Last Wednesday was National Poetry Day. One poem I’ve enjoyed for its connection to sport is Vitai Lampada. In a school such as Pilgrims’ one can easily relate to the image of the Close and playing cricket in a setting similar to this. The amateur values of playing the game for the sake of the game are also emphasised. The parallels with war and sport are also highlighted, along with promoting the selfless values of being part of a team, or unit, and committing to the sense of duty with which that is a part.
Vitai Lampada
('They Pass On The Torch of Life')
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night --
Ten to make and the match to win --
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
But his Captain's hand on his shoulder smote --
'Play up! play up! and play the game!'
The sand of the desert is sodden red, --
Red with the wreck of a square that broke; --
The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel dead,
And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.
The river of death has brimmed his banks,
And England's far, and Honour a name,
But the voice of a schoolboy rallies the ranks:
'Play up! play up! and play the game!'
This is the word that year by year,
While in her place the School is set,
Every one of her sons must hear,
And none that hears it dare forget.
This they all with a joyful mind
Bear through life like a torch in flame,
And falling fling to the host behind --
'Play up! play up! and play the game!'
Sir Henry Newbolt (1862-1938)
On Wednesday, 1sts, 2nds, 3rds, all Colts (Year 6) and two Foals (Year 5) teams play against Walhampton. Foals A travel to Bryanston for a tournament. There is normal Games for those not involved in fixtures with a 1530 collection. On Friday, we have all Under 8 (Year 3 - away) and 9 (Year 4 - home) matches with Elstree, starting at 2pm. The Colts tournament at Bryanston that day has sadly been cancelled due to lack of interest.
On Saturday morning, we are taking four teams of four runners each across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to Stroud School, Romsey. Those involved should have received an email and the teams are also published on SOCS. In the afternoon, there will be internal fixtures between 1pm-2pm for Years 4 and 5 with Year 6 and over from 2.00-3.15pm.
Match Reports
Saturday 1 October
1st XI v Cothill
Won 7-1 (Osamede A 4, Thomas Ri x 2, Kunfayo O)
A superb win this one; and like all good victories, the foundations were laid in the first half.The game was even in the first five minutes, with both sides hugely committed, and creating an entertainingly physical game. I was delighted that Pilgrims’ not only stood up to the physical challenge, but embraced it too. On six minutes, captain Toby L won the ball in midfield and slipped in Osamede A for a breakaway goal. The remainder of the half continued to be hard fought, but with Toby again putting through for Thomas Ri to chase and finish with five mins to go, we went into half-time good value for our two goal led. The start of the second half was a different story; Cothill dialled up the commitment, and we seemed to still be in the half-time team talk! When they scored one back after five minutes, things could have gone badly wrong. However, games swing on momentum and two more quick goals from Osamede A (to complete his hattrick) meant we were suddenly comfortable at 4-1. A second goal (from the penalty sport) for Thomas R, a good finish from Kunfayo O and a fourth for Osamede A added a slightly generous look to the score. That said, it was a superb performance and all the boys played their part; they should be very proud of an excellent result. ASD
3rrd IX v Cothill
Lost 1 – 5 (Sammy P)
This was a game of two halves. In the first, the score was 0 – 0. It was a tight, nail-biting competition. Pilgrims’ were 100% in the game. In attack and defence, we looked potent and in control. The passing was accurate, the tackling fierce. The second half was a totally different game. Joe W, our goalkeeper had to leave. Sam Q took over in goal, but having been our rock in the back line, everything began to fall to pieces! Such was the fine balance of the team that the rhythm of the game changed dramatically. Within five minutes, Cothill had scored twice. And the run on our goal continued. Seb N took over as keeper and things began looking up. Eventually, Sammy P scored us a goal. Ultimately, the game was deservingly won by Cothill. PB
Wednesday 5 October
1st XI v Farleigh
Won 3-2 (Osamede A 2, Rory K)
I had a match report written in my head on 50 minutes, it went something along the lines of:
This was one of the most professional performances I have seen from a Pilgrims’ team. Farleigh were well-organised and disciplined, as were we, and this made for an intriguing and entertaining first half. Osamede A made the difference and scored a goal on 25 minutes, using all of his athleticism and power to break through and to take us in to half-time at 1-0. In the second half we gradually gained more and more control over the game and deservedly got another couple of goals, another from Osamede, and a wonderfully low driven shot from the edge of the box by Rory K. The boys then comfortably saw the match out.
Except that it didn’t quite run like that. A mistake at the back with 10 minutes to go led to a Farleigh goal, and then all hell broke loose. Thomas Ra lost his footing and brought a boy down in the box, for a Farleigh penalty, and then they were pushing hard for an equaliser. To be fair to our boys, they didn’t panic and the last five minutes (and injury time!) were navigated relatively comfortably; well done to the boys for showing such fortitude. Overall, a superb performance from a team showing increasing maturity. ASD
2nd XI v Farleigh
Lost 4-1 (Olly P)
If ever there was a score line that didn’t tell the whole story, then this was it! After a fairly frenetic start, it became apparent that there was not a huge amount between the two teams. Both sides settled and at times, played some good football. We looked particularly threatening on the left, with Olly P, Will C and Tobi O all linking up well. But despite getting in some really dangerous positions, the goals just wouldn’t come. And, as is so often the case, we were punished for our profligacy, and Farleigh hit us twice on the counter to leave us scratching our heads about how we were losing a match we had for the most part dominated!
Half-time allowed us to reset, and we discussed the importance of the next goal; if we got it, we’re right back in it, if Farleigh did, 3-0 is a big mountain to climb. However, we started brilliantly and were finally rewarded with a goal which came when Olly P slotted home from inside the area; it was no more than we deserved. In fairness to Farleigh, they rolled up their sleeves and fought hard, and whilst chances came and went at both ends, it’s not an exaggeration to say we had the most of them. Our new formation worked well, but there were some tired legs at the end and Farleigh scored two more to put a gloss on what had otherwise been a very tight match.
A disappointing end to a really good, well contested football match. Tobi O looked dangerous and will score plenty in games to come and there were some promising performances from Sammy Q in defence and Olly P. Hopefully we can get back to winning ways on Saturday. WD
3rds IX v Farleigh
Won 3 – 2 (Neil C 2, Seb B 1)
This was an exhilarating game. Both teams were skilled and determined to win. Pilgrims' were first out of the blocks. Seb B scored an early goal, chasing a cross in from the left. It was a moment of individual brilliance which set the team up for a confident start. Not long afterwards Neil C got the first of two. Pilgrims' went into half-time 2 – 0 up. After half-time, Farleigh came out determined to set the record straight. They scored two, levelling things up. For about 15 minutes the game could have gone either way. Pilgrims' awoke from there lethargy and Neil C scored from a long-range shot which caught the keep off guard. PB
4th XI v Farleigh
Lost 3-2 (George S, Gabriel D)
This was an evenly matched and exciting game. Farleigh went ahead but the 4ths responded straight away with a great piece of continuous possession which saw George S deliver his outstretched foot to poke the ball home. Farleigh managed to get back on top, scoring twice more before half-time. After the break, the 4ths were keen to put their stamp on the game and press the home side. Harrying and disrupting, they found reward with a Gabriel D goal. Chasing an equaliser, the final whistle signalled the end of the game. This was a fine match to play in and a fine one for the spectators to see. AJS
5th XI v Farleigh
Won 5-1 (Minwoo C 3, Conrad B, Kelvin R)
On Wednesday afternoon the Pilgrims’ 5th XI played Farleigh School at home. We saw early success from the team captain Minwoo C, scoring an early opening goal. Farleigh then rallied, having many opportunities to equalise, however with some sterling goal keeping from Louis B, only one managed to make it through. Just before the end of the half Minwoo C scored again, taking us into half-time 2-1 up.
In the second half Pilgrims’ ran away with it, with another goal from Minwoo C, one from Conrad B and Kelvin R. There was a narrowly missed corner by Rohan T and other opportunities were narrowly missed. William N was tenacious in defence challenging every ball that came into the Pilgrims’ half. DBO
Man of the Match: Minwoo C & William N
Man of the Match: Minwoo C & William N
Colts Warriors and Colts Dreadnoughts v Farleigh
Warriors v Dreadnoughts 1-0 (Addison J)
Warriors v Farleigh lost 3-1 (Seth T)
Dreadnoughts v Farleigh lost 2-0
A very entertaining series of matches were played between these three teams. Both teams battled hard and showed glimpses of the level they need to play at to represent a higher grade – close marking and using space were the burgeoning attributes. Despite Pilgrims’ only scoring two gaols across the three matches, special mention has to be made in light of Seth’s screamer form the halfway line which not only received rapturous applause from all the spectators, but even the opposing players started clapping the goal such was its quality! AA
Saturday 8 October
1st XI v Westbourne House
Won 5-4 (Osamede A x 4, Orson S)
A really exciting game this one. Westbourne started strongly and were clearly a very good team. They scored in the first minute and then proceeded to dominate play. On five minutes, Osamede broke away and struck a powerful shot from a tight angle; the keeper made a brilliant save but unfortunately injured his hand and had to be taken off. Westbourne didn’t have a sub, and we offered a player, but the game was evenly poised, so we carried on with them a man down. Although we did score one through Osamede, Westbourne got two more, and we went into half-time 3-1 down. When, ten minutes into the second half they scored a goal to go 4-1 up, it looked like the game might be over. However, an Orson S finish from outside the box, followed by two quick goals from Osamede set up a grandstand finish. Perhaps we should have taken a player off and made the last two minutes an even contest, but the game was so finely poised, with chances at both ends that the decision was made to let it play out. Either side could have scored, and a very large part of me wishes the game had remained a draw (it would have been a fairer result). As it was, the boys enjoyed a tremendous comeback and learned the lesson that you can always come back if you try! ASD
2nd X vs Westbourne House
Lost 3-1 (Fraser N)
It was a glorious day for football, and despite the long journey, we started brightly. Neil C, who looked dangerous with some powerful running (and VERY long throw ins!), caused havoc generally, and we were rewarded with the opening goal, tucked in nicely by Fraser N. We just needed to keep doing the same things – pressuring, harrying, and committing to tackles, whilst looking to move the ball wide. Sadly, we didn’t do this! It wasn’t for lack of trying, but we lacked composure as the game went on and rushed passes whilst we didn’t work as a team as well as I know we can. We also, not for the first time this season, neglected to take our chances when they came around and, as before, we were punished for our profligacy. This is another game we could and possibly should have won, but we are currently unable to sustain a high level of performance for the duration of a match. There were some good individual performances; Fraser N looked dangerous going forward and Sammy Q was resolute in defence, whilst Neil C seemed to be involved in everything. But ultimately, it’s another loss, so hopefully the boys can channel their disappointment at another missed opportunity and put things right in our next match against Walhampton. WD
3rd IX v Westbourne House
Drew 1 – 1 (Sammy P)
This was a fun, nerve wracking competition. Both teams were keen to pass the ball and were looking to make good ground down the wings. Westbourne got off to a slightly slower start which, eventually, after much wearing down of the defence by the whole team, allowed Sammy P to score. Westbourne did look a bit demoralised by this and with no subs, they began to tire. The game looked all set to go Pilgrims’ way. However, as so often happens in these situations, complacency overtook Pilgrims’ who began to play like they had it in the bag. This, combined with a resurgent Westbourne after half-time, meant that Westbourne scored and with about ten minutes of play to go, looked likely to score again. However, Pilgrims’ rallied and closed the game out with a strong attack, keeping Westbourne on the backfoot. PB
4th IX v Westbourne House
Lost 4-3 (Alex A, Harry H 2)
This was another fine game, disrupted, unfortunately, by the early departure of our singers. The 4ths went 3-0 up. We played lovely football with incisive passing. Alex got the first one, followed by a brace from Harry. In the second half, Westbourne found a way back as we lost players in key positions. Nevertheless, it was an even challenge and a fun game. AJS
5th XI v Westbourne House
Lost 3-1 (James H)
The 5th team played away at Westbourne House School on Saturday. An early goal from James H saw Pilgrims' take an early lead. Some excellent play from William N in defence and Kelvin R in the mid-field kept Westbourne at bay, however they were able to equalise before half-time. Going into the second half Westbourne were able to get ahead with two goals. Pilgrims' did not give up and continued to play with passion. Some narrowly missed opportunities by Ayden C and William I could have easily equalised the game for us. Man of the match was Kelvin R (Captain). DBO
Foals A
Lost 3-1 (Patrick B)
Westbourne proved too strong for Pilgrims’ despite being evenly matched in footballing ability. Both teams played some great stuff at times, but the powerful strikes from the opposition saw them go 3 -0 up with some cracking goals that the Pilgrims’ defence could do nothing about. Pilgrims’ got a deserved goal in the final moments of the match when Patrick slotted home neatly. JB
Colts Warriors and Dreadnoughts vs Westbourne House
Warriors lost 1-0, Dreadnoughts won 1-0 (Boots P)
The Pilgrims' Warriors and Dreadnoughts enjoyed two excellent 20 minute matches against Westbourne House on Saturday.
The first match got off to a great start, with Yashk P and Addison J showing exemplary sportsmanship and lending themselves to Westbourne house, so that we had fair and even numbers on both sides. Timothy C made some great saves in goal… that’s when the ball managed to get past Max B and James B, who were making incredible tackles. Harrison E demonstrated talent and knowledge in his well-placed corner kicks, and Arthur M and Johnny B attempted shots on goal, looking particularly dangerous. However, with an unlucky goal conceded and time running away from us, the Pilgrims Warriors lost 1-0. The second match was equally exciting, with lots of shots on goal from both sides. After watching the Warriors’ loss, the Dreadnoughts were raring to go. Westbourne put up an excellent fight, with lots of shots on goal, all of which were denied by Donghan L. Yashk P made some great clearances, passing to Boots P who, whilst having some shots denied early, slotted the ball into the back of the net, putting the Warriors up 1-0. Patrick H and Nathan Z defended ruthlessly, with Jago C and George KW passing cleanly up the line to Addison J. The game, to the Warriors’ joy, came to an end, with Pilgrims prevailing 1-0. It was a lovely day at the pitches and boys and spectators alike enjoyed the fixture. Well done boys! BD
U9B v Westbourne House
Lost 5-1 (Oscar E)
This was a score line that did not do justice to some good play by the five boys who played. Jacob S was massive in defence, and Jacob S and Oscar worked very hard in the mid-field. Teddy J and George M shared keeping duties and were brave in the face of pressure. The best moment of the game was a great pass from George M down the right wing, to Jacob S who then crossed the ball to Oscar E who took a touch to control and then put the ball away.
To improve, more of that intelligent positioning and passing is needed. The boys need to look up to release their teammates, and when on attack but without the ball, try to get into good places to engineer more goal chances. MDS
U9C v Westbourne House
Lost 5-0
The score line was a bit of a shame, as the two teams were more even than this. We got into some good positions and created chances, but lacked a finishing instinct. I have seen an improvement from these boys, and it was great they all had a full games each. If they continue to improve and find a little bit more a killer instinct, I am sure goals will follow.
Special mention must be made of William W, who kept goal with bravery and some good hand-eye coordination. MDS
Sunday 9th October
U10 Football Tournament at Winchester College
Pilgrims' v Twyford – won 3-1
Pilgrims' v Sussex House - lost 3-2
Pilgrims' v Crown and Manor – drew 1-1
Pilgrims' v Cobham – Won – 4-0
Pilgrims' v Westbourne house lost – 2-1
Pilgrims' v St George – lost 3-2
Pilgrims’ enjoyed a fabulous festival of football on a sunny Sunday morning at the college. The standard of football was high as always, although this year, Pilgrims’ looked like they could easily hold their own against the stronger sides. The football the boys played was impressive at times and was noted by numerous watching coaches. Seeing the boys playing football the passing way and creating chances to score goals was great to see.
Of the 6 matches Pilgrims played, there were 2 wins 3 losses and 1 draw. A few lapses in concentration unfortunately meant that those games were lost from winning positions. On another day, with a bit more experience under their belts, those games could have easily been wins. The morning finished watching the final being played out by Twyford and Westbourne house, 2 teams that our boys know they are capable of beating having already matched Twyford to a draw earlier in the season, and narrowly losing to Westbourne after a thrilling match earlier in the tournament. The boys should be proud of their efforts in recent weeks, the progress, and improvements they are making as footballers is exciting to watch. Well done. JB
Tuesday 11 October
U9 Football Tournament at Bryanston
Compared to Winchester College, the Year 4 A team made the rather longer journey to Bryanston today. We enjoyed fixtures against schools we don’t usually see and in a glorious day of football, finished in 5th place. Well done to the squad.
V Forres Sandle Manor Lost 1-0
V Salisbury Cathedral School Won 1-0 (Rafe J)
V Stroud Drew 0-0
V Dumpton Lost 3-0
V Castle Court Lost 4-1 (Alex S)
V Salisbury Cathedral School Won 1-0 (Finlay N)
Andrew Short
Director of Sport
ashort@pilgrims-school.co.uk