U13 A/B v Stroud Home
20 Over Match
Pilgrims’ won by 7 wickets
Stroud 81 all out (Olli J 3-15, Ben H 2-5, Walter B 2-11)
Pilgrims’ 82-3 (Ben H 25*)

A very assured performance in the field from the boys restricted Stroud to 81 from 20 overs. Two early wickets from Ben H in the third over gave the boys momentum and confidence. The fielding was of a much better quality than recently, good stops and catches were the hallmark of our 20 overs in the field. We bowled Stroud out in the final over with Olli J taking 3-5 in his second spell. Our batting was measured and efficient on the whole. Ben H anchored the innings with a secure 25*. Ivo C (11) and Tom G (16) helped the cause. Add on 20 extras and we were comfortably home in the 13th over. AW

U13B XI vs Stroud Home
20 Over Pairs Match
Pilgrims' won by 70 runs
Stroud 230 for 12
Pilgrims' 300 for 5

As Gerald quite rightly said afterwards, 'It was fun and entertaining!' The Pilgrims' side enjoyed a good match with Stroud. The team fizzed with possibility and were on the front foot throughout. Fielding first, we restricted Stroud quite tightly with several wickets which hampered their progress. In reply, in the pairs format, the boys batted well to reach their winning score. Throughout, the game was played in the true spirit of cricket. AJS

U12B XI v Stroud Away
20 Over Match
Pilgrims’ won by 8 wickets
Stroud 44 all out (14 overs)
Pilgrims 45-2 (8.3 overs)

On a perfect cricketing afternoon, Pilgrims' travelled the short distance down to Wellington Sports Ground to meet Stroud. As we were playing Stroud's 2nd XI, our number was bolstered by some A team players, so our line up from a batting and bowling perspective looked strong. We elected to bowl first, with Nikheel D and Ollie R sharing the new ball. Both bowled probing spells, but Stroud's captain, having seen off a maiden from Nikheels D's first over started to find his range and he batted well to retire at 25. Thereafter, it became relatively processional; Laurie S bowled beautifully, starting with a double wicket maiden, and the quality of our bowling meant that wickets fell at regular intervals, with runs remaining hard to come by. The only blot from a fielding perspective were a couple of shelled catches, but chasing a notional 45 never looked like being a problem, despite both Laurie and Alex B falling cheaply early on. Hugo S and Guy P, who was excellent behind the stumps and assured when driving the ball, saw us home with ease to round of a very successful victory. Well done to all - a great way to end the first half of term. WD

Colts B v Stroud Away
16 Over Match
Pilgrims’ lost by 56 runs
Stroud 151-2
Pilgrims’ 95-7

The Colts B’s had a wonderful outing to Wellington Sports Ground for their fixture against Stroud yesterday. The boys have progressed in leaps and bounds, and yesterday's performance was a sound improvement on the game before. Stroud won the toss and elected to bat first. Their batsmen scored with ease and managed to set the Pilgrims' boys a target of 151 for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 16 overs. Both wickets were taken off the bowling of Kelsey M. The score is very flattering for Stroud, as 'Extras' was once again the biggest contributor to their score. The Pilgrims' boys struggled to get off the mark at the start of their innings, but as they relaxed, the runs started to come. One of the highlights of the innings was a beautifully struck four off a full toss by Alastair C, who displayed some wonderful batting potential. The team managed to bat out the full 16 overs and scored 95 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Stroud therefore won the game by 56 runs. The Colts B’s must be commended for the spirit in which the game was played and for displaying fine sportsmanship. CC

Foals Lords vs Stroud Away
15 Over Pairs Match
Pilgrim's won by 70 runs
Stroud 178
Pilgrims' 248

This was a good change of pace after two tough games. Always great to see all boys bowl and bat. Bowling first, everyone did well, but special mention must be made of Fraser N and Michael F for great accuracy and wicket taking. Keeping Stroud to a negative score meant we were ahead in the game. When batting, we did so calmly and intelligently on a very difficult pitch. George S and Michael F got us off to good start, supported then well by Olly P, Seb B, Tristan S, James P and Ben A. In the end, it was a comfortable win. A big thanks to Stroud for giving us a good match. MS

Foals Oval v Stroud Away
Soft Ball Pairs
20 overs Match
Pilgrims' 310
Stroud 283

Pilgrims' opted to bat first and got off to a slow start. Although there was an improvement in decision-making with running between the wickets, the boys struggled to take advantage of a small boundary. The middle order clicked into gear and started to strike the ball well, Edward J and Louis B notched 32 as a partnership to get the ball rolling. More runs followed and Pilgrims’ climbed to 310 runs. Pilgrims’ then took to the field and again started slowly. The first two pairings for Stroud scored well and looked as if they could take the win if they continued the run rate. Pilgrims’ however, clicked into gear once again. The bowling improved, Nathaniel B, Minwoo C and Louis M took fantastic catches and John G bowled a fantastic last over to seal the win! A wonderful afternoon with a deserved victory! JB

Foals Ageas X v Stroud Away
Pairs Match
Pilgrims’ won by 14 runs
Stroud 310
Pilgrims’ 324

Pilgrims' went into bat first and made many good runs by making the most of every opportunity. An innings of 324 was their best of the season so far. Stroud's bowling was good in places but quite erratic. However, Stroud's batting game was much better than their bowling. They chased Pilgrims' until the very last ball. The final over was especially exciting with Stroud chasing 30 and hitting 16 off the first three balls. Thankfully for Pilgrims', George S bowled very well keeping Stroud on the back foot just long enough. PB