There is so much sport to watch on TV at the moment, especially with the Winter Olympics. It’s always great to watch this huge variety of disciplines from the fun of the snowboard cross to the focus of curling and everything in between. The boarders were watching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday- although they didn’t stay up to see Senegal beat Egypt on penalties, it got a bit late... Then, of course, the Six Nations has just started. The Calcutta Cup match also caused great excitement and, depending on who you ask, the right team won (yes, well done Mrs Bailey and Mr Leslie).
This week...
This afternoon we have three teams of cross-country runners at Horris Hill and look forward to bringing you news of their endeavours next week.
Tomorrow, all U10s and U11s (Years 5 & 6) are involved in a festival at home with Forres Sandle Manor visiting. Unfortunately, Covid has affected Year 7 & 8 fixtures, and you may have seen the email sent out related to this.
On Saturday, we play Twyford from U9 (Year 4) up.
On Sunday, Fives makes its first competitive re-appearance since the pandemic struck.
On Monday evening, some U11s have an opportunity for water polo at Twyford.
Congratulations to...
George C and Gabriel O, of Year 8, gained sports awards to their senior schools. Congratulations!
Osamede A, who represented the Prep School Lions A squad against Chelsea Academy recently. The match, played at nearby Perins School finished 3-3.
Match Reports
U13A v Westbourne House
Lost 60-5 (Nikhil D)
On a truly glorious day, the U13As made the long trip to Westbourne. Though the score looks disappointing, the boys played really well, and I was very proud of how they approached the match. For Pilgrims’ it was our first competitive fixture, and we were missing some key players (including the captain); Westbourne had already played a number of fixtures and have a strong team this year. It is true that they had some wonderful runners, but our commitment was high and in the first half our handling was far better than Westbourne's. Indeed, in many of the key phases of play (scrums, rucks, mauls) we gradually gained the upper hand. However, whenever the ball went out wide, Westbourne clearly had the advantage, and they made the most of it. Our boys tired in the second half and one of the reasons for the width in the score was an inability to keep our levels up. The boys will learn much from this match, and it will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the season. ASD
U12A Rugby v Westbourne House
Lost 20 – 40 (Osamede A 2, Dominic K-S, Toby L)
The boys equipped themselves well against a strong Westbourne team, especially in the second half. Again we are playing well in patches but are struggling to remain consistent in our skill execution. Westbourne exploited the space out wide and punished our missed tackles. Our second half performance, one of doggedness and resilience, was a real positive. AW
1st VII v Walhampton
Won 4-2 (Silas K 4)
The 1st VII were tasked with playing with greater intensity and energy than they started the previous match, and it was pleasing to see some signs of improvement in this department. The second objective was to play the ball out wide with confident strong passing; this will continue to be an element to develop, as some of the passing continues to lack pace and accuracy. That said, the commitment of the team could not be faulted in this match. Despite the ball still being played too much down the middle, enough chances were created by Pilgrims’ to win comfortably in the second half. Every player made a positive contribution, but special mention to Silas K for his four goals and to Harrison K. who made some fine and important saves in both halves.
Unfortunately, fixtures through the rest of the school were affected by Covid.
U9 A v Stroud & Prince’s Mead
On an afternoon of coaching matches, Pilgrims' proved too strong for Stroud and Prince's Mead. The games were played in good spirit with boys learning lots and improving all the time. Patrick B found his form and ran brilliantly to score his first tries of the season. Austin S came into the team, showed excellent ball handling, and scored a couple of tries himself. The boys as a collective are playing some excellent stuff already this season! Well done, chaps. JB
U9 B V Stroud & Prince’s Mead
Our first triangular fixture against Stroud and Prince's Mead proved a different type of competition for our young team. A comfortable win against Stroud was helped heavily by some excellent ball-carrying from James Y and a ‘well-enforced’ backline spearheaded by Rufus from the No9 position. Fading energies and tiredness were possibly behind the following loss to Prince's Mead, having played at this point three matches in the space of two days. Another very encouraging display though from a team that is only growing in confidence. Well done. CAL.
U13A XIII v Farleigh
Lost 50-25 (Hugo S 2, Gabriel O 2, Rufus B)
An error-strewn start gifted Farleigh a few easy tries. However, as we settled, the Pilgrims’ boys were very competitive both in defence and attack. There were some fine examples of continuity and ball retention leading to attacking opportunities on either wing. On the other hand, with Farleigh on the attack, the defence was much more robust, with tackles going in regardless of field position and nothing given up as a lost cause. This was a game played in fine spirit with much to encourage going forward. AJS
U12A Rugby v Farleigh
Lost 5 – 45 (Thomas R)
Ironically, we played our best rugby, yet came away with our heaviest defeat. Continuity and ball retention was much improved and our willingness to move the ball wide demonstrated the progress that the boys are making. We miss too many tackles and that makes life really difficult playing on the back foot. Credit must go to the opposition who never allowed us time or space; this always creates pressure and ultimately forces errors. Once again, the boys maintained their effort until the end, despite the overwhelming scoreline. AW
Foals A v Farleigh
Lost 45-10 (Jacob H and Alfie L)
Pilgrims’ came across a physical and well drilled side in Farleigh at the weekend. Farleigh ran well with the ball, passing well and running from depth. It took our boys a few minutes to adjust to the physical nature of the fixture, but they stepped up to the challenge. The defensive line was lead by Alfie L who put his body (nose) on the line for the team. I was proud of everyone’s effort and attitude towards the fixture – never backing down and staying in the fight. A couple of handling errors on the opposition try line could have helped to bridge the gap. Pilgrims’ showed real intent and were unlucky not to have gone over the line on more occasions. Farleigh were ultimately too strong with several unreplied-to tries towards the end of the game. The Foals A should hold their heads high; a courageous effort against strong opponents. MTG
U9 A v Farleigh
Won 12 – 3
U9 A v Stroud
Won 11 – 3
The U9 A team welcomed Rufus M and Farid A to the squad for this fixture and both performed brilliantly. Pilgrims’ were once again fast out of the blocks with numerous tries in quick succession. Not only were the tries impressive, but the tackles were also of top quality, nullifying any potential threat that Farleigh posed.
The same occurred against Stroud. Pilgrims’ were made to work hard in this fixture by a tenacious Stroud team, but the quality of the Pilgrims’ boys came through.
An excellent afternoon. JB
U9 B v Farleigh
Won 6 – 3
U9 A v Stroud
Won 4 – 1
An ever-improved performance from a side growing more confident and technically talented with every minute they play. Christian commanded well from the front and led by example with some devastating tackles. We also welcomed our latest recruit Seb W who performed excellently in both games. The team was warned about over-confidence following our victory over Farleigh just earlier that week, but if anything, this was an even more convincing performance and even more lessons had been learnt since our last fixture. Unlike in previous triangular fixtures, the team showed great stamina by playing through for the full length of both games and were deserved of both results. Well played all, bring on next week. CAL.
Below: U13s in action at Farleigh
Andrew Short
Director of Sport