Here are the last sets of fixtures before half-term.
Tomorrow, we play a range of schools across the age groups. Please note, the 5th IX match will be on either Palmer Field, by the Kingsgate Tennis Club.
On Saturday, we have cross-country at Stroud and fixtures with Elstree. Have a great half-term.
Team
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Opposition
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Venue Details
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Start
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Return
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Wednesday 11 Oct 2023
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Boys-U13A
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ESAA XC Cup round 1
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Winchester Leisure Centre (Bar End)
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13:00
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16:40
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1st XI
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Thorngrove School
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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2nd XI
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Thorngrove School
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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3rd IX
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Thorngrove School
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Home | Bailey
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14:30
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16:30
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4th IX
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Thorngrove School
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Home | New Piece
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14:30
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16:30
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5th IX
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Sherfield School
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Home
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14:30
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16:30
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6th IX
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Sherfield 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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Aldro
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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Colts B VII
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Aldro
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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Colts C VII
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Horris Hill School Boys-U11A
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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Colts City VII
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Horris Hill School Boys-U11B
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Away
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14:30
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17:45
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Foals A VII
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Churcher's College Junior School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Foals B VII
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Churcher's College Junior School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Foals C VII
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Churcher's College Junior School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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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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Sailing
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Sailing at SWAC
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Neutral | SWAC, Southampton SO14 3FL
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14:30
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17:30
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Saturday 14 Oct 2023
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Boys-U11A
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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Away | Stroud School Romsey, SO51 9ZH
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U11B
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U10A
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U10B
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U9A
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U9B
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U8A
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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Boys-U8B
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Stroud School Cross-Country
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09:00
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12:00
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1st XI
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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2nd XI
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Elstree School
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Home | Bailey
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14:30
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16:30
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3rd IX
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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4th IX
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Elstree School
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Home | New Piece
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14:30
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16:30
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5th IX
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Senior Games Group
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GAMES - Coaching
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Home | Grid
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14:00
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15:15
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Colts A VII
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Elstree School
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:30
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16:20
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Colts B VII
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Elstree School
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Home | Wolvesey
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14:30
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16:20
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Colts C VII
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Elstree School
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Home | Middle
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14:30
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16:20
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Colts City VII
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Elstree School
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Home | Middle
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14:30
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16:20
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Colts United VII
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Elstree School
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Home | Middle
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14:30
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16:20
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Foals A VII
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Foals B VII
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Foals C VII
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Elstree School
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Away
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14:30
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17:30
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Saturday 30 September
U9B - Stroud Tournament
In an exciting afternoon of football, the U9 B team participated in a tournament against three other schools, Twyford, Stroud and Springhill. They played seven intense matches in a gruelling schedule. The day started with the team hesitant and playing a very defensive game. However, as the tournament unfolded, and we had some encouraging team talks ably assisted by the expertise of Mr Harris, the team's soul began to shine through. With encouragement from very vocal sideline support, their optimism and grit became evident against an undefeated Twyford A. With each match, the players showed immense improvement. They worked together, passing the ball with more precision and pace, defending with more confidence and talking to each other throughout the game. The boys showed great strength in character both individually and as a team, as they encouraged each other and kept their heads held high. By the time the final whistle blew, the team that ended the tournament was a different one to that which started. Although they may not have won the tournament, their growth as a team was a victory in itself. Well done U9 B! NC-H
Tuesday 3 October
U9A VII vs Salisbury CS
Won 6-1 (Patrick 3, Baxter 2, Edward 1)
A tale of two cities as Winchester took on Sailsbury on Tuesday. The visitors were a great bunch and showed excellent resilience and sportsmanship. In truth, we had the better of the game from start to finish. Our passing looked tidier, and we were creating chances. We scored two goals in the first half, before a momentary lapse in concentration from Abhinav (in which he switched sports to volleyball) saw us give the visitors a penalty. They dispatched it well, despite Alfred’s game effort in goal. We went into the break with a 2-1 lead, which, in truth, did not reflect our dominance. After the break, we used the wings to our advantage, and the game became far less crowded and narrow. Edward and Rufus were showing excellent composure on the ball and creating lots of chances. Eventually, the goals came from Patrick the Hatrick (he insisted this name went in), Baxter with another two, and a great opportunistic goal from Edward, putting defenders under pressure to steal the ball and dispatch. A great effort all round, and again, credit to a very sporting opposition. SLT
U9B VII vs Salisbury CS
Won 4-1
The boys were excellent today, both in the warm-up practise before the game, and in terms of their skill level and attitude during the game. It was clear from the first minute that the mighty Bs had the upper hand in terms of strength and dominance against Salisbury Cathedral, with Thomas H-P and Teddy H in particular looking the part with some strong running spirits in attack. Isaac was fantastic in goal for the first half, and even more threatening when coming out for the second half and adding to the strength upfront. In order to keep the game slightly more level, and keep morale high for our visitors, the boys were asked to play as rolling substitutes for the second half. This tested the boys further to practise their passing by essentially being a player down, and allowed the defenders to be tested whenever Salisbury made the breakthrough. All in all, a very comfortable victory for the team, with some strong promise showing through. I am looking forward to seeing how the team develops as the season goes on, and am particularly looking forward to coaching the team when they arrive next year. Well done all. CAL
U9C VII vs Salisbury CS
Won 8-0
Pilgrims loved their time on the sunny Pilgrims’ pitches this Tuesday. It was a fast-paced, exciting game, no subs, all eight of our team playing and a half pitch to zip around on. Despite taking on all nine of the opposing team at once, Pilgrims’ came away with a stunning victory – the boys were in wonderland and very proud of their goals. Despite this, the team still tried to improve their spacing in the second half and kept developing important teamwork skills. Overall, a great effort and an exciting victory! EOD
U8A VII vs Salisbury CS
Won 7-3 (Alex O 3, Tristan G 3 and an own goal)
Pilgrims’ had a very enjoyable and successful afternoon out at Salisbury. The game was played at a high tempo throughout. Despite the scoreline, it was the hosts who scored first in an even first half. Hattrick hero’s, Alexander O and Tristan G both got off the mark as we went in at half-time, honours even. Pilgrims’ pulled away in the second half. We were camped in the opposition half and managed to gain a real strong hold on the match. Alex and Tristan both managed to secure a hattrick as we finished with a healthy lead and a fully deserved win! Well done all. MTG
U8B VII vs Salisbury CS
To follow
U8C VII vs Salisbury CS
Won 4-2 (Teddy J 2, Darcy C, Samuel B)
The boys were up for this one. In the wonderful setting of the Cathedral School, we were off the mark quickly after one of Teddy’s length of the field runs. The players continued to enjoy themselves with the ball in attack and Darcy and Samuel added to the scoring. After half-time, SCS pulled a couple back, but Teddy put the result beyond doubt after finishing another of his beloved trademark runs. Well played, boys. AJS
Wednesday 4 October
1st XI vs Farleigh
Lost 2-3 (Neil C, OG)
After the high of the victory on Saturday, we came down to earth with a bit of a bump here. Indeed, the frustration is that we couldn’t really build on the momentum from the Cothill game. In the first half, we were strangely disjointed, and made a bit of a slow start. However, Neil C went on one of his charges down the left just after 5 minutes, and put us in the lead, against the run of play. Farleigh were level within minutes, and the remainder of the half was a hard-fought, but scrappy affair. The second half ran along similar lines. Farleigh went ahead from a corner (us having had the chance to clear), but we were soon level from an own goal (again from a corner). It looked like the game was heading for a draw, but with three minutes to go, Farleigh broke away to get the winner. This was frustrating, as we again did have a chance to clear. There was no lack of heart in this performance, but a failure to play football, and individual mistakes, really cost us the game. ASD
2nd XI v Farleigh
Lost 3-2 (Will S, Bertie W)
We travelled to Farleigh with great expectations, confident after our hard-fought victory away to Cothill last week, but knowing that this would be another test of our credentials. We played on the massive Farleigh 1st team pitch, where positional discipline, width and fitness all come into play more so than on smaller pitches, and I've always found that Farleigh adapt to these requirements better than we do.
We made the worst possible start, too, with Thomas K unluckily putting it past his own keeper inside three minutes to give Farleigh an early lead. Thereafter, it felt like relentless pressure - certainly in terms of possession and territory, and we just couldn't get out of our own half or hold on to the ball for any length of time. Farleigh scored a well taken second midway through the half that their ascendancy deserved, and we went in at the break two goals down.
What followed was a 'frank' discussion, where I 'gently' suggested that, whilst there was no shame in losing to a better footballing side, there was less merit in meekly giving in and going down without a fight. It appeared that the message did not get lost in translation and cue comeback of the century! Sleeves were rolled up, tackles were snapped in to, passing was crisp, and the boys hustled and harried like their lives depended on it. Will S, who has been magnificent this term, scored the first with a well taken finish, which was no more than our performance deserved, and we drew level through Bertie W with three minutes to go to set up a nail-biting finale.
If there was a team that looked like winning it, it was us, and in truth, I felt like I was going to have some kind of stress-induced incident on the sideline as we overcommitted in search of the finish and victory that it felt like had been somehow karmically predetermined by the footballing Gods. But football can be a cruel mistress, and Farleigh did what good teams can, and went up the other end, fed their striker who jinked past two tired tackles, opened his body and curled a world-class screamer into the corner past the despairing dive of the excellent Chenhan Z to mean we'd lost with practically the last kick of the game.
I wrote last week about how we learn, whether we win, lose or draw, and this time, the result didn't go our way. The boys were, without exception, magnificent, and they were, without exception, magnanimous in defeat. The Farleigh parents commented on both the performance and attitude of our boys and this should not be underestimated. I was so incredibly proud of their team spirit, support of each other, work ethic and determination that I couldn't ask for anything more. 3-2 down at the final whistle, but a cracking game to have been part of and a validation of both their developing footballing skills and their maturity and resilience as young men - a huge well done to all. WD
3rd XI vs Farleigh
Lost 4-1 (James P)
I am already looking forward to the return fixture because this was a pair of evenly matched opponents. Arguably, we were ‘still on the bus’ in the first ten minutes of this match, acquiescing to Farleigh’s strong start. They got a goal under their belts and whilst we equalised through a very composed finish by James, they put away another shortly after. The half-time talk was designed to be stirring and motivational and the team took it on board because then we showed some dominance through intent and determination. Unfortunately, the game got away from us. We didn’t get the ‘next’ goal, which would have pronounced ‘Game on’ and conceded a third to a good shot. Calamity followed in our box, conceding a penalty which brilliant ‘keeper Hanry B saved, but in chasing the game, we leaked a fourth. The game had drama and excitement in spades, and we can certainly get ourselves up for the return – it should be a close encounter - after half-term. AJS
4th XI vs Farleigh
Drew 3-3 (John G, James H, Orlando S)
From the beginning, Farleigh kept Pilgrims' on guard in this tight game. Farleigh were strong and skilful. With timely passing and good strategy, Farleigh kept the ball alive. In the first fifteen minutes, they scored 3 well deserved goals. Just before half-time, John G snuck in a well chased goal. But the outlook was bleak. Half-time was a chance to recuperate and regroup. Pilgrims' returned to the field emboldened and determined to do a good job. Indeed, with relentless determination and persistent teamwork, goals were scored by Orlando S and James H. A mighty effort in defence kept Farleigh's blistering attack at bay earning Pilgrims' a well-deserved draw. PB
5th XI v Farleigh
Lost 3-1 (Harrison E)
A positive game this afternoon against a strong opposition. The first half was played largely in Pilgrims’ own half, which put pressure on our defenders and goalkeeper. However, the boys were able to fight bravely and only conceded one goal just before half-time. The second half, on the other hand, was a completely different game altogether. The boys cracked The Da Vinci Code of football - to stop crowding the ball and actively look for open space! By transferring the ball down the largely unmarked wings, our strikers were suddenly presented with scoring opportunities. This teamwork resulted in a well-earned goal by Harrison E to level the game 1-1. Unfortunately, some chinks in our structure enabled Farleigh to score two further goals, but the boys fought courageously right to the final whistle and should be satisfied with a very solid performance. Shout-out to Hobart Y and Rupert B who each played a very impressive half in goal despite this not being their position of choice - well done boys! MMG
6th IX vs Farleigh
Lost 0-1
An afternoon to remember for the battling 6th IX at ‘Home’ to Farleigh. Playing on a different Winchester College pitch provided an excellent and ever changing background to the scintillating football on the pitch. The boys were once again provided with a brilliant opportunity to score big with huge goals to aim for. Alas, it was to be a day when both teams were inexplicably inaccurate with their shots on goal. In fact, records show that no Pilgrims’ team since 1984 has had so many shots at goal and failed to score. Remarkably, Pilgrims’ were the team in charge for much of the game with many shots firing in for all areas of the pitch, but were unfortunate to find the post or the keeper in the path of the ball. It was a very warm afternoon, and the boys ran hard and worked tirelessly throughout, and none more so than Harry K who left little out there on the pitch by the final whistle. SL
Colts A VII Bedales Tournament
Semi-Finalists
Colts A made a real account of themselves during their tournament at Bedales on Wednesday. 13 schools turned out for a wonderful afternoon of football. Pilgrims’ found themselves in Group B where we would face Stroud, Westbourne House and Churcher's College. Pilgrims’ navigated the group stages without much fuss. We ended up topping our group with wins against Westbourne and Churcher's and a draw against Stroud.
Our quarter-final game saw us come up against Highfield. Confidence was high and it showed. The team got stuck in from the first whistle, pushing for the first goal that would set us on route! The first half was a little cagey. You could see that the game meant a lot to both sets of boys and parents! We couldn’t get a breakthrough, with the scores 0-0 at the end of normal time. Queue penalties. Bish, Bash, Bosh. Patrick, Elliot and Archie all cool-ly slotted home from the spot to secure our place in the semi-finals.
The return of Westbourne... Again, we were on cloud 9 from our penalty win and, having beaten them in the group stages, there was a quiet confidence. There was a lot on the line and the Colts were really up for this one. The game was a little more physical than our first game against them. A special mention should go to Theo W who was a rock at the back! It was a daring, mazey run from Patrick B that saw him poke one home to give us the lead. The second half we sat back a little too much, allowing Westbourne to grow into the game. In a series of unfortunate events, despite our best efforts and some excellent saves from Farid A Westbourne equalised. Peno’s for the second time. This time we couldn’t quite get over the line. A valiant effort and tough luck. A cruel way to go but a fantastic afternoon. A huge well done to all involved. MTG
Colts B VII vs Farleigh
Won 2-1 (Riku K. and Hal H)
With Colts A away at a tournament, we were treated to a larger home field to play on. I couldn’t have been happier with how we spread our shape to take advantage of the space, making the ball work and catching our opponent out of position. Again, we took a while to get into the game and Farleigh scored first. Pilgrims’ rebounded well and kept the pressure on and the equalizing goal seemed inevitable. An excellent cross from the wing found Riku one on one with the keeper, and he confidently scored. In the second half, Hal bulldozed his way through the defenders in a packed box to score our second goal and despite having no substitutes, the fitness of our boys carried us through against what should have been a fresher-legged Farleigh side. AC
Colts C VII vs Farleigh
Drew 0 – 0
The Colts Cs faced a very competitive Farleigh C team and can feel very proud of their efforts on the pitch. They played in a far more structured manner, and they are growing in their awareness of available space on the field. Although our boys look strong when they are on the attack, things fall apart when they are made to turn around and play a more defensive game. They need to remember to stay in their channels and mark their respective numbers to ensure that they are not caught off guard.
The game as a whole was a to-and-fro affair and there was very little to separate the two teams. Farleigh missed a few straight-forward opportunities to score, and Freddie W did an outstanding job in goal to deny them any goals. The Pilgrims’ boys also came very close on a number of occasions, and they looked particularly strong from just outside the D.
I have been very impressed with the marked improvement these boys have made over the past few weeks, and I look forward to noting their progress in the weeks to come. CXC
Colts City vs Farleigh
Lost 8-2 (Alfie H 2)
A physical fixture out there on the pitch today. With Pilgrims' coming out with a squad 10-men-strong ready to go out and give it their all. Going into the match we talked about as a team that Farleigh would be a solid opponent, and that as a group we should be ready to play a more defensive game. Being ready and willing to attack hard on the break down the wings when there were opportunities. As the game kicked off, Pilgrims' started at a high tempo, with good closing down and tracking back as the ball ping-ponged up and down the pitch. With 4 substitutes to roll on and off, this is just what I wanted from them. To break down our opponents' attack through plain out-working them. However, with a few unfortunate missteps in our build-up, Farleigh found themselves 3-0 up within about 15 minutes of the first half, putting Pilgrims' in a difficult position for the rest of the game. Nevertheless, the boys valiantly kept at it, never batting an eye at what the score was, and kept playing their game. Before half-time, Pilgrims' did manage to squeeze back a goal from a pass out wide and then a cross into the box, finished off by Alfie H to make it 3-1. However, Farleigh did hit home a brilliant free kick soon after the off to make it 4-1 going into the second half. At half-time, I talked to the boys about the importance of holding our shape and not drifting out of position, which is what I believed was the difference between us and them.
After a quick water break and a mood-lifting cheer, the game was back underway. Pilgrims' continued with their high-intensity play style, chasing after every loose ball and going for every 50-50 challenge. However, on this day, Farleigh were firing on all cylinders, putting another 4 past us over the course of the next 20 minutes, putting us out of contention for the win for good. This is not without lack of trying though. Our boys definitely held their own on a 1v1 basis on the pitch. Showing the skills and progression they have gained throughout the year and never once giving up. Something to be very proud of moving forward!'
As the game drew to a close, the boys were able to grab one goal back by pressing heavily in the box, causing mayhem. This resulted in a deflected own goal, making it 8-2 in the final minute. Maybe not the result the boys had hoped for, but many positives to take away from the day. Go Pilgrims'! EG
Foals A VII vs Farleigh
Won 2-3
An exciting match from start to finish. Pilgrims' started on the front foot, and quickly took the lead. A succession of Pilgrims' attacks followed. The Farleigh goalkeeper made some excellent saves and the frame of the goal was struck twice at half-time. I wondered if we may rue our missed chances and perhaps should have been out of sight. After the break, Pilgrims' grabbed a second goal to ease the nerves. Farleigh then, from nowhere, began to step up and clawed their way back into the match with a well taken penalty and a goal that went in from a corner! Unbelievably, despite Pilgrims' outstanding performance, the scores were level. Thankfully, in the last few minutes, Pilgrims' regained their composure and created more chances to win the game. Nicolas B scored the winner in the final stages of the match. Well done boys! JB
Foals B VII Farleigh
Lost 3-1 (Cameron W)
The mighty Bs are certainly improving with every game we play, and I’ll just repeat the buzzword from our half-time team talk: confidence! The boys have improved vastly as footballers this term, not just though our games and training sessions, but through many a break time spent on the grid. Each of our players now has the skills to take on their opposite number and should feel the confidence to take on the challenge of going themselves. The team’s confidence grew enormously after a very skilful goal from Cameron two thirds of the way into the second half, and the boys suddenly had a belief that they could match and even beat a strong opposition team. I hope the boys take this confidence into our future fixtures going forwards: from William’s excellent saves as a goalkeeper, to Marek’s powerful strike and Oscar’s skill and vision upfront, this team now has the ability to go on and win matches. The question is, do we have the belief and confidence to do so… CAL
Foals C VII vs Farleigh
To follow…
Saturday 7 October
Inter-Set Football
Seniors
The afternoon had a great sense of occasion, full of positive attitudes and excellent football was the order of the day. In the Premiership competition, the Normans proved to be the team to beat taking an impressive ten points from their four fixtures. It was the Saxons who were unlucky not to record a win, but two well fought draws earned them two important points going int the second round.
The Championship was equally competitive. Some excellent football from the wrens saw them topping the group on ten points.
Juniors
The Juniors combined competitive spirit with some great football, and all had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. In the year 5 competition, it was the Romans who were unbeaten, taking ten points, followed closely by the Monks on nine. In year 4, The Romans managed a 100% record of four wins from four, looking impressive going into round 2. JB