, the 1st VIII could not deliver their strongest pairs. Edward Z (F) stepped up to become the second pair with Yuyao X (H), and Jesse H (A) and Ayson K (C) in first pair.
The competition began strongly against Epsom College, with both pairs securing convincing wins—21-14 for the first pair and 21-10 for the second. The momentum continued against hosts Charterhouse, with scores of 21-9 and 21-15. Christ’s Hospital proved a tougher challenge, as the first pair battled through a close 21-17 match, while the second pair maintained composure with a 21-12 victory. Wellington provided an enjoyable contest, ending in 21-12 and 21-17 wins. However, Tiffin’s formidable first pair proved too strong, handing Winchester a 10-21 loss, though the second pair responded with a solid 21-13 win.
With a dominant 9-1 overall performance, Winchester successfully defended the Charterhouse Cup for the second consecutive year since its inception. The team now looks ahead to next year, aiming to reclaim the trophy once again. (Yuyao, X [H])
Climbing 1st v Embley (n):
Winchester College - 50 points Embley – 42 points
Fixture Thursday for the climbers saw a return to Parthian Climbing Centre where we took on Embley School in a fun, but competitive match. Embley had a good range of experience within the team including some very experienced club climbers, however, a special mention to Louie S (G) in JP who matched Embley's top climbers helped us edge our second win in a row. The progress made in the past few months has been exceptional, and a real cohesive group are all pushing each other to better themselves and the team. I am very proud of how they represented themselves and the school, next up will be a trip to White Spider in London against many other schools. (JXD)
Fencing U18A v Charterhouse (h):
After a long hiatus from the piste, the sabre team returned to fence a strong Charterhouse side. The team took a while to gain momentum, allowing Charterhouse a sizeable early lead. Despite some stronger performances in the latter half of the match, the sabreurs were unable to catch up. However, congratulations should go to Matthew (H) who scored the most points on the team, although this was only his first match. (Lost 28-45). [E. Thomson (X)]
The Foil team fenced skilled opponents and both teams were continuously trying to outscore the other to regain their corresponding leads. Good effort from the Wincoll Foilists in the last match, albeit resulting in a strong finish from Charterhouse. (Foil 40-45 Loss) [Lachlan M (B)]
The Epée team fought admirably throughout, with Cem's 13 fantastic points in less than 3 minutes, keeping the scores very close, with Charterhouse only just taking the lead in the penultimate match. [Charlotte W (H)]
Fives U18A v Oxford University (a): Lost
Hockey v St. Edward’s School Oxford (a):
The JCA's lined up for their second game of the season, with (a somewhat immobile) Isaac (K) travelling to help lead the team. Winchester were strong from the off, but set the tone by hitting the outside of the opposition goal within the first few minutes.
This was the story of things to come, and despite solid play from Hector (H), Rupert (I) and Ludo (I) a short corner crept past Nate (H) in goal. Winchester spent most of the game in the opposition half, but it was not a day for goalscoring, despite the efforts of Isaac, Will (H), Sid (F) and the rest of the forward line. Sadly this meant a 1-0 loss for Winchester who got on the bus at the end thinking they deserved more, though they will go away with a few key things to work on in training before their next outing after Leave Out. [JMB]
In the first game for the U14As, we began by moving the ball fairly quickly and using plenty of width. Tucker (A) provided plenty of the initial energy in the central pivot role and it did not take long for the Fillingham (I) – Law (A) partnership to gain notoriety. Fillingham scored the first goal in the 6th minute, after Collier (B) and Sinclair (E) had linked up for another circle entry down the right. Moments later, Fillingham connected well with Kirby (C) and Wang (I) to enter along the left-side of the back line and hit his cross hard across goal for the waiting Law to deflect in. After a few ineffective PCs (which the team now intend to work hard on), Fillingham again found room to carry the ball into the centre of the circle towards goal. This time he opted to slip the ball left to Wang, whose shot was saved but ended up with the predatory Law near the right-hand post. Law was then able to complete his hat-trick before the break, again via another selfless pass from Fillingham. The attack had done well but the defensive effort had also been strong. White (C) had had little to do overall, thanks to the calm heads of Hamilton (I), Zhang (F) and Morris-Western (E) who rotated in at Centre Back. Knight (C) and Drought (G) had also done well stepping inside to break up counter attacks. The scoring was not yet finished for the half though as our hosts got one back via a well placed deflection from one of our defenders into the bottom corner.
After the break, we sought to win the ball higher and found some success in doing so. Kirby and Collier were a constant menace to the opposition left and Squire (E) might have had a few back posts goals on another day. Wang had moved into midfield and was tireless in his effort to link up play whilst Tucker might have scored a few on another day too, his closest effort striking the left-hand post. Fillingham added to the scoring once Law had recognised the congestion in front of him and pulled the ball back toward the 'P spot' for an easy tap in. It was pleasing to hear Carter (D) in goal at the far end calling for the move as it happened too. It was a pleasing first performance from the group who played well together and show plenty of promise ahead of more games after Leave Out. W1-5 [TJF]
Netball 1st VII v King Edward’s Witley-Girls (a):
Winchester College secured a well-earned victory against King Edward’s Witley 1st team in a highly physical match, finishing 18-15. The game started with high intensity, but Winchester took early control, finishing the first quarter with a 7-5 lead. Strong attacking play and sharp shooting from Liv (G) [GA] and Amelie (C) [GS] helped extend the lead to 13-7 by halftime, despite the challenge of facing two towering 6ft+ defenders.
Defensive resilience from Hesper (B) [GK] and Sanvee (I) [GD] kept King Edward’s attackers under pressure, while Cleo (D) [C] dictated the pace in the midcourt, ensuring fluid transitions. Ami (D) [WD] applied relentless defensive pressure, and Lilly (K) and Elodie (B) [WA] worked effectively to deliver accurate feeds into the shooting circle.
In the third quarter, Winchester continued to push ahead, leading 17-10. Lilly (K) [now at GS] cleverly baited the opposition’s GK out of the circle, creating space for some excellent feeds and well-executed shots. This tactical play helped Winchester maintain their dominance and keep the momentum going. Although King Edward’s fought back in the final quarter, closing the gap to 18-15, Winchester remained composed, refusing to let their opponents physicality disrupt their game. This win showcased the teams determination, discipline, and ability to adapt under pressure. A fantastic result and a strong performance to build on for the next match! [FIJ]
Rackets U18A v St Pauls (a):
J. Mitchell (G) and W. Hammerson-Jones (A) sailed comfortably through their match, despite the difficult nature of the court, winning 3- 0. Under 14's, B. Robinson ( D) and X. Martin (B) played a pair a year older, competed well, but struggled to return serve due to unusual behaviour of the back wall. They got close but did not manage a win, losing 0 - 2. The match of the day involved Under 15's, C. Wilson (E) and S. Barklam (A). After swiftly losing the first game, 3 - 15, they re-grouped and began to read the court. Barklam returned serve particularly well even though the ball shot off the back wall, low into the middle, making it particularly tough. Wilson's own serve racked up whole sequences of points as he found the perfect trajectory and depth. After taking the tight second game, 15-9, they found themselves in a knife-edge contest in the decider which they eventually won, 15-10. This was fine effort all round. [TERC]
Saturday 8th February 2025
Badminton 1st v Sevenoaks School (a):
The 1st VIII showcased strong commitment as they embarked on the two-hour journey to Sevenoaks, sacrificing the chance to watch the XV’s match. Their dedication paid off with an exhilarating series of matches.
A unique pairing of Isaac L (K) and Josiah E (F) proved to be a winning combination, securing back-to-back victories with commanding scores of 21-14, 21-12, followed by 21-14, 21-18. Their momentum carried them into competitive matchups against the 1st and 2nd pairs, where they battled fiercely, posting scores of 8-21, 17-21 and 9-21, 16-21, respectively.
The duo of Derek W (G) and Brian H (D) started strong, dispatching the fourth pair 21-11, 21-16 with ease. Their resilience shone through in an electrifying three-setter against the third pair, emerging victorious 21-14, 18-21, 21-18. Riding this wave of momentum, they edged past the second pair 21-19, 21-13, but their winning streak was halted by the formidable first pair, falling 12-21, 17-21.
Despite Benjamin W (A) battling a shoulder and back injury, he and Jesse H (A) delivered a gutsy performance. They secured dominant wins over the fourth and third pairs (21-11, 21-16 and 21-19, 21-13, respectively). The second pair posed a stern challenge, pushing them to three sets, but they prevailed 21-14, 18-21, 21-18. Their showdown against the first pair was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, narrowly losing in a gripping three-setter 21-16, 9-21, 19-21.
The first pair duo of Yuyao X (H) and Edward Z (F) swiftly dismantled the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd pairs in straight sets: 21-12, 21-8; 21-5, 21-7; 21-7, 21-9. Capping off their performance, they showcased their class against the first pair, sealing a decisive 21-9, 21-13 victory. (Yuyao, X [H])
Sunday 9th February 2025
Fives U18A v RFA Club (h):
Winchester lost by 31 points, 135-166
Sporting quote for the week:
“Talent determines what you can do. Motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Attitude determines how well you do it” Former NCAA and NFL Coach, Lou Holtz
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
11th February 2025
X: @WinCollSports