Tomorrow we have a block fixture with Farleigh, but I also need to flag some late changes:
- At home are the U13s (Year 8) and all the Colts (Year 6) playing across three teams in straight fixtures. Senior touch rugby will play against two Farleigh non-contact sides for a round-robin format of touch rugby on New Piece.
- Away at Farleigh are the Under 12As and Bs (Year 7), and please see the note about Foals below.
- Foals (Year 5) were due to play five sides from Farleigh and Boundary Oak. However, Farleigh recently notified us of a clash. The resulting arrangements for tomorrow, therefore, are Foals A to play at the Hilsea playing fields of Portsmouth Grammar School starting at 1330 in a festival.
(I’m asked to let you know that parking is not available at Hilsea, but there is a car park nearby which is free of charge.)
- Foals B and Foals All Blacks are at Boundary Oak, playing their As and Bs. Foals C and Foals Barbarians are travelling to Farleigh to play their Cs in a triangular. This will encompass all the boys in the year group.
- With Games sessions tomorrow and collection from 1530 are U13 hockey and U9 (Year 4) rugby.
On Friday, the swim teams from Years 5-8 compete at Bryanston School in the IAPS swimming regional rounds. The 1st XI football team enjoy a reprisal against a touring team from Victoria College, Jersey. This will be played on Gater Field, Winchester College, accessed from Garnier Road with KO at 1500.
To wrap up the afternoon, we have an Under 8 (Year 3) and Under 9 fixture with Farleigh. U8 play at home and U9 are away from 1415. As usual, all in the year groups will be involved.
On Saturday, we have our return fixture with Twyford. I’m afraid the tightness in scheduling comes from the fact that last year, we played Twyford on the equivalent date of what would have been the first weekend of half-term. In finding a second mutually agreeable date, this has been the result. Nevertheless, I will seek to spread these fixture dates out going forward.
At home will be U13, and all Under 9s.
Away will be U12 A and B, all Colts across three teams and Foals A, B and C.
With Games sessions and collection from 1530 will be U13 hockey, Senior touch rugby and Foals Barbarians and All Blacks rugby.
Before the next issue of the Pitches, we have our U12 (Year 7) Water Polo with Twyford on Monday 6 March at around 1700. Teams are published on SOCS and an email to confirm attendance has been sent.
Congratulations!
Riding
Sam H of Year 7 and Indigo Blue came 4th in the 60cm and 6th in the 70cm - their first class at this height - on Sunday at GW Equine Showjumping. They enjoyed lovely clears in both rounds, and were just beaten on times in very competitive classes.
Table Tennis
Ben A and Olly P, also of Year 7, competed at the Hampshire table tennis championship last week. Well done to both, with particular congratulations to Olly who became county champion! He now qualifies for the English Schools National Championships in Wolverhampton in April.
Cross-Country
Sebastian N of year 8 together with the entire Year 7 team of Fraser N, Olly P, Bertie W, Edward B and Arthur H, all qualified for the Hampshire County Championships, representing Eastleigh & Winchester District, taking place next week in Basingstoke. Sebastian also goes on to represent Hampshire at the English Schools National championships, held in Nottingham. Our best wishes to them.
Match Reports
Wednesday 22 February
U13 A XIII vs Papplewick
Lost 40-15 (Osamede A 2 Sebastian N)
We started brightly, Papplewick not having quite got off the bus, tearing into the visiting side and dominating the ruck. Two tries came quickly. Osamede, broke through followed by Sebastian N who converted on the left wing. Papplewick responded when our tackling was too ineffective. Osamede broke through again. Waking up, Papplewick grew into the game as, inversely, our confidence drained away, and we began to play with less belief. At half-time, Papplewick shaded it by a single score. Unfortunately, the second half got away from us, and it finished as it did, 40-15. AJS
U12 A XII vs Papplewick
Lost 40-10 (Neil C 2)
For parts of the game we were competitive but lack of support play on the attack cost us turnovers that led to quick and easy Papplewick scores. The first half ended 30 - 0. In the second half we fought back a little and that half ended 10-10. Panicked handling led to a number of interceptions and tackling in the open field was poor and a real difference between the two teams. AC
U12 B XII vs Papplewick
Lost 40-0
The Pilgrims' B team took on Papplewick away on Wednesday. With a few key players taken from our team to fill spots in the A team, we took on a much bigger side. The first half was actually quite close with both teams having moments of brilliance but both finding it hard to score. Papplewick were first to find their mark, which then allowed them to surge into the lead. Some great tackles were made by captain William N and there were some nice kicks and runs by Balthasar J. William I and Louis B also played with tenacity. DBO
Colts A IX vs Papplewick
Lost 45 – 5
This was one of those rugby games when jaws drop as the opposition walk onto the pitch. Papplewick had the biggest U11 boy on their team that I have ever seen and several others almost as big. I anticipated directing their coach to the U12 match, or perhaps even the U13s. But such was not the case! One always hopes, as coach or player, that enormous boys turn out to be gentle giants who topple over before they are tackled and whose appetite for tackling is like that of most U11 boys for broccoli and spinach. But this was not to be. For Papplewick’s biggest player was also their most aggressive and seemed to relish the opportunity of smashing into anyone on the pitch. Added to this Papplewick’s undeniable skill at passing and rucking and well, there was little Pilgrims’ could do to stop the onslaught. There was no grumbling though and the team kept their chins up until the last whistle. A very brave performance it was indeed. PB
Colts B IX vs Papplewick
Lost 5 – 50 (Ennis Z)
This was a tough fixture for the Colts Bs and they really had to work hard to maintain their vim and vigour. What has impressed me most about this team is their never-say-die attitude, and their ability maintain a sense of humour.?They were simply outgunned on Wednesday, and the Papplewick boys were able to score at will. The game was played in very good spirit, and Papplewick made a number of concessions to stem the tide somewhat.?Lessons learnt: tackle, pass before getting into contact, and run onto the ball at pace. CXC
Colts C IX vs Papplewick
Lost 60-20
The Pilgrims' boys showed great intensity and grit during our game against Papplewick. While ultimately not coming through with a victory in the game, the boys showed great perseverance to hang in there and push through. Yashk P and Jago C both played good games scoring tries for the team and showing good offensive skills. Rafael C and Zach M were our stars for the day on the defensive side of the ball, even with larger opponents they were showing great tackling technique and bringing players to the ground. Furthermore, the boys once again showed great sportsmanship throughout the match even when things were not going their way. EJG
Foals A at Boundary Oak 7’s
Won
v Oakwood (B) 45-0
v Ditchham Park 35-0
v Oakwood (A) 40-10
v Boundary Oak (touch) 20-0
v Oakwood (C) 55-0
v Boundary Oak (A) 30-0
Lost v Farleigh 20-10
What an afternoon! This was a lovely opportunity for the team to get some game time and match play under their belt, and they took full advantage. Six of the seven matches were comfortable, with the scoring evenly spread throughout the team. Despite the scorelines, Foals A managed to play with structure and continued working the ball through the phases, sticking with the process. The boys managed to amass a huge number of points for: 235, while only conceding 30 points against. Our toughest fixture was against Farleigh, who posed a real challenge. The game was physical and end to end. Both sides looking confident in the breakdown. Farleigh capitalised on some handling errors close to our own line, rumbling over to a 20-10 victory. It is hard to highlight a single standout performance as each boy deserves a mention. A wonderful afternoon of rugby, that saw us come 2nd overall. Well done everyone! MTG
Foals B VIII vs Papplewick
Lost 80-10 (Hal H 2)
The Foals B team took on a strong Papplewick team on Wednesday. Despite missing some key players, the boys cannot be faulted for their effort and perseverance. Once organised, the boys looked confident when in possession of the ball. When the ball was passed into space our quick players were able to make ground and penetrate the opposition defence. Hal H scored two good break-away tries, and possibly deserved more if not for some good Papplewick defending. All the boys need to show more confidence with their tackling as at times we made it too easy for the opposition. A valiant effort against a very good team. TMH
Foals C VIII vs Papplewick
Lost 60-30 (Nicholas M, Sasha G 4, Alfie H)
Foals C had a super afternoon at Papplewick. They came away from the game with six super tries and a real sense that if they had played the first half as they did the second, the score may well have been a lot closer. Nicholas M was the only Pilgrims’ scorer in the first half, driving through the defence in a very direct route to the line. Other than that, tackling was not up to the speed of the Papplewick attack. However, in the second half Foals C just got better and better, with Sasha G scoring four in a row, with simple driving runs and good recycling of the ball. The match ended on a brilliant series of rucks with Pilgrims’ working their way patiently into the Papplewick half and then through the hands to put Alfie H away in the corner. A super team try and despite losing a terrific way to finish the game. (The referreeing in the fixture was outstanding and as the coach on the side lines I was very appreciative of how hard he was working for the boys!) SL
U9 A VII vs Papplewick
Draw 40-40
An exciting game that was very close throughout. Both teams started quickly scoring early on. Rio C and Benjy C looked dangerous, and Daniel M impressed with his well-timed tackles. With the scores level it was a tense last few moments, but the teams could not be split! Well done boys. JB
U9 B VII vs Papplewick
Lost 30-10
The mighty Bs continued with their development this week. It was great to see enthusiasm and smiles from so many of the team, even in the face of strong and well-drilled opponents. Some great running from Edward and Oscar meant we had something to offer in the attack, and I was particularly impressed with Cameron this week who is developing into a real leader in the team. Tackling remains a big target for us as Papplewick proved too much with the ball in hand. Do remember to be confident, boys, in defence, and to always go low and target the waist of your opposite number. Onwards! CAL
Thursday 23 February
U8 A VI vs Twyford
Lost 50-40
This match was played with fantastic intensity. Alfred B showed good footwork in his evasive skills as he went over for the first of several of his tries. Nevertheless, it was nip and tuck all the way as the players battled for the advantage. I was impressed with the speed of off load from the tackle, the support and continuity – all with minimal errors. The players listened to my advice and I could see them putting it into practice on the pitch as they looked to attack space. Twyford were two tries to the good, but it was a great game to watch. AJS
U8 B VI vs Twyford
Draw 30-30 (Bertie L 4, Zachary P, Teddy C-H)
This was a proper game of rugby, and exciting to be part of! Pilgrims’ started strongly with Zachary P sneaking in to score in the corner with only a couple of minutes on the clock. Twyford rallied scoring two unanswered tries. Pilgrims’ looked dangerous whenever in possession, they managed to find width on the pitch and ran positively toward the opposition try line. Teddy C-H scored next, finishing off a well worked passage, showing a good turn of speed. Twyford started the second half well and edged back into the game – we could tell this one was going to be tight. Bertie L had seen enough, he scored our last 4 tries with excellent movement and feet to avoid his tag being pulled off! It was honours even at the final whistle, which was a fair and fitting result for the 16 boys from both teams who gave it their all! A great performance, well done everyone! MTG
U8 C VI vs Twyford
Draw 40-40
What a great afternoon! Pilgrims’ got off to a cracking start and scored the first try of the match with some excellent running from Rupert B. Twyford followed up with some good play themselves which saw them take a lead. It was an excellent display of focus and determination from Pilgrims’ who continued to work hard, even when they began to tire. Anthony C showed great skill and evasive running to score himself a few tries. Angelos also showed super potential. At the final whistle both teams showed their appreciation with 3 cheers to mark a super afternoon, full of cracking rugby and positive attitudes. Well done everyone. JB
Saturday 25 February
U13 A XIII vs Twyford
Won 35-25 (Osamede A 5, Patrick C 2)
This was a game to remember. Like the Papplewick game, we made our mark early and, as I hoped, got out of the blocks quickly without thought for the reputation of the opposition. Patrick C blasted his way through from a quickly tapped free kick. Osamede was electric with the ball in hand and proved too difficult to live with. Yet Twyford kept in touch as were rather too passive in defence at times – marking and shepherding rather than taking the space and putting the tackles in. Re-grouping at half-time, our noses in front by two, passions were stirred up. It was good to see the boys finally have enough of watching Twyford play and they put in a massive defensive shift which prevented Twyford scoring and shifted momentum. Well played U13s – a performance to be proud of. AJS
U12 A XII vs Twyford
Lost 30 - 0
The first 15 minutes of the game was scoreless and Pilgrims' were defensively strong. Turning the ball over inside our own 22m line three times had us 15 points down and although the match was far more competitive than the match against Papplewick. Twyford emerged worthy victors. AC
Colts A IX vs Twyford
Lost 30 – 10 (Rendall F 2)
This was a good fixture and the score line rather flatters Twyford. It was a close, well fought game of rugby in which Pilgrims’ Colts A played their best rugby of the season. There were plenty of tackles being made, many good passes and lots of yards run up field with the ball in hand. A big thank you must go to Finn R who had his best game of the season so far, scoring two tries and making lots of tackles. However, Twyford were quicker to the rucks and won most of the ball on the ground. Almost every time a Pilgrims’ player was tackled, the ball was lost in the ruck. So, we were not able to build any sustained attacks. This is definitely our goal in coaching for the next few training sessions. PB
Colts B IX vs Twyford
Lost 55 – 10 (Seth T, Harrison E)
The scoreline flatters Twyford a little. Had our boys come out playing like they did towards the end of the game, they would have given Twyford a bit more of a run for their money. There were some very promising signs in this game. The boys tackled better than they have all season, they got to the break-down a lot quicker, and they played with some lovely confidence at times. I am very proud of them. The two tries scored were incredibly well-deserved, and well-wrought, and displayed what this team is capable of when it all comes together. Now to work on what to do at the break-down, and get the ball moving through the hands a bit more... CXC
Colts C IX vs Twyford
Lost 50-25
Despite the scoreline, this was the Colts Cs best showing of rugby so far this season. Each and every player was able to contribute to the game in a positive manner. The boys quickly understood that Twyford had some fast players and then made the correct tactical changes in order to slow them down. After half time, Pilgrims really kicked it into third gear, scoring 3 tries in quick succession and playing some great defence. Well done especially to Patrick H for great defence skills and overall intensity throughout the game. Aswell as James B for scoring a few tries in the second half. This game really showed the coaching staff that the development of the boys skills is well on the way and to look forward to playing them again on the weekend. Good effort boys! - EJG
Foals A VIII vs Twyford
Won 60 – 30 (Archie W 6, Edward W 3, CB 2, Barney S)
What a game! This match had it all and was competitive throughout. Pilgrims’ came into this fixture with a great amount of confidence after a successful tournament on Wednesday. Through agility and sheer determination of Archie W, we found ourselves 15-0 up with just over 5 minutes on the clock, shocking the visitors. Twyford put together some good phases as we traded blows up until half-time. Pilgrims’ were excellent in the breakdown, securing our own ball and forcing a large number of turnovers in defence. Our support play and ability to get the ball wide, quickly, enabled the likes of Edward W to capitalise on the extra space. Christian B showed the importance of support play, offering attacking outlets and running dangerous lines all afternoon. Pilgrims’ deserved this victory, they looked dynamic and composed throughout the afternoon. An excellent result that meant a lot to the boys! Roll on next week. Well done to all. MTG
Foals B IX v Twyford
Lost 60 – 45
In what was an evenly contested match, the Foals B team put on an impressive display against a strong opposition. They boys looked confident with the ball in hand and were trying to keep play alive rather than taking the ball into the tackle. When the tackle occurred, and we went to ground, our rucking was strong, and we were often able to retain possession. Our attacking play continues to improve and on Saturday the boys proved that they would be a handful for whoever they played. Austin S ran with strength and power, whilst the trickery of Eddie Q, Lucas J, and Hal H meant the Twyford defence has a busy afternoon. There is work to be done when out of possession. Tackling technique can certainly be improved, as well as our organisation. However, the progress that the boys have made is most pleasing, as was Saturday’s performance. Well done boys! TMH
U9 A VII vs Twyford
Won 50-40
What a match! On a chilly afternoon, Pilgrims' showed great spirit to win a closely fought match. The initial phases saw both teams score good tries with limit tackles going in. As the game progressed on the boys settled in, the tackles began to come. Technically sound and with good strength and power, Finlay N, Teddy Y and Danial M began to stop the Twyford tries. At the same time the pace and running ability of Benjy C and Jacob S saw Pilgrims’ take the lead into the final stages of the match. The boys can be very pleased with the progress they have made this term. Entertaining rugby and a positive attitude throughout the afternoon was enough to warm everybody up on the side-lines! Well done boys! JB
U9 B VII v Twyford
Lost 60-30
Saturday’s visit to Twyford proved to be another learning experience for the mighty Bs, who put on a brave display against another strong set of opponents. A new-look team sheet saw some fine running from zippy Charlie, who carried over the line on multiple occasions, and some strong running with the ball from Alex, Jacob and Oscar on both wing-sides. However, tackling remains a key target for us moving towards the end of the season, and looking ahead to next year, as the matches will become more physical. Going low and being confident is the key in defence, and we will continue to practise and improve. Well done all. CAL.
U9C VII vs Twyford
Lost 20-15
The boys gave it their best this Saturday against Twyford demonstrating the Pilgrims’ spirit. In a tough first games against the Twyford C team all players worked together in defence to stop the early push from Twyford. Marek G’s strength to push through the tackles saw pilgrims to their first try of the day. The boys grew in confidence as the match progressed, Julian C and William S both used their speed to help Pilgrims’ stay in the game. After a tough afternoon with heavy reliance on our defensive skills the boys showed great improvement, a willingness to compete and continued to perform throughout the game. EKS.
U9C vs Twyford
Draw 15-15
After a tough first game Pilgrims' headed into the second game of the afternoon. Focusing on our tackling and forwards running the boys came out with confidence. William W showcased his strength as he broke through tackles and scored the first try of the game. Fighting off Twyford's advances the boys were able to keep up the defensive line and worked together to complete tackles and get possession of the ball. Running forwards also improved as the boys showed more confidence to charge towards the try line and were able to keep pace with the Twyford team. This game highlighted the boy's progression even from the previous game and showed great effort and determination. EKS
Andrew Short
Director of Sport