Tomorrow, the U13 A 7s (Year 8) team travels to Boundary Oak, nr. Fareham. Please note the earlier tournament start time of 1330.
At Prince’s Mead, just a short drive away, are Colts A and B (Year 6). Kick off is slightly earlier than usual, at 1415.
At home are all the Foals (Year 5). Prince’s Mead are visiting. Their three teams have whittled down to two, so the current plan is to have a triangular festival with their As and our As and Bs. Their B team will play in a round-robin festival with our Cs, Barbarians and All Blacks. Again, kick-off is earlier, at 1415.
Having coaching in Games sessions are U13 hockey, some U13 with U12 (Year 7) rugby (RFU age grade rules continue to be applied), the Senior Touch Rugby group and Under 9 (Year 4) rugby all with collection times from 1530.
On Thursday afternoon, all Under 9s are playing away against Prince’s Mead across three teams. At the same time, the Under 8s (Year 3) are playing at home. Again, kick off for both these fixtures is 1415.
Match Reports
Wednesday 15 March
U13 A XIII vs Cothill
Lost 35-25 (Osamede A 5)
These were two evenly matched sides, going at it hammer and tongs. Despite today’s scoreline, I have been impressed and proud of the resolve and determination that has grown through this squad over the course of the season. For example, whilst we had our share of attacking opportunity, it was in defending our own line where this tenacity and intent surfaced, at one point defending for a very sustained period and not just allowing them to walk in – which might have happened back in January. So, the players can be very proud of their progress - and I have been pleased to have been able to share this with them. AJS
Colts C IX vs Cothill
Lost 45-25 (Timothy 2, Patrick, Nathan, Max H)
The development of this Pilgrims’ C team grew enormously throughout the game, and I was particularly impressed with how certain individuals stepped up in the face of a strong opposition on a rainy afternoon. Patrick deserves the biggest shout-out for some superb tackling in defence, Donghan showed some silky running through opponents and wasn’t afraid to try things a little differently. Timothy and Nathan both looked dangerous at times with the ball in hand and deserve credit for their perseverance throughout, and Max H captained well in both attack and defence. Points to remember: keeping hands out of the ruck for those first to secure the ball, going in low for the maul in order to keep the power and momentum and passing the ball along the line when out the back of a scrum or ruck. Well done all. CAL
Foals B VIII at Oakwood Festival
The Foals B team were involved in an excellent afternoon of Rugby at Oakwood School in Chichester. We were placed in the ‘Wood’ group and played Oakwood, Aldro B, and Ditcham Park in both ‘home’ and ‘away’ matches. With matches being 8 minutes long they were fast-paced and full of some excellent rugby.
The Foals B team finished the afternoon unbeaten, winning two of matches and drawing four. It was ever so pleasing to be involved in such a well match festival, and all the boys who played thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We played some of the best rugby of the season, and at times we passed the ball with such freedom and intent that opposing coaches commented.
It will be amiss of me to mention any boy as the whole team played exceptionally well and were a credit to the school. So well done to all involved! TMH
Under 9 A/B mixed teams vs Cothill A
Draw 4-4
Win 5-3
Pilgrims’ had the strength in their squad to mix teams and still produce some excellent Rugby. Impressive performances from William W, Edward Z and William S were great to see. In the first match, Pilgrims’ went toe to toe with a Cothill side who gave as good as they got! The tries kept coming from both teams with some excellent phases of play. After 20 minutes, with the scores even, the final whistle blew to smiles all round.
In the Second match, Pilgrims’ came to life. Tries from Finlay N and Daniel M meant that Pilgrims’ had their noses in front for the whole match. Cothill fought bravely and came close to tying the scores with only a few minutes to go, but an excellent defensive display saw the six tackles turn the ball over with just enough time to head into the opposition half and get an extra try.
A festival of Rugby played with great spirit from both teams. JB
Saturday 18 March
Stroud Cross Country
Well done to all boys in Years 3-6 who competed at this event, they represented the school with pride. Particular congratulation to our medallists pictured below; George B, Finlay N, Leon S, Patrick B and Zachary S.
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/BEEF9CF41065A651BA4E681F7585A9BC.jpeg)
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/4DF19F000DD6DC07CC336FBD63AA0E1F.png)
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/4785427B6FDF149B1BA791CB72B3C984.jpeg)
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/9A18E7E07BD01EF8488979E4AA82AEB4.jpeg)
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/62935863B2C4C803D699AC516952BD7C.jpeg)
Inter-Set Touch Rugby
There was a window of sunshine for these age group tournaments. Well done to all players and congratulations to the winning Sets:
U13 – Romans
U12 – Normans
Colts – Saxons
Foals – Wrens
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/ADED015E0B210DB8DD8D44D3C75CC403.jpg)
![](/_site/data/files/images/auto_upload/C772CA810B7565FC63E1A22300A76E85.jpg)
Over the Easter break, a letter will be sent with guidance for the summer term and offering some optional choices to senior pupils.
Have a fantastic Easter.
Andrew Short
Director of Sport