Thank you to the Harman family for their support and taking videos/pictures.
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Saturday, 12 April 2014
Cricket (Match 2) v Combined Schools
Today they faced the Antigua Combined Schools, and they were in for a real treat in terms of the venue. The game was played at the Antigua Recreational Ground which until 2009 was a West Indian Test and ODI ground. The ground is renowned as a superb batting pitch and saw both of Brian Lara's record breaking innings of 375 and 400not out (both against a sunburnrt England!).
Captain Harry Ibbitson lost the toss and the home side chose to make the pasty Englishmen take to the field in the midday sun. The Shiplake bowlers struggled for consistency on an excellent pitch and the Combined schools scored 202-5 from their 25 overs. Harry (5-1-17-0) bowled excellently but without luck bit did manage to halt the oppositions high run rate for a time. Each of Tom McCooke, Alex Bradley, Ruaridh Scott, Oliver May and Callum Boyd picked up a wicket.
The Shiplake response started well with Ed Farrar (8) striking two lusty blows to the boundary. Meanwhile Callum Boyd was busy accumulating on route to an aggressive 53. Captain Harry struggled to 7 before being bowled and then Oliver May scored 21 in a partnership of 63 with Callum. A flurry of wickets saw the score move from 99-2 to 123-7 before a late flurry from Tom McCooke (35 not out) and Alex Bradley (13 not out) taking us to 161-7 from our 25 overs.
Callum Boyd was named Shiplakes man of the match (above) for his 53 and also a useful bowling spell (1-19).
A 41 run loss but an enjoyable and competitive game at an incredible venue. No cricket tomorrow but two more games on Monday and Tuesday to look forward to.
Tennis (Match 2) v Halcyon TC
With a few clouds in the sky and a cooling, coastal breeze, the tennis squad was hoping that today was their chance to turn up the heat on our opposition. Mr. Mallins even made a small wager with the opposition; if they won they would be given a prize, if they lost they would have to sing the Antiguan national anthem.
It was obvious from the start that our confidence was high and the standard of tennis was much improved from our last match.
Sichel and Horsfall had worked on their serves in training and they were forcing the opposition to make some tricky returns. Sichel won his singles match posting our first victory of the tour, closely followed by Nicheli who came through a tough match to win 6-4.
Balchin's aims was to be more consistent and move around the court, and judging by the sweat in his cap, and the temper tantrums of his opposite man, he achieved them.
After being all square after the singles and then 2 behind after that first round of doubles, we needed 2 wins to draw the fixture. Unfortunately we missed some big shots on some big points and lost both, to finish the match 6-2. The opposition graciously accepted their prize and we were once again left frustrated that we had been so close to the first tour victory.
We meet the same opposition on Monday and we hope that the Antiguan National anthem will be heard loudly come 2pm.
Netball Match Report by Sophie Arnold
However after having experienced the diversity of their game, we were ready to challenge their aggression.
Team - Meg GS, Sophie GA, Beth WA, Libby C, Emily WD, Alice GD and Stacie GK, Res Eleanor.
First quarter, we all felt effected by the sun and heat, and gave away 4 goals due to poor passing and missed shots, only managing to score one goal.
After a team talk, we decided a change of positions was in order. Alice now GS, Emily GD and Eleanor WD.
In the second quarter the concentration in defence improved.
Stacie, Emily and Eleanor communicated well and blocked the GA out the shooting circle.
The defence tipped many balls but were unable to keep possession on the centre passes resulting in Antigua's score climbing, the score at half time 13-4 to Antigua.
The next two quarters, we knew we had to change the attack and found a way, Alice holding in the circle, Libby, Beth and Sophie working the ball with short sharp passing around the D.
We intercepted multiple balls taking the advantage and swiftly passing it down to the goal circle and finally getting the shots in.
The final score 23-12 to Antigua.
Although having lost our second game, the team feel more prepared and determined to challenge the Antigens in our next match, hopefully being a evening match the heat will be more bearable.
Friday, 11 April 2014
Lucky Hairstyle
In preparation for their first cricket fixture, Callum Boyd and Tom Mockridge (Year 13) decided to go for a lucky new hairstyle courtesy of a local Antiguan lady on the beach of our resort.
$2 a braid may sound a bit steep, but Callum went on to score 43 in an excellent display of batting. (We won't mention what the braids did for Tom, quack quack)
Cricket (Match 1) v Evergreen CC
The cricketers had an extra day to wait after arrival for their first game, but after a fielding session the evening before and then an early morning net session on the day of the match, they were ready for their first game against the Evergreen club.
Based at the cricket ground within the hotel complex, the club is a local cricket academy with a history of producing good players.
Captain Harry Ibbitson won the toss and chose to bat on what looked a reasonable surface. Ed Farrar and Callum Boyd opened the batting and despite some scares, played well and compiled an opening partnership of 100 before Callum was dismissed for 42. Shortly after Ed was caught for 43 but Harry then took over the anchor role scoring a controlled and well constructed 42 before a top edge was well caught at point. The remaining batsmen struggled as the opening bowlers returned and the score limped to 184-9 from 30 overs.
After a quick tea break it was time to defend a score that was a little below par but certainly defendable. Alex Bradley bowled well with fellow opener Ruaridh Scott picking up an early wicket from an inside edge. Captain Harry bowled well to take 2 wickets in w balls before finishing his 5 over spell with figures of 2-31. The opposition number 5 proved to be quite a player blasting 64 not out from 38 balls to ensure the home team won by 7 wickets and with 6 overs to spare.
A good performance but lots to work on ahead of the next game (tomorrow).
Presentation of Shiplake ties to Evergreen's captain and man of the match (above)
Netball match report by Libby Harman
On Thursday 10th April we played the U16's Antiguan Team at the YMCA Stadium.
The start of the first quarter Shiplake went out with a fighting attitude despite the heat and the considerably big difference in size of our opposition, we quickly realised that we were in for a tough match.
Our defence, Alice White, Emily Holloway and Stacie Molot held their own and stayed strong, the interceptions were rare because of the oppositions high passing, we only managed to score 1 against Antigua's 4.
In the second quarter we managed to gain 4 more goals which was achieved by our attacking players Beth Jones, Sophie Arnold and Libby Harman taking their time and travelling down the court, slowing down the play.
We worked on controlling the ball and keeping to short sharp passes which meant Meg Barron-Cutts and Sophie Arnold scored a further 5 goals.
Sadly this wasn't enough to catch up with our strong opponents who managed a total score of 23 to our 10.
It was a great game and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We feel that as a team we have learned a lot and will work on improvements for our next game on Saturday.
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