Having said our final goodbyes to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we remember that The Pilgrims’ School was lucky enough to receive the royals on Wolvesey as part of their visit to Winchester in 1955.
This week, the Under 8s and 9s have already played Stroud, Romsey in football matches. On Wednesday, we have Inter-Set matches on Wolvesey playing fields for most in Years 4 and up. (Year 4 will play in a mixed Set festival format).
The 1st XI travel to Hall Grove School for the OSCAR tournament.
Colts A VII travel to Oakmoor Secondary School, Bordon, to play Greatham Primary School in the first round of the Hampshire Schools FA Cup competition. Please note, kick-off is scheduled for 1530.
Sailing remains on at SWAC, Southampton.
Year 3 have Forest School.
On Saturday, we have a very full block of fixtures with Cothill. Indeed, seven senior teams, encompassing all in Years 7 & 8, are in action with all Colts and all Foals. All Under 9s will be selected across two squads for the Stroud U9 Football Tournament at Wellington Sports Ground on the outskirts of Southampton.
Images from the Football Festival at the start of term.
Monday 12 September
ISFA Shield
1st XI v Cumnor House
Lost 5-0
Pilgrims’ performed well despite the score line in their first fixture of the season. A 1st half that Pilgrims’ edged in terms of chances created and quality of football was unfortunately undone by conceding 2 minutes before the half-time whistle just seconds after our boys had a clear chance to go ahead. After the break the boys started positively, fully aware that they were unfortunate to be trailing, another good chance was missed and then a funny 5 minutes where Pilgrims’ lost focus at the back, and suddenly it was 4! Pilgrims' continued to perform well in the final 15 minutes and always looked like scoring. A header from a corner skimmed over the bar, shots from the edge of the box tested the keeper and pace down the flanks caused mayhem for their defenders, but Pilgrims’ lacked the final finish. With the last few minutes remaining, Cumnor house again skipped through a few tackles and got their 5th goal. An unfortunate score line that did not reflect the quality of the team's performance. JB
Wednesday 14 September
1st XI v Horris Hill
Won 6-1 (Kunfayo O 3, Thomas Ri 2, William G)
A super performance this one! On a beautifully sunny and still day, we started strongly. Trying out a new 3-4-3 formation, the defence started particularly encouragingly, looking solid and alert. Kunfayo O and Osamede A looked a constant threat up front, and with Thomas Ri and Captain Toby L pulling the strings, it wasn’t long before we were fully on top at 2-0 through goals by Kunfayo O and Thomas Ri. Most encouragingly our wide players worked super hard to get up and back, and Rory K was outstanding in the centre of the field operating as a shield for the back three. The second half say more of the same really, plenty of chances created (poor Osamede created a hatful but just couldn’t get on the score sheet – strikers have days like that). Kunfayo O completed a well-deserved hattrick and a further goal for Thomas Ri, and a delightful chipped effort from William G meant that the game was comfortably won. Well done, a fabulous way to start the regular season. ASD
1st XI v Horris Hill
2nd XI v Horris Hill
Won 8-0 (George S 3, Olly P 2, Arthur H, Orlando S, Rohan F)
There is always an element of the unknown ahead of the first match of the season. How will we match up competitively? Will we get stuck in and try and play football? And crucially, how big will the opposition be? After a fairly hectic start, we began to dominate both possession and territory and were rewarded with an early goal, George S displaying good awareness in the box to get his first of a well deserved hat trick during the game. Thereafter, we took advantage of our technical superiority and played some really good football. We went in at half-time 5-0 up and had the luxury of trying boys in different positions, but still had the measure of Horris Hill and scored two more before adding a final one just before the final whistle. All the boys were tremendous, both in terms of attitude and in commitment. Rohan F captained the team well, Arthur H and Orlando S were constant outlets on the wings, both getting on the score sheet too, and Olly P looked strong both upfront and in defence, but it was a true team effort and an excellent start to the season. Twyford will present a sterner challenge but a hugely optimistic start nonetheless. Well done to all!
WD
3rd XI v Horris Hill
Won 10-0 (Tobi O 3, Sammy P 2, Timothée 2, Harry H 1, Edward B 1, Alex A 1)
What a super start to the season for the 3rds. They were straight out of the blocks and running at Horris Hill before they even knew the game had begun. Sammy P led the charge with tactical nous and gritty determination. He was ably supported by Tobi O, Seb N, Timothée H, Sam Q, and Ben T who all provided real drive and determination from defence and midfield. Tobi O was a goal scoring sensation with three goals, and he had to be taken off early. Louis M and Cyrus T were like granite rocks in defence. Nothing got past their gutsy tackles and decisive communication. Edward B showed himself a force to be reckoned with in the midfield in a powerful combination with Alex A and Nathaniel B. This is a great squad, and the season ahead looks bright and exciting. PB
Colts A v Horris Hill
Won 2-1 (Finn R, Zachary S)
A game full of positives and a nice way to kick off the season. Pilgrims’ Colts A grew into the game as they started building up longer passages of possession. We spent most of the first half in the opposition half, putting Horris Hill under pressure, as we searched for the first goal. Finn R calmly took his opportunity and came close on some further attempts. The boys utilised the space they created themselves on the wings, taking every opportunity to put the ball into the box. Cole H came very close hitting the upright and post! Zachary S managed to bundle over a goal-mouth scramble to extend our lead. A slight drop of concentration gave Horris Hill a glimpse into the game, but to their credit, the team saw the game out comprehensively and where unlucky not to have scored more. An encouraging start – well done! MTG
Colts C v Horris Hill
Won 5-1 (Zach M 2, Rupert B, Johnny B, Yashk P)
The Colts C team looked forward to their match against Horris Hill, and approached the game with a lot of confidence. Being the first fixture of the season, one would have expected our boys to be very rusty, however, they gave an excellent account of themselves on and off the field. It is very evident that some of our boys have enjoyed some coaching over the holidays, and the improvement in skills was very noticeable. The Colts Cs put a lot of pressure on Horris Hill throughout the match, and were able to make good use of their opportunities when they presented themselves. They will need to speed up their play a fair amount against stronger opposition, and we shall need to work on this aspect of their game ahead of the Twyford fixture. We look forward to a very positive season. CXC
Foals A v Horris Hill
Won 4-0 (Elliot N 3,)
Pilgrims’ were excited to play their first match, but with a triangular format only had 20 minutes to impress. 20 minutes was all they needed. Some flowing football, good possession, and ruthless finishing lead to a 4-0 victory. Elliot N lead the line with a hattrick and tireless running. Barney S also looked dangerous with Patrick B on the other flank dribbling with purpose. The boys also enjoyed a tough match against the other members of the Foals squad, showing great strength across the year group. A full afternoon of football to kick off the season. Well done lads. JB
Foals B v Horris Hill
Won 4-0 (Christian B 3, Theo W)
An excellent start to the new season for the mighty Foals Bs saw some strong individual performances. Christian looked extremely threatening up front with some very skilful dribbling that led to three superb goals. Hal provided great support in the attack as well. They say the best form of defence is attack, and Theo demonstrated this beautifully with some strong darts down both flanks from his centre mid-position, which also cumulated in his own superb goal in the final minute. Good support was also given by Harry and Edward upfront, and from Seb in defence. Austin and Lucas were both superb in goal, although admittedly not tested much given the strong performances from the rest of the team. Well done all. Onwards. CAL
Foals Predator v Horris Hill
Three Foals teams played in a round robin league format with Horris’ second tier team. With one team playing the opposition, the other two Foals teams played each other in equally exciting matches. Nevertheless, it also allowed for more coaching within the game and much needed time to discuss and rehearse positioning and set pieces, emphasise passing and provide some goal-keeping tips. Our three teams against Horris enjoyed a win, loss and draw in a fulfilling, sunny afternoon of football. AJS
Saturday 17 September
1st XI v Twyford
Lost 4-1 (Osamede A)
A tough afternoon, and a score that didn’t really reflect the balance of play. Twyford certainly started the stronger and took advantage after 5 minutes when we switched off in midfield. We were then indebted to Freddie F in goal for making two outstanding saves that really kept us in the match. However, when Osamede A scored after 12 minutes, we were suddenly really back in the match; the remainder of the half switched from end to end, with good chances for both sides and, despite Twyford’s early dominance, 1-1 at half-time felt about right. The boys came out charging for the second half and looked by far the more likely. However, when a breakaway goal from Twyford went in with 15 minutes to, it was a real body blow. The boys continued to work hard, but when another went in with 10 to go, the confidence, understandably, drained away. A disappointing outcome, but a very encouraging performance, and one on which we can build in the remainder of the year. ASD
2nd XI v Twyford
Lost 2-0
A match against Twyford is always a good test and this one was no different. Coming off the back of a thumping win in our first match, optimism was understandably high. However, Twyford provided a sterner proposition from the first kick of the ball. In fairness to the boys, they coped admirably in the face of some relentless Twyford pressure and possession. It was an uncomfortable first half of football, but to their enormous credit, the boys stuck at it and went in at half-time at 0-0. In truth, we lacked the physicality and fitness to cause them any serious problems, but when we dragged them into a slightly more frenetic dogfight, we more than held our own. Eventually, Twyford's class shone through, and they scored a well worked first, halfway through the second half. However, with just over ten minutes to go, salvation appeared in the form of a penalty after a handball in the Twyford area. Sadly, we didn't capitalise and Twyford went up the other end and scored their second, which effectively sealed the match. There is no shame in losing to a decent side, which Twyford certainly were, but there were huge plusses for us, not only in terms of attitude and battling spirit, but also the form of Patrick C, who was excellent in goal. Things to work on, certainly, but lots of good things too. Well done to all. WD
3rd IX
Won 3 – 1 (Tobi O 2, Harry H 1)
This was an exciting match. The score board somewhat flatters Pilgrims’. Twyford were 100% in the game and pushed for many chances. Sam Q, Minwoo C and Louis M were solid in defence, reading the game well and clearing effectively. Joe W had a lot to do in goal, and in fact, saved us the game. Twyford had more shots on goal than we did, but Joe kept them out. Thankfully, up front Tobi O, Edward B, and Fraser N were electric. In midfield, they were supported by Felix F, Sammy P, Seb B, Seb N, Michael Z and Harry H who kept a steady stream of ball flowing forward. Pilgrims’ were quite lucky to get the win. However, that they did was thanks to their determination and teamwork. PB
4th XI v Twyford
Won 2-1 (William I, Alex A)
An excellent game from start to finish. Gabriel D and William I looked very threatening on the attack throughout the match, and carved out multiple chances. Yan and Tristan, whilst strong in the tackle, also provided many opportunities for converting defence into offence. The strong back line of James P, Bertie W and George M provided a resolute obstacle to the Pilgrims’ goal, meaning it was goalless at the break. In the second half, Pilgrims’ started the brighter of the two teams and this resulted in two quick goals from William I and Alex A, both resulting from great teamwork up front. Pilgrims’ did relax a little and Twyford applied pressure, pulling one goal back. However, on a sunny afternoon and with a hearty parental support behind them, Pilgrims’ came out winners. Some very strong performances, well done, boys. DP
Colts A v Twyford
Lost 7-1 (Cole H)
Despite the scoreline, for me, this was for the most part an encouraging afternoon of football. Our boys battled hard in the first half. Stringing together some lovely passages of play and creating a number of chances. Twyford took the lead but couldn’t get on the front foot in the first half as Pilgrims’ rallied. Finn R looked comfortable in the middle of the field and opened up the game for us. Cole H constantly found himself in behind the defence, and it was only a matter of time before he bagged a goal. The second half was tougher, Tywford gained some momentum and were helped out by a couple lapses of concentration. That said, the team played with heart and cohesion – giving their all until the final whistle. Lots to be positive about! MTG
Colts C v Twyford
Won 5-4 (Hamish W, Elijah A 2, Zain C, Johnnie B)
A wonderful afternoon of football! The Pilgrims’ Colts Cs played with enthusiasm and a clear desire to win. This was the defining feature of the game. Pilgrims’ scored the first two goals of the game early in the first half (Hamish W and Elijah A), and looked good on the front foot. The lead did not last long, as Twyford scored three quick goals in succession to take the lead going into half-time.
The team talk at the break revolved around taking chances when they presented themselves, and not allowing the momentum built in the first half to slip. The Pilgrims’ boys did not disappoint. A goal straight after half-time from Elijah A came as a welcome confidence boost, followed shortly thereafter by a goal from Zain C. The Twyford boys were not going to go down without a fight, and came back to equalise with just a few minutes left of the game. A beautifully-timed header into open space by Hugo C set up the final goal of the match, scored by a well-placed Johnnie B. This was all that was needed to secure a well-deserved win against a very worthy opponent! Well done, boys! CXC
Foals A
Draw 1-1 (Edward W)
A fantastic game of football against tough opposition. The Pilgrims’ boys got off to a fast start with some tenacious tackles and hard running. It was this high intensity that led to the first goal. Edward W latched onto a loose ball and found himself one on one with the Twyford goalkeeper. He finished with composure to put Pilgrims’ 1 up. Twyford also had their moments, but Theo M and Archie W kept a good defensive unit together to maintain the 1 – 0 lead into half-time. The second half saw more good football. Twyford created the better chances, but Farid A gave a MOTM performance between the sticks. The opposition did however get their deserved goal. 1-1. The last 10 minutes were end-to-end. Twyford continued to play in our half, but on numerous occasions, the pace of our wide players and Elliot N up front meant we always looked like getting a winner on the counter-attack. Some lightning-fast counter-attacks unfortunately did not produce the goal we needed. A 1-1 draw a fair result and a cracking match to watch. Well done boys. JB
Foals B
Lost 4-1
Sadly the mighty Foals Bs were unable to replicate the success of the As, up against a strong opposition who were well drilled in skill and passing. Some good individual performances though led to an attractive spectacle of a match, with Hal and Theo both impressing from their positions upfront. The boys will work, this week, on creating some opportunities in the attacking position, as well as finishing any chances they may make for themselves. Well done all. CAL
Foals Predator v Twyford
Drew 2-2 (James Y, Leon S)
This was a cracking encounter with excitement from start to finish. Hugo W caused problems by regularly carving his way through the Twyford midfield, supported by Will W. James Y opened the scoring after a goalmouth scramble. It wasn’t long before Twyford equalised before the half-time whistle blew. The Foals boys continued to apply pressure and Leon S found himself past the last defender to score with a thumping effort. Nevertheless, it was end-to-end stuff and Alfie H saw plenty of action in goal with some good saves and the ball hitting the woodwork too. Twyford equalised again, and the game ended with a hard-fought draw from both sides. AJS
U9 v Twyford
Won 2-1
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the U9s played Twyford in what was their first match of the season. Mr Halliday’s group (including two Twyford players) took part in an extremely entertaining game. All the boys tried their hardest to get involved in the action, but it was Augustin H who was the busiest as he kept out an array of shots with every part of his body. The boys battled hard in the second half, and try as they may, Twyford would not score an equalising goal. The final score was 2-1 to Pilgrims’. A super start to the season. TMH
Andrew Short
Director of Sport
