This week sees all pupils in Year 5 and up participating in football fixtures across four schools tomorrow – Super Wednesday! Good luck to the 1st XI who make the long journey to Sevenoaks in the first round of the ISFA cup. All remaining Years 7 & 8 play across 2nd – 6th teams against Westbourne House near Chichester.
Year 6 (Colts) are all away at Prince’s Mead.
Year 5 (Foals) are now all away at Stroud near Romsey – the tournament has been cancelled due to the foul weather forecast.
Team
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Opposition
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Venue Details
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Status
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Start Time
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Return Time
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More Details
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Wednesday 20 Sep 2023
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1st XI
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Sevenoaks School
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Away | Duke's Meadow 1
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15:00
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19:00
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JUNIOR LUNCH
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2nd XI
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Westbourne House School
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Away | Westbourne House School
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14:30
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17:30
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3rd IX
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Westbourne House School
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Home | New Piece
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14:30
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16:30
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4th IX
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Westbourne House School
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Away | Westbourne House School
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14:30
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17:30
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5th IX
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Westbourne House School
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Home | Bailey
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14:30
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17:30
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6th IX
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Westbourne House School
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Home | Middle
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14:30
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16:30
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Colts A VII
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Festival with Stroud and Prince's Mead
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Away | Prince's Mead, SO21 1AN
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14:30
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16:45
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Colts B VII
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Festival with Stroud and Prince's Mead
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Away | Prince's Mead, SO21 1AN
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14:30
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16:45
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Colts C VII
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Festival with Stroud and Prince's Mead
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Away | Prince's Mead, SO21 1AN
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14:30
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16:45
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Colts City VII
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Festival with Stroud and Prince's Mead
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Away | Prince's Mead, SO21 1AN
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14:30
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16:45
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Colts United VII
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Festival with Stroud and Prince's Mead
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Away | Prince's Mead, SO21 1AN
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14:30
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16:45
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Foals A VII
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Stroud U10 Football Tournament
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Neutral | Wellington Sports Ground, SO50 9HT
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Cancelled
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Foals B VII
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Stroud U10 Football Tournament
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Neutral | Wellington Sports Ground, SO50 9HT
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Cancelled
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Foals A VII
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Away | Main School
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14:30
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16:45
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Foals B VII
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Away | Main School
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14:30
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16:45
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Foals C VII
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Away | Main School
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14:30
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16:45
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U9 Games Group
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GAMES - All U9
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Home | Grid
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13:45
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15:15
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Collection from the Yard at 1530.
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Thursday 21 Sep 2023
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U9 A VII
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Prince's Mead School
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Away | Bowl Pitches
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14:30
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16:15
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Sign-out after match tea or from school at 1640/1800
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U9 B VII
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Prince's Mead School
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Away | Bowl Pitches
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14:30
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16:15
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U9 C VII
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Prince's Mead School
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Away | Bowl Pitches
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14:30
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16:15
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U8 A VI
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Festival with Twyford and Prince's Mead
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Home | Middle
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14:15
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16:00
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U8 B VI
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Festival with Twyford and Prince's Mead
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:15
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16:00
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U8 C VI
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Festival with Twyford and Prince's Mead
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:15
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16:00
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Tuesday 26 Sep 2023
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U9 A VII
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Away | Main School
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14:30
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16:30
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All U9 will play.
Sign-out after match tea or from school at 1640/1800
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U9 B VII
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Away | Main School
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14:30
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16:30
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U8 A VI
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Home | Middle
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14:30
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16:05
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U8 B VI
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:30
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16:05
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U8 C VI
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Stroud School, Romsey
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:30
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16:05
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Congratulations to Daniel M of Year 5 who competed in the Winchester Penguins Club Championships last Saturday gaining top spot across breaststroke, fly and freestyle events.
Rowing commoner starts at the Winchester College Boathouse.
Wednesday 13 September
1st XI vs Horris Hill
Won 2-0 (Olly P, Sammy P)
A nice, strong performance to start the season. The back four of Charles N, Barnaby D, Zach S and Arthur H looked like they’d been playing together for weeks, not days, and with the intelligent positional play of Summer Y in midfield, and the dynamism of Neil C, we were organised and resolute. Yet to find the golden touch going forwards, the scoreline wasn’t quite what it could have been, and many attacks were more like a bittersweet symphony than an all-out crowd pleaser: some excellent work, but just lacking the finishing flourish. Still, you get what you give, and the boys gave a lot; our hard work was rewarded with two goals, one from Olly P who came on to a ball at the back post after good work from Tobi O, and one for Sammy P scoring inside the near post having done some good work out wide. A really encouraging start to the season, and the clear structure and organisation, as well as the clear commitment, was very pleasing to see. ASD
2nd XI vs Horris Hill
Won 9-0 (Bertie W 4, Will S 2, Fraser N, Thomas K, Seb B)
This was the sort of emphatic start to the season that one can only dream of! On a sunny day and a big pitch, the newly assembled 2nd XI squad looked imperious and impressive. Historically, Pilgrims' teams can sometimes be a little bit 'quiet', but not so here; boys encouraged, warned, demanded the ball, told them where space was (metaphorically) and generally imposed themselves. There was a genuine desire to keep the ball on the floor and play attractive, 'head up' football.
Positionally, we looked assured with all boys understanding their roles. Keen to manage things with the score 6-0 at half-time, we had the luxury of lending some of our players to Horris Hill, which evened things out a bit, but we were completely deserving of the scoreline which didn't flatter us one bit. Bertie W scored a hatful, Will S was a tireless menace up front and ran some good lines, Fraser N and Jacob H (with an astonishing FIVE assists!) offered width and energy, whilst the back four worked like a well-oiled, well-tuned machine.
Of course, with Twyford to come at the weekend, we need to view this as water under the bridge, and we will no doubt have a greater indication of where we are as a team on Saturday. However, initial impressions are good, and I was as delighted by the performance as I was by the attitude of the group and very much look forward to working with them. Well done to all. WD
3rd XI vs Horris Hill
Won 9-1 (James P x4, Jayden L x2, Dami O, Balthasar J, Rian D)
A very strong start to the season for the 3rd XI. The first half saw James P score 3 goals in quick succession, a well-earned hat-trick which clearly establish his team on the front foot. These goals were assisted by an impressive midfield who enabled their striker to capitalise on the opposition’s defence. A couple more goals from Jayden L and Balthasar J resulted in a prominent 5-0 position going into half time.
The second half was much the same for the Pilgrims boys. Great game awareness led to some very nice, selfless passes and through balls which contributed to a further 4 goals throughout the half. The defensive duo of George M and Minwoo C were steadfast in defence, however an interception from Dami O (playing for Horris Hill to even put numbers) enabled him to score 1 goal for the opposition!
Overall the boys should be very satisfied with their first performance and I look forward to seeing them improve over the course of the season. MMG
4th XI vs Farleigh
Won 5-1 (John G, Ennis Z, William I 3)
This was a bright start to the season with the team looking to play an attractive style of passing football. We piled on the pressure from the off and, about six minutes in, it paid off when a shot from Orlando rebounded off the post. John was on standby to tap in. Ennis scored next before William netted a hat-trick either side of half-time.
I thought the boys survived a scare early in the second half when Farleigh scored to make it 3-1. I wondered if, at this point, the momentum would change. However, the team rallied well and kept momentum going their way which was a credit to them. Leo had a fine game in goal, and it was a positive performance throughout. AJS
5th XI vs Farleigh
Won 4-3 (Teddy E 3, Zachary M 1)
Goodness me, this was an exciting, nail-biting match of football. Who would ever have thought that 5th XI prep school football could be so enthralling? Farleigh were a well organised, large and physically imposing team. There must have been at least two prop forwards from the 1st XV who were well able and keen to throw their weight around! And yet, it must be said that they did so with fairmindedness and no malice. The competition for the ball was eager and determined. Johnnie B was nipping and ducking in and out of defenders with incisive flair and skill. He was, in many ways, the engine room of the teams’ attack. Nevertheless, Farleigh drew ahead in the first twenty minutes with two goals. And to be frank, the game looked beyond winning at that point. However, just before half time, Teddy E scored a goal. The second half continued in a similar vein until Teddy E (again!) and then Zachary M both scored within five minutes of each other. At 3-2 up, Pilgrims’ were suddenly looking confident and in control – such are the fortunes of football! But Farleigh did not give up and with ten minutes to go scored an equaliser. This was then followed by a penalty to Farleigh for handball in the box. To huge sighs of relief, and rather too much celebration (!), the ball went hard, fast, and... wide. As the clock ran down, a draw looked likely, and it would have been fair. But then, from out of nothing, with only thirty seconds on the clock, some sharp passes put Teddy E with the ball in front of goal, and with his nerves of steel and cool, calm precision, he scored! PB
Friday 15 September
U9 A VII vs Farleigh
Won 1-0 (Baxter N-B)
A fantastic performance by the boys in what was a tight game loaded with chances. A solitary goal from Baxter, just inside his own half, was the difference. Baxter was gracious enough to tell us that it was not a shot, but they all count! Baxter had a great game, as did all the boys. Special mention to Edward in goal for a couple of crucial saves to keep our advantage. I was especially pleased with our team spirit and the way all the boys accepted being subbed off without a fuss; brilliant to see. Thank you also to the parents who came to support. Much appreciated by all. SLT
U9 B VII vs Farleigh
Lost 2-1 (Caspar M)
Great first match for the boys today! As the game started out it was apparent that it was going to be a close match. The first 10 minutes were filled with hard fought 50/50 challenges and some close calls at either end. Finally after a bit of football ping-pong in and around the box, Caspar M was able to slot home a goal in the right bottom corner to put Pilgrims’ up 1-0 a few minutes before the second half whistle ‘Whatta Man’. As the boys came in for the break, I talked to them about the importance of not getting complacent and for them to strive to put a few more away before switching to a more defensive mindset. However, as the second half kicked off it was apparent that Farleigh had switched into a new gear. As Winston fended off the volleys of shots coming from the Farleigh end, unfortunately one ended up sneaking through making it 1-1. As the second half rolled on, Winston and George I paired beautifully to hold off the Farleigh attack, Winston with some stunning saves, and George I really giving it his all running lengths of the pitch. Unfortunately however, Farleigh ended up putting one more past us to make it 2-1 before the match was over. Nevertheless, a positive start to the season against a tough opponent. Overall good performance from the boys showing great sportsmanship and attitude no matter what! Go Pilgrims’. EJG
U9 C VII vs Farleigh
Lost 3-1 (Angelos T)
An exciting match for Pilgrims’ this Friday with great energy and improvement throughout. We did not give Farleigh an east win, despite it being the first match of the season.
Despite letting two goals slip in the first half, Pilgrims’ worked hard to creep up on the score. With this effort Angelos scored his first goal for Pilgrims! In great support, Artem, Daniel and Wilfred were powerhouses getting the ball up the pitch whilst Rupert, Scipio, William and Ezekiel were making good blocks and tenaciously protecting our goal.
At the end of the match the boys displayed great teamwork as they gathered to have a match debrief with their hands over each other's shoulders, clearly chuffed with their efforts in face of the loss. The team improved in their spacing and pass accuracy throughout the game and I’m sure this team will develop massively in the weeks to come. EOD
U8 A VII vs Farleigh
Won 4-2 (Alex O 3, Dev K)
What a lovely way to get U8’s Pilgrims’ sport journey underway! Pilgrims’ started the game strongly, stringing a couple of passes together and playing most of our football in the opposition’s half. It was however, the hosts who grabbed the first goal. The rest of the first half saw sustained pressure from Pilgrims’. This paid off with goals from Dev K and Alex O. The teams went in at half time with the scoreline at 2-2 – all to play for!
Pilgrims’ grew in confidence in the second half. Alex O looked very comfortable on the ball, taking on opposition defenders and linking up well with teammates. Franklin C made a couple of excellent saves to keep us in it. Alex went on to score two goals to complete a brilliant hat-trick, congratulations! The whole team did all the small things right and deservedly walked off the field triumphant. Well done all. MTG
U8 B VII vs Farleigh
Lost 6-0
The scoreline was a little flattering to Farleigh, however, with the slope, they did manage four goals at half-time. Nevertheless, Teddy W was brilliant in goal and some of the defending was excellent. Isaac M made some brave, committed tackles.
In the second half, little by little, we applied some pressure and had a couple of chances but couldn’t convert. Heads went down a little, and we must try really hard in future to stay positive to the final whistle. AJS
U8 C VII vs Farleigh
Lost 9-1 (Darcy)
A tough first fixture for Pilgrims' today against a very strong Farleigh team. Despite the scoreline, there were many positives to take out of the game, including some courageous defence from Kabir and some impressive goal keeping from Darcy and Finn.
Samuel also demonstrated some excellent sportsmanship through his persistent effort and “never give up” attitude. The highlight of the match was a sweet harmony of passing between numerous boys which resulted in a breakaway dribble down the pitch from Darcy who scored an excellent goal – a well-earned reward for the boys’ resilience! MMG
Saturday 16 September
Theme: ‘Something French’ (in honour of the Rugby World Cup)
1st XI vs Twyford
Lost 1-3 (Jacob H)
This was a tight game, decided by fine margins. The boys started excellently, really on the front foot; aggressive and organised, there was a real esprit de corps among the group. As the first half wore on, Twyford’s better technical ability began to show, and some sustained pressure approaching half-time led to a free kick 25 yards out; when that was subsequently hit into the roof of the net, there is no much one can do. However, heads didn’t drop, and very shortly after some excellent pressing led to a mistake by the Twyford goalie, and an easy tap in for Jacob H. 1-1 at half-time felt about right. As the second half worn on, we struggled to maintain the press and the boys visibly tired in the heat; injuries to Neil C and Tobi O didn’t help. Individual errors also crept in and a couple of goals in quick succession halfway through the half really took the wind out of our sails. However, much to their credit, the boys continued battling, and whilst a disappointing result, the boys should feel proud of the effort that they put in. Game on for the return later in the season! ASD
2nd XI vs Twyford
Lost 8-3 (Seb B, OG, Gleb H)
Whilst few could argue with the result, the scoreline was in no way a reflection of the game itself. We knew that Twyford would be a good test after our match against Horris Hill, and encouragingly, for the vast majority of the match, we went toe to toe with them. The boys showed resilience, self-belief and determination, despite going two goals down, to get the next goal through Seb B with five minutes to go till half-time. Sadly, we conceded one more to go into the break 3-1 down.
Whilst all goals are obviously important, it felt like the next one was going to be crucial here. It went our way, too, after good work from Will S saw a Twyford defender score a screamer into the top corner of his own net to make it 3-2 and very much game on!! Calm heads were needed, but our game management deserted us and the worst time, and they replied immediately to make it 4-2. However, we would not give up, and Gleb H reduced the deficit to one after a tidy finish, and we began to wonder whether we might get something from the game. Sadly, the next goal, rather broke our spirit, and 5-3 became 8-3 by the final whistle.
There were so many positives here though; Thomas K was excellent at right back, Fraser N and Gleb linked up nicely all afternoon, and Bertie W and Will S looked like a dangerous forward pairing in the making, with Bertie having a lot of success down the left channel. The boys play really nice football, with a certain ‘joie de vivre’ to the free flowing, attractive brand of attacking football they are developing. Hopefully, this is an opportunity to go away, train hard and put things right against Westbourne on Wednesday. Well done to all. WD
3rd XI vs Twyford
Lost 2-1
In a match as thrilling as the World Cup in France, both teams were battling for what was a closely contested battle on the pitch. With James P scoring the only goal which was, as delightful as a French baguette for Pilgrims'. Twyford emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1, showcasing their ability to capitalise on key opportunities. However, the match was a testament to the sportsmanship and teamwork, providing an exciting experience for all involved. Well fought Pilgrims'! BC
4th IX vs Twyford
Won 4-1 (Teddy E 2, Ennis, Orlando)
Bar a couple of occasions when we were caught on the break, Pilgrims' controlled this game more or less throughout. Defenders read play effectively, stifling attacks and the team continued to develop their passing game.
Teddy was the fox in the box, converting two chances which came his way, to make the score two-nil at half-time. Twyford grabbed one shortly after the break to tighten things up, but Ennis stretched the elastic again with his well-taken goal. Orlando put things further out of reach scoring even whilst being pushed and pulled about. Had he not, a penalty would have been awarded. William I, was just denied his conquering goal, suffering a handball in the process. Great work, keep it up! AJS
It was also great to see Edward again....
Colts A VII vs Twyford
Lost 4-0
Pilgrims’ Colts A looked comfortable on the ball, especially in the first half. We started the game confidently and were able to obtain a large amount of possession in the opening 10 minutes. We played on a large pitch which gave our boys adequate time and space to create useful opportunities. The first half ended in a stalemate. Neither team could manufacture an attempt that truly threatened the goal. To that end, both goalkeepers, Farid A and Twyford’s kept their side in the fixture with some excellent reflex saves.
The team went into half-time with the scores 0-0 and all to play for. Pilgrims’ tired slightly in the second half and Twyford capitalised. Two goals in quick succession knocked us. Lead by captain Archie W, Pilgrims’ rallied. Patrick B had success on the wing, giving the Twyford fullback the old chocolat chaud-and-go on several occasions! Archie W worked tirelessly in midfield, pulling the strings, and giving his all for the cause. Despite Austin S’s ability to sniff out most of the danger, Twyford went on to score two more well taken goals, taking the game away from us. A solid start and many positives moving forward. Well done all. MTG
Colts B VII vs Twyford
Lost 3-2 (Rufus M. 2)
Pilgrims’ first match of the season was a tightly contested tussle with Twyford. Had it not been for outstanding goalkeeping throughout from Lucas J. the result could have been quite different. We went into the half 2-0 down but didn’t look out of the game. Twyford's first two goals went against the flow of play, capitalising on a quick counter attacking opportunity and a player error in our own box. We started the second half with real vigour and Rufus M. had a touch of Frank Ribéry about him, rifling a ball from wide left into the goal, it was “magnifique!” Shortly after another opportunity from our wide on the edge of the box fell to Rufus from a deflected attempt from Harry C. that was calmly place out of the keeper’s reach. Twyford responded well and looked in control in the midfield, and it was inevitable that they scored the go-ahead goal. We move on next to a football festival hosted by Prince’s Mead where I hope we can build of a promising start to the season and convert good play into wins! AC
Colts C VII vs Twyford
Lost 6-1
Although the score represents somewhat of a la défaite on Saturday, our boys certainly came away from the game having displayed remarkable résoudre. The first half of the match was a one-sided affair, with the Colts Cs struggling to find their rhythm. Twyford inflicted what may be described as coups violents, scoring five times in 20 minutes, but the Pilgrims’ esprit combatif remained firmly in place. The second half was a far more even affair, and even though Twyford may have thought that keeping our boys scoreless was a fait accompli; a well-struck goal on attack from Alexander L ensured that we were not left entirely dégonflé! The Pilgrims’ boys were able to restrict Twyford to only one goal in the second half, and they can feel very proud of themselves for the manner in which they mounted leur défense.
I look forward to watching this team grow in confidence, and I am certain that they will play with much panache as the season wears on. CXC
Foals A VII vs Twyford
Lost 5-1
Pilgrims’ first match of the season ended in a disappointing result, but a very pleasing performance. The scoreline did not reflect the balance of the game. Both teams had their chances, it was just one of those days when the opposition found the back of the net and Pilgrims’, unfortunately, were unable to finish some excellent chances. Rio C gave his all and performed brilliantly, along with an impressive Pilgrims’ debut from Nicolas B. A great afternoon of good football all round.
Foals B VII vs Twyford
Lost 5-0
A disappointing scoreline that, nevertheless, does not reflect the team’s attitude or effort for our opening fixture. Pilgrims’ were only a goal down for over 80% of the match, due to some fantastic defending from Jacob Sh, Teddy & man-of-the-match Jacob St who – together - formed an extremely solid defensive wall. This gave plenty of room for strikers Benji and Connor to work together, both producing multiple moments-of-magic that certainly put the pressure on the opposing team. Twyford, though, had a full bench and plenty of energy coming on with each substitute. Naturally, with each Pilgrims’ player playing the full 40 minutes the boys struggled in the final quarter when Twyford pressed home their advantage. Whatever the score, I’m very impressed with the boys' attitude and commitment today, and keen to see what the rest of the season holds. Well done boys. CAL
Foals C VII vs Twyford
Lost 5-1
Report to follow….
Foals D VII vs Twyford
Lost 11-0
Ready for the first game against Twyford this season, the team came in with an energised and excited attitude. Twyford started off the match with an early goal and continued to put pressure on our defence. Pilgrims' did not give up, and after a flood of goals from Twyford they tightened up on the defence with magnificent work from William S's goalkeeping and Ryan P's tackling. Pilgrims' started to push more offensively with some great leads from Harry L and Edward Z and created some goal scoring opportunities, but Twyford was too strong a team and were able to continue scoring. They finished the game in high spirits knowing that they had tried their best with some late pushes for a goal from Soichiro H. From the loss, the team will be able to take some great areas to focus on en route to improving for the rest of the season. EKS
U9A VII vs Twyford
Lost 3-1
This was another great effort from the boys again on Saturday. Although we had a couple of early chances, Twyford were a strong team and managed to push on as the game progressed. Some adroit footwork from Rufus bought us a foul, and a stunning free kick from Baxter was our only goal. The comeback could have been on at 2-1, but alas, not to be - but a valiant effort all round. We certainly did not give in till the final whistle. It was a physical but fair game, and hopefully we can take the positives and learn from the experience. We will keep our heads up en route to the next game on Thursday. SLT
U9B VII vs Twyford
Drew 1-1
Report to follow…..
U9C VII vs Twyford
Lost 2-0
Saturday saw the U9 C team take part in a well-matched, physical contest. Most pleasing of all was the fact all the boys battled until the end and at no point waved the white flag. William C produced a string of magnificent saves to keep the scoreline down. Rupert B and Angelos T were tenacious in throughout, whilst Daniel H looked a constant threat, but unfortunately the clear-cut chance did not present itself. Ezekiel S and Wilfred Elliot made probing runs throughout the match but were unable to play the killer ball in the final third. Scipio S matched the opposition for strength and desire, and he should be commended for his tough tackling throughout the match. Despite a fantastic amount of effort, the boys were unable to score the goal that they deserved. Well done boys. TMH
Andrew Short
Director of Sport