More sad cricket news
Following on from the news of Rodney March and Shane Warne, we are sad to learn news of Sonny Rahamdin, the West Indies spin bowler who died on 27 February. From very humble beginnings he helped The West Indies win their first test victory in England.
As the first player of Indian heritage to play for the West Indies, he was a beacon for race relations both there and here in UK.
He ended his cricketing career in Lancashire and his grandson Kyle Hogg carries on the cricketing tradition.
Sonny Rahamdin
and more.
With thanks to Nishani Amerasinghe.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
We took eight keen shots from The Pilgrims' School to compete in the Independent Schools Clay Pigeon Shooting Championships 2022 at the prestigious Holland and Holland shooting ground. There were around sixty schools in attendance (both prep and senior). The boys shot four pairs of clays at each trap, over a total of 10 traps. Some traps were incredibly challenging and many experienced adult clay shooters would have struggled with some of the high clays.
The boys looked the part in their country shooting attire and Pilgrims' shooting gilets. They buzzed with enthusiasm, whilst still maintaining an appropriately sensible and pragmatic approach to the day.
All boys shot well, with the top shots being Harrison K, Ollie M and Silas K. I look forward to our trip to the IAPS shooting tournament at the end of April, where I hope to take a third team of shooters.
Thank you to the parent supporters who were in attendance. It was a long way to go, and your support was greatly appreciated.
Mr Orr
Water polo
On Monday, we had the final water polo training and matches – this time with the U10s (Year 5). After learning some basics, we played and there were some entertaining moments. Bertie B tapped the ball out of a Twyford player’s hands and raced down the middle, drawing the defender in a two-on-one with Freddie S. Freddie shot – and scored! But disaster, he had used two hands – a no-no in water polo. However, he learnt from his earlier error and buried his next chance in the back of the net – brilliant!
Edward G also scored when Rupert D-M passed from goal up to his brother, Harry D-M. From Harry’s pass, Edward threw the ball to the goalkeeper’s right – GOAL!
The players all did very well and enjoyed their first taste of water polo.
Congratulations!
Other news
News has reached me that Bertie C of Year 6 has won the Southern Qualifiers in fencing to progress to the British Youth Championships in May in Sheffield – good luck!
Osamede A played for the Prep Schools Lions against Surrey Schools FA last Saturday, at Carrington School, Redhill.
Gabriel O is in action at Shrewsbury School for the ISFA South Central region against the other regions during 2-4 April. The festival is an opportunity to be selected for National U13 ISFA squads. Good luck!
This week...
On Wednesday 30 March, we have team photos. I’d be very grateful if Games kit could be clean - many thanks to doers of laundry in Pilgrims’ households and our Matrons in boarding!
Match Reports v Cheam – Wednesday 9 March 2022
U13 A XIII v Cheam
Lost 15-45 (Hugo S 2, Monty W)
This was another belter of a match with the team showing steady improvement. Nikheel D took the first catch from the kick-off and charged forward, breaking the line with Pilgrims’ opening salvo. It looked like he might score, but he was dragged down by a desperate Cheam defence. And that set the tone; the game continued in a breathless fashion. Cheam scored a couple but were being made to work. That said, the boys must stay awake on the awarding of penalties to the opposition. Guy P slipped a pass to Hugo S with which he broke the line to score. With Pilgrims’ later manufacturing a chance to Monty on the wing, the score was 20-10 at half-time and the team was buzzing.
All played with great character. Christopher H played as if he were 6’7”, bravely running the ball forward at every opportunity. This was true of everyone. Pilgrims’ third try came when Hugo took the catch at the kick-off and charged forward, making light of the Cheam defence to score. Our scrum was solid throughout, taking several against the head. Another performance to be proud of. AJS
U12 A XII v Cheam
Lost 10-45 (Osamede A 2)
This was one of our hardest days at the rugby office against a more aggressive and intense opposition. The boys battled well but could not sustain their efforts for significant periods within the game. However, a couple of well-deserved tries from Osamede A were crafted through dogged determination. AW
Under 12B XII Touch Union v Cheam
Won 50-25 (William G 4, Kelvin R 2, Gabriel D, Thomas R, Timothée H and Michael K)
The under 12s played away against Cheam in a touch union game on a lovely sunny day near Newbury. This game was really the culmination of all our team training and skills training over the last term. William G captained the team and all boys on the field played with passion and enthusiasm.
Colts A IX v Cheam
Lost 30-35 (Neil C 3, Ben A, Bertie W, Arthur H)
This was a very exciting and high scoring game. The Colts A played very well together as a team and were rather unlucky in the end when Cheam got a break away try in the last minute to win. There was much to be pleased with: the tackling was, overall, solid, the passing and running was excellent, organising the defensive line was much improved. However, Cheam won more ball in the rucks, and this was the decisive factor. PB
Colts B IX v Cheam
Lost 65-30 (Tristan S, Fraser N, Nathaniel B (2) George S, William I)
The Colts Bs played a very lively game against Cheam on Wednesday. The first half was a little one-sided with Cheam scoring seven tries to Pilgrims’ one. A hallmark of this group of boys is that they never give up, and this was true of them again on this occasion. They replied with a try of their own at the start of the second half, and then a very even ding-dong of tries saw the rest of the game being very evenly contested. I have been impressed with the growth that these boys have shown over the past few weeks. At this level there can often be times when fixtures are a bit of mismatch, but they have taken this all in their stride and have learnt some very good lessons along the way. I look forward to seeing a strong showing from them in the last two games of the season. CXC
Colts C IX v Cheam
Won 60-50 (James P 8, Ayden C, Lucas B, James H 2)
James had a blinder with eight tries, but this was very much a team effort. Ayden was tackling anything that moved. A close game, but very exciting with lots of tries scored. WB
Foals A VIII v Cheam
Lost 60 – 0
It was a tough afternoon for our boys, but effort was not lacking from each player. Our organisation when defending was superb. On more than one occasion we held up the opposition and prevented tries from being scored. Our strength in the maul and ruck continues to improve, and we were able to win possession back from time to time.
The boys must think about how we use the ball. We run with speed and determination, but we must begin to look to move the ball into space rather than turn into trouble. Charles N and Archie L must be commended for the overall play today. Well done, boys, for all your effort. TMH
Foals B VIII v Cheam
Lost 20-35 (Bertie B 3, Ennis Z)
Despite a poor start, the boys did really well in this game. There was a continuation of improvements in ball retention and rucking, and some great running. There were some good hands and offloads, but the most improved area was the maul. We even scored a try from one!
It is pleasing to see that our defence, especially covering tackles, was better, as was our organisation. A clear indication of this was the score in the second half was three tries apiece.
Well done, boys. Players of the day would have to be Bertie for his finishing and Sam O for his determined running. MDS
Foals Barbarians, Wallabies and All Blacks VIII v Cheam
Tournament
The boys in our Barbarians, Wallabies and All Blacks jumped at the opportunity for another tournament, this attitude made for a great afternoon of rugby. From the first whistle the pace was electric. This intensity continued throughout the three rounds of fixtures. All four sides looked dangerous with ball in hand, finding avenues and gaps in the opposition defence to exploit. Seth T, Elijah A and Cole H all rampaged down the pitch, resulting in a deserved try or two. Although we leaked a couple of tries, our defensive play had certainly tightened up. I was proud of how the boys rose up to the physical challenge, getting stuck in at the breakdown. Miss-tackles from both teams, coupled with some impressive offloads, kept the ball alive and opened up the game. Our teams should be proud of their efforts, especially their evasive running and drive to go forwards. Well done. MTG
U9 A VII v Cheam
Won 40 – 35
Pilgrims’ started slowly in this match and fell behind in the first phase of play. On realising they were up against a very strong side they woke themselves up and got to work. Farid was too hot to handle for Cheam and scored three tries, while Patrick and Elliot also caused problems for the opposition. Barney epitomised the true spirit and determination of this team, playing with an injured knee and a knock to the leg, he continued to tackle and work with the heart of a lion before running out of steam. Theo came into the team and his assets of powerful running and well-timed tackles helped keep Cheam at bay before Archie scored the winning try!
The U9s march on! JB
U9 B VII v Cheam
Lost 70– 50 (Eddie Q 4, Austin S 3, Daniel G 2, James Y)
Pilgrims', as ever, looked dangerous with the ball in hand, and the team has shown great signs of improvement with our running, passing down the line and general ball handling. Some great footwork from Austin, James and Boris, in particular, showed how this team is developing its strength in attack. However, again, tackling proved to be the sticking point and we made it all too easy for the opposition to make ground from the restart. We will work on this going forwards, but never be afraid and know that games are won through strength in defence. Well played, all. CAL
U9 All Blacks VII v Cheam
Won 50-45
Cheam welcomed us on Wednesday for an eagerly awaited fixture. Mr Rainer was excited to see if the boys could build on their much-improved performance last Saturday against Twyford. He was not disappointed. The start was excellent and Pilgrims’ got ahead 2-1 our tackling much improved. However, Cheam’s hospitality didn’t last that long as they came back to lead 3-2 with some excellent tackling which saw them turn over the ball on 8 occasions throughout the match. Pilgrims’ came back again to lead 4-3 but eventually went into half-time 5-4 down. The message was clear and simple - ’run hard and tackle’. The boys responded superbly in the second half where the lead was to change hands on two further occasions. The scores were tied at 9-9 and the referee, who had an excellent game, called ‘this will be the last play gentlemen!’. Roared on by what must have seemed a crown of thousands, Pilgrims’ needed one last push. Davis was to find a gap and run as quick and as hard as he had all day. We held our breath as he eventually went over for the match winning try and as the whistle went everyone, including the Cheam and Pilgrims’ parents, cheered for what had been an outstanding day. Alex had his first as captain. While it seems wrong to single out an individual in what is a team game, Davis did score eight tries and the winner and rightly deserves his man of match! Mr Rainer left a happy man and dreamt that Wales would score 10 tries against Frances 9 on Friday to ensure a perfect week of rugby............... TWR
U9 Wallabies VII v Cheam
Won 55 – 10
Fast-running rugby was the aim for the game against Cheam, and I am glad to report that fast-running rugby was exactly what we achieved. Tries came rolling in, all thanks to the quick outside channel runners. A try was even scored from a clearance kick regathered by Pilgrims' and dotted down in the corner. The confidence showed by our boys indicated significant improvement from previous games. Running with the ball and looking to make passes also indicated better awareness on the field. The game was enjoyed by both the boys and the parents who were watching from the side-lines. JU
Match Reports v Papplewick – Saturday 12 March 2022
U13 A XIII v Papplewick
Lost 35 – 0
This Pilgrims’ team continued to be abrasive and combative in this match. Unfortunately, Papplewick had some big quick players - one in particular. “Is he a coach?” one of our team wondered....
Once again, our boys showed massive heart. Christopher H produced one of the most memorable defensive plays of the season when he held up the aforementioned strike player over the try line to deny the score. To a man, we put in a valiant performance. AJS
U12A XII v Papplewick
Lost 40 - 5 (Osamede A)
Missing six regular A team players, and only able to field eleven on pitch, this was a difficult away trip. Despite this, we started brightly with plenty of go forward possession, moving the ball well through the backs, but we were unable to get on the scoreboard. Papplewick had a couple of strong runners who quickly made an impression when they found the slightest chunk in our defences. This was the pattern throughout the match with our lads failing to make inroads and our hosts, seemingly at will, making big breaks and scoring frequently. We managed a consolation try towards the end; just reward for our endeavour. AW
Under 12B XII Touch Union v Papplewick
Lost 25-15
The Under 12s were on the road for a second time this week, this time against Papplewick. We were depleted in numbers and missing a few key players, but our boys rose to the challenge and did not let this hold them back. By half-time, we were winning 10 - 5. However, due to slightly tired legs in what was a very physical game, Papplewick were able to get the win in the second half. There were some great plays both in attack and defence and an incredible try from Orson S. DBO
Colts A IX v Papplewick
Lost 5 – 45 (Arthur H)
Papplewick were a very skilful and physical team. They read the game well and knew how to keep their opponents on the back foot. However, despite the score line, the game was not as one-sided as it appears. Arthur H managed to catch a wonderful interception to get Pilgrims’ on the scoreboard first. At which point Papplewick looked flustered; this was not in their script! It took Papplewick about ten minutes to regain their momentum during which Pilgrims’ looked the better side. It was, in fact, the best display of passing and running that Pilgrims’ mustered all season. However, soon enough, Papplewick’s physical presence and their knowledge of the game began to win them the edge. They pounced on several very flat passes to run in interception tries of their own and their defending was too strong for Pilgrims’ to break through. Nevertheless, it was a brave performance by Pilgrims’ against a very good team. PB
Colts B IX v Papplewick
Lost 5 – 55 (William I)
Saturday’s fixture against Papplewick was played with wonderful sportsmanship. Papplewick was notably the stronger team and ran through a few quick tries at the start of the game, which were left unanswered in the first half. A few adjustments were made to the numbers in the Papplewick team, and this then allowed the Pilgrims’ boys some room to express themselves on the field and make use of the space that this created. The Colts Bs have looked strong when they have forced their opponents to turn around and chase the ball, which has made up for the difference in size between them and their opponents during the season. They have learnt to capitalise on this a bit more and make use of their quicker players to secure the loose ball, and gain ground through some running rugby. The second half of the game saw one try scored by William I. We look forward to a tighter game against Cothill on Wednesday. CXC
Colts C IX v Papplewick
Lost 50-5 (Ayden C)
A tough match this, but the boys battled hard. Ayden’s try came in the second half from broken play and was a fine individual effort. We regroup for the next match. WB
Foals A VIII v Papplewick
Lost 45-10 (Jacob H, Bertie B)
Pilgrims’ Foals battled hard at the weekend, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. Papplewick were a strong running side, showing a good change of pace to cut through the defence. Our boys showed heart and came away with two deserved tries. Bertie B lead the offensive line; his direct running enabling him to find holes in the opposition’s defensive line. Pilgrims’ created enough chances, but our decision-making in the final third and difficulty in making that final pass into space meant we were unable to capitalise on possession and close the gap. Keep up your efforts; and well done. MTG
Foals B VIII v Papplewick
Lost 30-25
A tale of two halves. Papplewick were excellent in the first half running away literally with it as they scored time and time again to go into a 4-1 lead. The half time team centred around one simple point to focus on for the second half: tackle! This was listened to, heard and boy what an impact. Tackle after tackle was made, Pilgrims’ regained the ball time and time again, and were to win this period 4-2. Not enough to win the match, but an excellent effort. The main takeaways for the team were a) to get out of the blocks quickly and b) tackle anything that moves and is not in a Pilgrims’ shirt.
Foals Barbarians, Wallabies and All Blacks VIII v Papplewick
Tournament
Pilgrims’ came into the game against Papplewick full of energy and in high spirits. Although the score line may suggest a rather one-sided contest in the favour of Papplewick, there were phases of play where the boys in green really showed some promise. In the defence aspects, many boys showed some heart and gave it their all until the end. I am pleased to see some improvement, not only in terms of skill, but in confidence on the field and with ball in hand. Spatial awareness did let us down in the end; not identifying space on the field on attack cost us several try scoring opportunities. All in all, with the progress shown, I can gladly say that I am pleased with the boys. JU
U9 A VII v Papplewick
Draw 35 – 35
The fixture at Papplewick was an important one, as the boys knew a win would give them a 100% record for the season! The match started in fine fashion with Patrick B scoring two delightful tries in the first few minutes, to put Pilgrims’ into the lead. Papplewick were strong, but Pilgrims’ had the edge over them for the duration of the match and were the better side. Papplewick did, however, claw their way back into the match. With a bit more luck on our side, perhaps the boys would have got they win they deserved. The draw meant that the boys have gone unbeaten all season! An astonishing achievement, given the standard of teams we have played against. Congratulations to you all! JB
U9 B VII v Papplewick
Lost 50– 25 (Austin 2, James, Boris, Eddy)
The boys knew that going into this match there were three things they needed to focus on: tackling, tackling and tackling, and I’m pleased to report that each boy delivered. A strong defence, led from the front as ever by an enthusiastic Boris, kept the pressure on a strong opposition with an average height of at least 3 metres tall per boy. Pilgrims' looked at the best of their game with some excellent running from James and Austin; particularly Austin’s demon, one-footed sprint along the touch line, for which he was awarded man-of-the-match by the opposition. An extremely encouraging way to end the season, boys. Well done. CAL
Match Reports v Cothill – Wednesday 16 March 2022
U13 A XIII v Cothill
Lost (Gabriel O)
This was a good match on the very fine 1st team pitch at Cothill. Refereed by Radley’s Director of Sport, James Gaunt, the script of the match was much as it has been all term – a dogged, courageous performance from the Pilgrims’ team. The weather was challenging – as wet as it is possible to be – which added to the Dunkirk spirit of the occasion. The Pilgrims’ team cannot be faulted. Both schools had large squads, with many rotations of players. Gabriel scored for the visitors, with a characteristically evasive run. AJS
U12 and Foals v Cothill – cancelled due to waterlogged pitches
Colts A IX v Cothill
Lost 10 – 25 (Olly P, Neil C)
The Colts A were in fine form on this horrendously rainy, windy and cold day. To take to the pitch and play with gusto in such conditions takes real courage and character. Thankfully, these qualities were not lacking in Pilgrims' Colts A. As well as the weather, Pilgrims’ faced tough opponents. Cothill were a big and physical side. However, they were not as well organised as Pilgrims’. Nevertheless, Pilgrims’ had a hard afternoon of tackling and rucking. Pilgrims’ won plenty of good ball, but Cothill were always up so fast in defence that they could do little with it. At the end of the day, Cothill had the home advantage and made the most of it. PB
Colts B IX v Cothill
Lost 20 – 60 (Fraser N, Nathaniel B, Tristan S, Cameron J)
The final games of the season took place at Cothill in freezing conditions. The boys must be commended for their positive approach to this game and for giving of their best in very trying conditions. The first half belonged to Cothill, who scored seven tries in the first half. The Colts Bs struggled to gain momentum, and cold hands often led to last second fumbles. The second half saw our boys come alive a little, and they played with a lot more confidence. The hallmark of this Colts team is their ability to run with the ball in hand, and when allowed to play their natural game, they can catch any opposition by surprise. The Pilgrim’s boys ran in four tries in the second half and deserve high praise for their never-say-die attitude. I have enjoyed coaching this team this season, and I look forward to watching their continued growth as players. CXC
Colts C IX v Cothill
Lost (James H)
James H scored the only Pilgrims’ try on this dour day with the weather. He committed to an insane run, stepping through the entire Cothill defence. Brilliant to see and a fine effort from the team considering the conditions. WB
Colts D IX v Cothill
Lost 55-40
The mighty Colts Ds stepped out of the coach into challenging conditions with the rain pouring and the wind brisk. But their spirits were high, and we were very excited. We were invited to play tag rugby, and I was delighted to see our boys had to chase the pink tags. From the first whistle, our boys spread out well, and communicated with each other. In the first half, Hobart made two excellent runs and scored two brilliant tries, and Alfie scored a fantastic third try. This led us to a score of 3-4 to Cothill at half time. We held a jolly, encouraging team talk at half time and we discussed some good tactics. They went back on, persisting as well as the rain, keen to give it their all. Yan found some excellent spaces to run into and scored three skilful tries, and Hobart continued his success of the first half and scored a further two magnificent tries. We saw some excellent passing between Harry and Sam, and Sam also captained brilliantly. Both teams gave their best and we were just pipped to the post in the last few minutes. I felt very proud of all the boys, and we had a brilliant afternoon together. Well done! GV (Thank you for accompanying the team, Madame! AJS)
U9 Mixed A/B VIIs v Cothill
A (red) v Cothill
Won 20 – 15
Pilgrims' showed a great attitude in the driving rain! Ball handling and slick passing proved tricky, but the boys continued to show excellent running and some super tries were scored. Cothill proved a tough test and scored a few of their own, but some strong tackles and an improving defensive line kept them at bay. Elliot N impressed, and Pilgrims’ got a deserved win. JB
A (red) v B (green)
Draw 20-20
A fitting result demonstrating the strength and depth in the Year 4 squad. Perfectly even throughout and played in good spirit. Once again, the ball carrying was excellent. Archie W this time scoring freely. James Y impressed, tackling with good technique and Eddie Q also showed great tenacity and determination.
Well done boys! JB
U9 All Blacks & Wallabies VII v Cothill
The rain fell……… And fell some more……. And more………. So it was that Pilgrims' set off wondering if a swimming or water polo match would be contested instead of rugby. Arriving, we were to be welcomed by a wonderful host and treated to wet but terrific pitches.
All Blacks v Cothill
Won 25-15
The All Blacks, roared on by several hardy souls who had travelled from Hampshire up north, put in a terrific display tackling hard and running well. At the beginning of time Noah built an ark to keep the rising waters out. Today it was Noah’s tackling that kept the invading Cothill players at bay. Some excellent running with ball in hand and super offloading gave Pilgrims' a deserved win. The wettest day this term and a long journey were rewarded by excellent hosts, a great win, and a super match tea. Mr Rainer was last spotted on the bus asleep and dreaming that his beloved Wales could play as well as this……
Wallabies v Cothill
Won 25-20
Mr Walters was the guest coach for today and as is often the case in professional sport, a change can deliver quick results! So it was, as the Wallabies set about Cothill with determination and skill. While the match was evenly contested, Pilgrims' were to nudge ahead and stay there, courtesy of Edward’s hat-trick. The boys had an excellent day and have improved immeasurably in the last few weeks.
All Blacks v Wallabies
The scene was set: Pilgrims' v Pilgrims' as the boys had a second game this afternoon. Mr Rainer and Mr Walters shook hands and a small quiet wager of ‘dinner for the winner’ was agreed. Sasha, Harry and Finn did the damage in attack. Noah, again impressive in defence, along with George kept the All Blacks ahead. Roared on by a clearly hungry Mr Rainer and several bemused parents, the All Blacks ran out winners and before Mr Rainer fell asleep in the bus, he was spotted booking ‘The Ivy’ in the name of Mr Walters. TWR (Thanks for accompanying the team, Mr Walters! AJS)
Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s Friday 25 March 2022
We departed early on Friday morning to make the journey up to south London for the National School 7s – a huge tournament which had been running all week, encompassing girls and boys teams across the age groups.
The prep schools’ tournament comprised ten pools, each with six teams. Each pool ran as a self-contained tournament with no progression to any kind of knockout phase.
Results:
v St Hugh’s lost 25-15 (Hugo S, Gabriel O 2)
v Beaudesert lost 30-15 (Felix C, Oliver K 2)
v Newland House drew 15-15 (Felix C, Gabriel O 2)
v Lord Wandsworth College lost 20-15 (Nikheel D, Ray C, Gabriel O)
v Brighton College lost 25-15 (Nikheel D, Ray C, Gabriel O)
All the games were close and hard-fought. We were pleased to get the draw with Newland and disappointed that the LWC match got away from us. Nevertheless, the team really enjoyed being at the event, savouring the scale of it and wandering over to see the U18s in action in between matches. The boys played some fantastic rugby 7s and had a day to remember. AJS
Inter Set Touch Union – Saturday 26 March 2022
In this final weekend of term, the Set teams took the field for this rugby competition in all year groups from Year 4 and up. My thanks to the Sport staff for officiating. There was lots of good rugby and sportsmanship on display – well done boys!
Results:
U13 – Monks
U12 – Romans
Colts – Normans
Foals – Wrens
U9 – Wrens
Andrew Short
Director of Sport
