The RFU, following a period of consultation, have announced the lowering of the tackle height for next season will be ‘the base of the sternum’, in the community game, including schools. This is a welcome move, helping to protect our young players from concussion and supports the coaches' desire for low tackling from strong body positions.
In related news, the government has launched their concussion guidance for non-elite (grassroots) settings this week. The RFU and FA have been running their own guidance for several years, but this new guidance now runs across all sports and activities and can be viewed here:
Here at Pilgrims’ we continue to take concussion seriously and, of course, adopt these measures.
Tomorrow, at home are the 2nd XI and 4th XI – who are also incorporating Colts C players - playing at Gater Field, off Garnier Road. The Foals (Year 5) are on our school pitches, across three teams.
Away at Westbourne House are the 1st XI, 3rd XI and Colts A and B. The Colts C match has been cancelled through lack of numbers in our 4ths and Colts C but, as above, these players have been accommodated in the 4ths.
All cricketers from Year 5 and up who are available should find they have been selected for these fixtures.
Under 9 (Year 4) will have a Games session comprising a swim followed by alternative activity with collection from 1530.
There is also senior athletics (collection from 1530), fly-fishing (collection from 1630) and tennis (collection from 1530).
On Thursday, junior cricket comprising all Under 8s and 9s is the rescheduled date to avoid the clash with Friday’s Coronation tea. The Under 9s (Year 4) are away at Farleigh whilst the Under 8s (Year 3) are at home (1415 starts). Under 9s should be back by end of school at 1540 and the Under 8s should wrap up by 1600, after which they can be signed out from the Yard or return to the school day for prep and Commoners.
Enjoy the Coronation Exeat – we look forward to seeing the boys on Tuesday!
In athletics news, some Year 8 athletes were involved in an open track meeting run by Perins School, at Bar End. Aimed at athletes in Year 9 and 10, our boys performed particularly well. William G gained 3rd in the 300m in 46 seconds, Seb N won the 800m in 2:26. Osamede won the 100m in 12.3 secs. This beats his Year 7 school record of 12.38 set last summer but is one tenth shy of the Year 8 record set in 1993 by S Toogood. Nevertheless, he also won the 200m, in 25.1 secs which does take the thirty-year-old school record from S Toogood by three tenths of a second.
Well done to the four Pilgrims who travelled to Sheffield for the British Youth Fencing Championships. David, Teddy, Leo and Bertie (pictured in action below). Leo gained the best performance on the day with 28th from 71 competitors.
Olly did the school proud at the English Schools’ Table Tennis Championships in Wolverhampton. The competition was fierce, but he vows to return next year!
Match Reports
Wednesday 26 April
1st XI v Farleigh (25 overs)
Pilgrims’ 68 all out
Farleigh 118 for 7
Pilgrims’ lost by 3 wickets
The 2023 Season is underway! The weather did it’s best to play ball this afternoon. Thomas R won the toss and put the visitors in to bat. Charles L was chucked the new ball and made full use of it. Farleigh’s first wicket fell in the first over as we turned the screw. Nikhil D returned with an extra yard of pace this season, making the Farleigh batsmen second guess some shot selections. No team got a real hold of this innings. Farleigh batted sensibly, ticking the scoreboard along through singles and the odd boundary. The match swung slightly as Sammy Q came into the attack. The Year 7 took a wicket with his first ball for the 1st XI, setting his intentions clearly. Sammy finished with a tidy spell 17-3 off his 5 overs. The quick flurry of wickets stemmed the run-flow. For early season, I was very impressed with our engagement in the field. 3 catches and a run out in the first game is a good return. This included a spectacular one-handed catch from captain, Thomas R! Farleigh finished their innings on a healthy 118.
Despite a confident display in the field, early season jitters appeared to follow us throughout our innings. A mix-up on ball four of the first over saw Rory K sadly return early to the pavilion. Aditya S, Sammy Q and Harry H all looked fairly tidy but did not manage to push the scoreboard on too much. More mix-ups in the middle and couple good catches saw our innings cut short. This really could have played out very differently, our own mistakes cost us heavily this afternoon. Whilst we can’t turn back time, there are plenty of positives to take forward. A special mention goes to Mr Alan Whitman, who kindly returned to umpire this game. MTG
2nd XI v Farleigh
20 overs
Pilgrims’ 53 all out
Farleigh 54 for 1
Pilgrims’ lost by 9 wickets
Bit of an early season performance this one. Having won the toss and opted to bat, we made a very solid start. Despite losing two wickets in the first three overs, George S and Rohan T built a solid base, and we had reached 32 for 3 at the halfway point. However, when George got out, this resulted in a flurry of wickets, and only a good lower order partnership between Finn N and Seb B got us to any kind of target. However, as expected this proved undefendable and Farleigh made the total fairly easily. Again, we were a bit early season rusty in the field and will need to be sharper in future matches. ASD
3rd XI v Farleigh
Pilgrims’ 83-4
Farleigh 163-8
Pilgrims’ lost by 80 runs
Despite the fairly chastening margin of defeat here, there were actually a lot of positives to take. Hector W won the toss and asked Farleigh to have a bat. Minwoo C and Neil C opened the bowling and bowled with some real zip. Minwoo took two wickets in his second over, and things were looking positive. However, Farleigh’s 2 and 4 then settled nicely and looked relatively untroubled, seeing off the lion’s share of the innings and keeping the score board ticking over at a good lick, before trying to up the ante at the end which saw a flurry of late wickets.
Our batting got off to a steady start, with Ben A looking confident and Louis M doing his best to see off their openers. However, we lost a match defining 4 wickets in 4 balls to fairly gentle left arm bowling, which was a real shame. This did, however, bring Arthur H to the crease and both he and Ben A played some lovely strokes, looking very comfortable and scoring well, before both were out for 21 and 25 respectively.
Fielding, playing straight to straight balls, foot movement, picking length – there's a lot to think about in cricket, but for a first effort against traditionally strong opponents, the boys acquitted themselves well. MOM goes to Ben A and Arthur H, who showed great early season promise, but well done to all. WD
Pilgrims’ Colts A v Farleigh
Pilgrims’ 50 all out from 17.3 overs (Finn R. 10)
Farleigh 51-4 from 9.3 overs
Pilgrims’ lost by 6 wickets
Spirits were high in the minibus ride to Farleigh as the ‘proper’ start to the cricket season approached. Losing the toss and being put into bat was the proposition we were faced with and this clearly sent a few jitters through some of the team. A suicidal run-out in the first over was the result of the eagerness of the opening pair to get some runs on the board in the first over led – their intention cannot be faulted, but their decision-making on that run was questionable. Farleigh has their tails up and another run out, plus a wicket, saw Pilgrims’ reeling on 9-3 in the third over. The soft, sticky wicket also presented its own series of problems for batters on both teams, as the ball sat up and had a fairly low bounce. It took the Pilgrims’ batsmen some time to adjust to the difference of what they are used to on the concrete surface in the Pilgrims’ nets. Finn, the only Pilgrims’ player to reach double figures, batted well and showed some promise in the middle, playing with a straight bat, until he holed out to extra cover. Rupert B impressed with his ability to stick around for 36 balls and Charles N showed some potential, too. Pilgrims’ started with an in-out field, which worked as far as was possible, limiting any big scoring shots but also providing some opportunities for Farleigh to eek out singles. The pick of the Pilgrims’ bowlers was the controlled Bertie B and the accurate Max H who both bowled with good line and length. Ultimately, defending 50 was always going to be tough, but the Colts can be proud of their endeavour, and we look forward to redressing the imbalance in the return fixture in a few weeks. AA
Colts B XI v Farleigh
Pilgrims’: 33 all out after 9.2 overs
Farleigh: 34/2 off 6.4 overs
Pilgrims’ lost by 8 wickets
The Colts B team had a tough first fixture of the season against Farleigh but showed much promise for the games ahead. Our batting was somewhat rusty and the Pilgrims’ wickets fell at regular intervals early on. ‘Extras’ was the major contributor to the runs scored, and we shall need to spend more time on the wicket to get our eye in.
The boys did well in the field, and bowled a consistent line and length throughout the Farleigh innings. Unfortunately, the Farleigh batsmen had a far better day in the middle and were able to reach the required runs fairly easily.
The boys must be commended for the fine way in which they approached the game, and for giving of their best. CXC
Colts C XI v Farleigh
Soft Ball Pairs
Zain/Yaskh - 79 runs
Leo/Gleb - 34 runs
Nathan/George - 27 runs
Johnnie/Zain 27 runs
The Colts C team unfortunately had a last-minute cancellation but took the opportunity to play a highly competitive pairs match amongst themselves! And what a brilliant match it turned out to be. Johnnie B and Zain C batted well, with Nathan Z and George KW also scoring some steady runs. Nathan Z looked particularly strong. It was Yashk P and Zain C however, who were the partnership of the day! A stunning total of 79 runs from 5 overs, including a 6 and Three 4’s in one over! A brilliant afternoon finished with the boys enjoying match tea and supporting their fellow Pilgrims on Wolvesey in the spring sunshine! JB
Foals A XI v Farleigh B XI
Pilgrims’ 308-3 (Christian 31)
Farleigh 245-12 (Barney – 3 wickets)
Pilgrims’ won by 63 runs
Tension was in the air before our second encounter with Farleigh in as many weeks, with the previous result not far from anyone’s mind. However, a new-look batting order and some time in the nets meant the team were more than up for the re-match. Farleigh offered us the opportunity to play the pairs format, meaning the scores started at 200 and each team lost 5 runs for a wicket. In many ways, this gave the boys the opportunity to benefit from some time in the middle, and slightly took the pressure off the dreaded first delivery.
Batting first, the Pilgrims’ boys were set the simple task of building up partnerships with each other, putting pressure on the opposition and allowing the scoreboard to tick along. I was pleased with how the boys responded here, losing just 1 wicket in the opening 15 overs. Much credit should go to Christian - batting in the opening and final overs - who amassed an extremely impressive 31 not out, including a deadly seven 4s. However, all the boys did well to block out some accurate bowling, and I was pleased that no-one managed to give their wicket away easily. Pilgrims’ finished on 308 (starting at 200 and including the minus 15 for the 3 wickets that fell).
The boys were told that accuracy was the key to defending this total, knowing that each no ball or wide would give away 2 runs. However, in the end it was the wickets ‘wot won it' with a mighty 60 runs being subtracted from the Farleigh total as 12 wickets fell. The attack was spearheaded by Barney, who took 3 wickets in total including an outrageous ‘spin’ ball from a short run for the final delivery. Patrick, Archie, Rufus, Theo, Lucas and Edward also contributed to the wicket haul as well as some neat work in the field leading to confusion and run-outs at the batter's end. Accurate bowling will remain our target for the coming weeks, with the boys learning to take stock after each delivery to regroup and focus on the target, regardless of what has happened the previous ball.
I hope the boys are encouraged by their first win of the season, and – more importantly – the progress they are making as a squad. CAL
Angling Report
Another tricky week on the River Itchen this week. It's still a bit on the cold side and the mayfly season is not in effect. The fish are scarce and not really feeding. I do expect the river to turn on over the next couple of weeks, and we will start getting into some fish.
This week we took almost an hour to get ready before getting down to the river. I would like to reiterate the importance of students having the right kit and ensuring all their tackle is in good working order and knowing how it goes together. Boys should also be practising their knots during the week, such as a blood knot.
How To Tie a Half Blood Knot
The quicker we can get our rods set up, the more time we will get on the river, and hopefully, into some fish. DBO
Saturday 29 April
U9 A v Twyford
Pilgrims’ 231
Twyford 316
Pilgrims’ lost by 85
The U9 As enjoyed a sunny afternoon playing cricket for their first games of the season. As first matches go, there were plenty of positives to take forward for the remainder of the season. The boys showed good technique, whilst facing some sharp opposition. Finlay N looked composed when facing, striking the ball cleanly. To their credit, Twyford bowled well, offering very little in lose deliveries. It made us work hard for our runs. Benjy C looked good in the middle, showing good hand eye coordination. A combination of tight bowling and avoidable runouts saw us restricted to 231. Still, this was something to defend, and the boys worked hard in the afternoon sun! Rafe J picked up a wicket with his second ball, settling the team and giving us confidence. Twyford pushed on in the middle overs, giving themselves a slight cushion to play with. Despite a flurry of late wickets, it was too little too late. The consistency and game awareness will come. A good first outing, well done to everyone! MTG
U9 Seawolves v Twyford
Pilgrims' 251
Twyford 316
Pilgrims' lost by 65
The U9 Seawolves played their first game for the season on a very sunny Saturday afternoon. It was a great first game for the season with great attitudes from both teams. Being the first game of the season lots of positives come out of Pilgrims’ performance. Pilgrims batted first and showed some great defensive techniques only conceding one wicket for the entire innings. Edward Z showed great composure in the middle while facing a very consistent Twyford bowling line up. With the work of all our boys we were able to rack up 251 runs against a very competitive Twyford opposition. Soichiro H come out with great bowling confidence in the first over and set the tone for the rest of the bowlers. Twyford pushed on despite the great fielding efforts of Julian C all over the ground. Ryan M also showed some very consistent and effective bowling leaving Twyford almost run less in the last few overs. A great first game and lots of positives to be used throughout the rest of the season! EKS
Pilgrims’ v Twyford
Pilgrims’ 111
Twyford 226
Pilgrims’ lost by 115
Finally, a cricket match in conditions that could be described as balmy. The boys had an enjoyable afternoon away at Twyford, even if the result wasn’t what they had hoped for. However, there were many positives on show. Having lost the toss Pilgrims’ batted first and it was pleasing to see the boys try to play with positivity and eagerness. Teddy Y and Charlie L both played some good shots, but our run rate stagnated due to some impressive bowling and fielding from Twyford. It was unfortunate that we gave away 9 wickets, with each wicket lost resulting in –5 in pairs cricket, which made a big dent in any runs that were scored. The boys then took the ball in hand, and each had the opportunity to bowl three overs. All the boys demonstrated that they were able to deliver a ball accurately, but greater consistency is needed. Charlie L took a wicket with the final ball of the match, and deservedly so given the perseverance that the team showed. Special mention must be given to Marek G for his super fielding and accurate throwing in of the ball from deep. A big well done to the boys for their effort and attitude. TMH
Inter-Set Cricket Round 1 – Results round up
Foals
Result: Wrens won
Wrens: 75-2 (Christian B, retired 20)
Monks: 68 for 2 (Barney S, Edward W, retired 20)
Result: Romans won
Romans: 69-1 (Leon S, retired 21)
Normans: 58-1 (Elliot N, retired 21)
Seniors
Result: Wrens win
Monks: 33-5
Wrens: 35 (George S, retired 21)
Result: Normans win
Saxons: 53-5
Normans: 56-1 (Thomas R, retired 20)
Result: Normans win
Normans: 71 (Aditya S, retired 20)
Monks: 41-3
Result: Romans win
Romans: 44-2 (Freddie F, retired 23)
Normans: 43-3
Result: Romans win
Romans: 38 (Rory K, retired 20)
Monks: 37-3
Result: Wrens win
Wrens: 52-4
Saxons: 32-5
Andrew Short
Director of Sport