It was National Chorister Day recently. It would be interesting to know of any other professional sports people who have been choristers, but the one I have known about for some time is the former England cricket captain, Sir Alastair Cook. It is interesting to note how his musical training helped shape his sporting professionalism. Mr Greenwood, Head of Cricket, has just pointed out that both he and Sir Alastair are left-handed and born on Christmas Day. Having heard MTG sing in the office I can testify that that is where the similarities end.....
"The musical training taught me to focus my mind, before playing in an orchestra taught me how to truly concentrate. If you miss your moment in an orchestra, there is no forgiving."
Sir Alastair Cook
Cook as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral, England captain, and performing with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Read the full article here:
Alastair Cook: Choir boy, farmer, England's record Test run-scorer - BBC Sport
Coming up after half-term
On Wednesday 2 November, we see our good friends from Twyford in fixtures from Foals (Year 5) and up. For those not in fixtures, there will be Games with a 1530 collection. On Thursday, our block fixture with Twyford extends to Under 8s and 9s (Years 3 & 4). Mr Cleaver takes a small team of U13s to the Area Cross-Country Championships at Perins School, Alresford.
The Saturday of that week sees our block with Elstree from U10 and up.
Half-term challenge?
We hope you have a great half-term. If you’re wondering how to fill the time then please consider aiming for the Pilgrims Way Virtual Challenge, Winchester to Canterbury over 214km or 133 miles. The Pilgrims Way is an actual walking trail, however, the idea of this award is to log any distance based activity to work towards this distance goal.
You could walk, run, cycle, swim or any activity that builds distance. Once you have shown Mr Short your completed log, you will receive a badge which could be ironed on to your Pilgrims’ hoodie. There is no time limit. Copy this spreadsheet to log your distances: Pil Way Virtual Challenge.xlsx
From the LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) website:
The Pilgrims Way is an ancient track between Winchester and Canterbury. It is an historic pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of the shrine of 
the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket. It follows a major chalk ridge through scenic countryside, taking in characterful towns and villages and historic churches. Though not itself a single promoted long-distance path, it is approximated by two promoted routes, the St Swithun's and North Downs Ways.
The route's naming varies in using an apostrophe (or none) - as Pilgrims' or Pilgrim's or Pilgrims.
Match Reports
I’d like to thank all the parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of Pilgrims’ for their support at sporting fixtures over this half-term. Please bear in mind the spectating code of conduct, from IAPS.
- Be a positive role model and lead by example; children are involved in sport for their enjoyment and without undue spectator pressure.
- Encourage children to play by the rules.
- Respect the officials and their decisions at all times. Video evidence from spectators will not be accepted in any cases to dispute decisions.
- Respect the coaches and their decisions. They give their time, energy and experience to coach your children.
- Refrain from any form of abuse towards players, officials and fellow spectators.
- Be friendly and respectful to the opposition. Teach children that effort and teamwork are as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Turn defeat into victory by helping children work towards skill improvement and a positive sporting attitude.
- Relax and enjoy the event.
Wednesday 12 October
1st XI v Walhampton
Lost 5-2 (Osamede, Thomas Ri)
A tough one this one. Walhampton came flying out of the blocks; they were physical (in the right way), committed, and just a little bit quicker to every ball than we were. We didn’t help ourselves by having an off-day at the back, and a series of individual errors meant that we were 3-0 down after 20 minutes. To their credit, the boys didn’t fold and two goals just before half-time from Osamede and Thomas Ri gave us some belief. The first ten minutes of the second half were the best of the match, with both teams going at it. The next goal was always going to be crucial, and unfortunately it went the way of Walhampton to give them a two goal cushion. We huffed and we puffed, but just couldn’t break their back line, and when Walhampton scored with two minutes to go, the dream of a comeback was over. A tough afternoon indeed, but one from which the boys will hopefully learn an awful lot. ASD
2nd X v Walhampton
Won 5-1 (Tobi O 2, Olly P 2, Rohan F)
The boys were keen to get back to winning ways, and despite playing on a small pitch with 10 a side, we played some very nice football and displayed a pleasing amount of physicality in the process. In truth, there wasn’t much between the two sides, the main difference being that of territory, where Patrick C had a relatively quiet first half. Nikhil D was a calming influence at the back, which allowed us to attack with more confidence. We went in at half-time one goal to the good, and we deserved it, but felt that the next goal would be crucial.
Walhampton made a really good fight of it at the start of the second half, but we weathered the storm and started to have some joy down the left wing, with Olly P and Tobi looking threatening. Eventually, our persistence started to pay off and Olly P got two, whilst Tobi also got a brace including a fine, fizzing finish from inside that nestled into the bottom corner. However, the pick of the bunch came from captain Rohan F, who turned, shifted the ball out of his feet, then hit an absolute peach into the top right-hand corner, leaving the keeper no chance at all! Walhampton got a consolation right at the end, powering home a free kick from the edge of the area, but the whistle went shortly afterwards, and the boys were thrilled with a well-deserved victory. Neil C played well again and Fraser N ran tirelessly, but it was another great team performance and hopefully signs of things to come. Well done! WD
3rd IX v Walhampton
Won 10 – 1 (Seb B 3, Orlando S 2, George S 2, Felix F 2, Sammy P)
In the end, the 3rds played as two teams in two six-a-side games. It was a small pitch which made for a very fast, frenetic match. Pilgrims’ passed and ran well and before too long had Walhampton on the back foot. Walhampton had some real skill though and the score line reflects more the quality of Joe W in goal than it does a massive Pilgrims’ victory. However, in the end, Pilgrims’ were too strong for Walhampton and the goals kept coming. PB
Colts A VII v Walhampton
Lost 1-0
Pilgrims’ faced up against a technically good and physical side in Walhampton and were every bit their match. Pilgrims’ took an early hold on the game, keeping hold of the ball well and using their wider outlets effectively. Walhampton grew into the game, keeping goalkeeper Chenhan Z busy at times. Chenhan made a couple crucial saves with an outstretched leg to keep the opposition quiet. Chances came at the other end as well, this time, Walhampton’s ‘keeper providing some excellent reaction saves. Pilgrims’ kept knocking on the door, surely it was just a moment of when... The second half was a similar affair, with Pilgrims’ passing the ball around nicely and creating more opportunities. The ball just would not find its way into the goal. Cruelly, with just moments left on the clock, Walhampton found the first and only goal of the game. This was a hard realisation for all, as we deserved more from that display. The efforts and character of every boy did not go unnoticed. Gutted! But the boys will bounce back. Next stop, Round 2 of the County Cup on Monday! MTG
Colts C v Walhampton
Won 3 – 0 (Bertie B, Zach M, Edward G) and 2 – 0 (Edward G, Hamish W)
The Colts Cs played a mixed Walhampton team this week and gave an excellent account of themselves. It has been lovely to see the boys growing in confidence, not only in themselves, but also in each other. The boys were strong on attack and have improved their physicality a lot over the past few weeks. They have also learnt to use space to their advantage, and as such, their reading of the game has improved significantly.
The Cs beat Walhampton 3 – 0 in the first half, with good goals being scored by Bertie B, Zach M and Edward G. The second half was an entertaining affair and was played in excellent spirit. The Cs were again triumphant, with Edward G scoring his second goal of the day, and Hamish W rounding off the afternoon with a great kick into the net. Well done to the Colts C team on an excellent half-term. It has been fun! CXC
Foals A at Bryanston Under 10 Football Tournament
Finalists v Dumpton
Lost 1-0?
Foals A took the long trip to Bryanston and enjoyed an action-packed morning of football. Wins against Truro, Stroud, FSM and a draw against Salisbury Cathedral saw us finish second in the table and qualify for the semi-finals. A tough game against Stroud went to penalties in which Pilgrims’ progressed into the final. A?very strong Dumpton proved too strong, but Pilgrims' performed well. A notable mention goes to Farid A for his goalkeeping display over the course of the afternoon.
Foals B v Walhampton U10A
Lost 4-1 (Hal H)
Another great game for the mighty Bs that was actually a lot closer than the score line suggests. Both teams were evenly matched (thanks largely due to some excellent goalkeeping from Lucas and a fantastic dart down the line to score from Hal at left wing) with the scoreboard level for the majority of the game. However, sadly, energy levels dipped a bit in the final stages and a few mistakes crept through our, otherwise, solid defence. Well done all. CAL
Foals Predator v Walhampton U10B
Won 5-0 (Davis G 2, Edward D, Daniel G, Eddie Q)
This was a good win, with the Foals impressing themselves on the game from the start. Passing, dribbling and driving were strong. For improvement, I’d like to see earlier shots, passes and crosses rather than the notion of dribbling into the goal. Match tea was also very pleasing. AJS
Friday 14 October
U9A VII v Elstree
Lost 4-0
Once again, the boys produced an encouraging display and the score line did not reflect the effort made, or the good football played. We continue to develop our understanding of position and space, which allowed us at times to play some good football. Both teams looked to play on the front foot with created an exciting match for supporters to watch.
Alex S provided an outstanding display in goal, producing a host of impressive saves and demonstrating remarkable goalkeeping technique for a boy in Year 4. Rio C and Finlay N played with passion and physicality, whilst Rafe J and Daniel M put in some important tackles when defending. When we were able to move the ball to wide areas both Benjy C and Charlie L looked dangerous with their mazy dribbles.
Keep up the positivity boys. We need to be a little more clinical in front of goal in order to turn our impressive performances into victories. TMH
U9 VII v Elstree
Won 1-0 (Oscar E)
What a tight match this was! There was plenty of action with end to end play. In the first half we played well, with good positional play and intelligent use of the ball. All the team moved the ball around, tackled well and combined to set Oscar up for a well taken goal. Augustin was solid in goal, and Jacob St and Marek were likewise strong at the back.
In the second half we lost our form a little, and Elstree were able to take advantage and created more space. We fell into the trap of chasing the ball too much, and it was only because of determined resistance we denied Elstree any clear goal scoring opportunities. We still created chances ourselves, and the Elstree keeper had to make one super save to deny our second.
There were good contributions from Teddy and Jacob Sh as well, who again played their hearts out. Well done, boys. MDS
U9 VII v Elstree
Lost 0-4
A performance to be proud of for Pilgrims’. Unfortunately, our boys were slow to start, which saw them go 3-0 down in the first few minutes! However, after that, they really picked up the pace and worked extremely hard. It was a closely fought game until the end. William S ran tirelessly, and Edward Z came remarkably close to scoring a goal which would have been well deserved. Despite the loss, the boys enjoyed their afternoon!? JB
U8 A VII v Elstree
Won 4-2 (Patrick B 2, Teddy H, Abhinav S)
Despite the rain, Friday was a successful and productive afternoon for our U8 A team. From the first whistle Pilgrims’ looked comfortable on the ball, and it wasn’t long until we started registering shots against the opposition ’keeper. Teddy H came close on a number of occasions, but could quite steer in the early chances. Abhinav S opened the scoring with his second, powerful penalty kick. He was asked to retake his first thunderbolt as he struck before the whistle. The confidence was building, and we were able to find space and time on the pitch. Patrick B scored his first of two to double our lead. Elstree rallied in the second half and came back at us, scoring two well deserved goals. Work rates from both team were high, but clinical finishing from Patrick and Teddy saw an end to Elstree’s comeback and confirmed our victory! Well done all. MTG
U8 VII v Elstree
Lost 8-1 (George I)
On the 45 minute journey up the A34 and beyond to West Berkshire, there was some good singing, well, let’s just say there was some singing. At one point, I thought a pack of wild cats had mysteriously crept aboard, such was the squalling. Shortly after starting, the rain came down. Nevertheless, the boys’ spirits remained un-dampened. We went one goal up, but a series of complacent dribbling events in our own area gifted the opposition several goals. Certainly, there are lessons to learn, but it was a good afternoon, all capped off with a decent match tea. AJS
U8 VII v Elstree
Won 4-1 (Tommy 2, Winston 1, Casper 1)
A rainy Friday afternoon set the stage for a great display of football from the under 8s away at Elstree. From the get go, Tommy P and Winston G were on it, attacking the ball and driving forward at every given opportunity. Scoring three goals early in the first half. Elstree, however, didn’t back down. Quick passing and a handful of mistakes from Pilgrims' lead Elstree to the goal box.
Towards the end of the second half, Pilgrims' broke away, linking passes all over the field. Casper M was in the right place at the right time, tapping in the ball to seal off a 4-1 victory. A very happy and energetic afternoon of football from the mighty under 8s! JU
Saturday 15 October
Year 3 —6 Cross-Country at Stroud School
?Pilgrims’ took four teams of four to represent the School at the Stroud Cross-Country fixture. I could not be prouder of how well they represented us. All boys gave really gutsy performances and ran their socks off! My push for Athletics and Cross-Country to be the Premier sport at Pilgrims’ is well underway after this fixture.
In the Year 3 and 4 race George B dashed off to a strong start, perhaps underestimating the length of the course. He showed tremendous grit and determination to keep pushing forward and eventually finished well-placed in the field and third in the Year 3 race. Finlay N ensured that a Pilgrim led the race for its entire length, taking over from George and showing strength and stamina to race through to 1st overall.
George B. with a very shiny bronze!
Left to right: Alfred B., Wilfird E., George B., Charlie L., Finlay N., Benjy C., Rio C., Abhinav S.
The other 3s and 4s also finished very strongly. I’m not sure that there was a team event, but we would be very well-placed if there was! The boys were a credit to the School and all enjoyed the experience and ran hard. The course was long and varied, a woodland stretch and a steep inclined provided varied challenge.
Finlay N. with his well-earned Gold medal.
Charlie L. and Benjy C. pushing hard up the hill on the final lap.
In the Year 5 and 6 race Pilgrims’ boys really showed their class. In a very strong field all boys raced well and showed really determined effort. We were most successful in the Year 5 race where Farid A took Gold in a statement making performance that had him finishing second overall. Patrick B also had medal success coming 3rd in the Year 5 race. Alfie L led the charge in the Year 6 race for Pilgrims’ finishing 8th. Other highlights for me were the sprint finishes between racers, boys finishing strongly and giving it their all right to the finishing line. Each Pilgrim finished their race strongly and contested for improved position. Many of the boys competing are members of Thursday Running Club, and it has been great to see their efforts in Commoners pay dividends in fixtures. Keen runners always welcome. Contact Mr Cleaver for details. AC
Farid A and Patrick B during their medal ceremony
Year 6 and 5 teams, from left to right, Ike C, Edward G, Alfie L, Elliot N, Farid A, Patrick B, Archie W, Hamish W.
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Hamish W. (pictured above) finishes strongly towards the finish line and Edward G. in a tightly contested sprint finish.
Well done, boys and Mr Cleaver! AJS
S1 (Senior 1) Red v Green on Saturday 15 October
Monday 17th October
Colts A VII v Weeke Primary School
Lost 3-1 (Finn R)
The stage was set for our second-round cup match against Weeke Primary School. The first 5 minutes was cagey, Pilgrims' slightly put off by the rest of the opposition school coming down on mass to support. Despite this, it was Pilgrims' who drew first blood, Finn R weaving his way through the floundering defence and calmly putting the ball away. The crowd were not happy, as they urged on their peers. Weeke rallied, and we had to work hard in defence for a while. Their first goal was somewhat of a gift, but not against the play. A second goal for Weeke rattled us, but we dug deep and continued to press well and create attacking avenues. Zachary S was a stand-out performer, looking cool, calm and collected at the back. He snuffed out numerous opportunities and had the composure to turn attack into defence. Pilgrims' grew frustrated as they couldn't seem to find a way back into the match. This was heightened as Weeke nicked another to go 3-1 up. The last 10 or so minutes were all Pilgrims' but the ball just wouldn't find its way to the goal. A valiant effort shown by all. Sad to see our cup run come to an end, but a great experience, nonetheless. Well done, everyone! MTG
Andrew Short
Director of Sport
