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Tomorrow we are looking forward to playing newcomers to out fixture list, Lambrook (Bracknell). The Colts also have a fixture with Sherborne House (Chandler’s Ford). Given what we saw of Sherborne House a couple of weeks ago, we have composed three mixed teams from the Colts C, United and City teams. The 6ths are on Gater Field, accessed via the St Cross side of Garnier Road only at the moment, due to the bridge works, if travelling by car.

Thank you for all your replies concerning contact and touch rugby. With the football team photos out of the way this afternoon and our initial session last week, we will commence with our contact and touch groups next Tuesday. So, there is still a week to sort out that mouthguard!

There is a recent addition of football fixtures for next week, Wednesday 22 November. The 1sts, 2nds and 3rds travel to Forres Sandle Manor (Fordingbridge). 4ths, 5ths and 6ths are at home to Sherfield and all Colts and Foals will head over to Prince’s Mead.

Also, the second round of the ISFA Shield for the 1^st XI is on Wednesday 29 November at Lingfield College, Surrey RH7 6PH with a 1415 kick-off.

Have a good Exeat weekend.

 

Team	Opposition			Venue Details			Start	Return
Wednesday 15 Nov 2023
1st XI	Lambrook			Home | Bailey			14:30	16:30
2nd XI	Lambrook			Away | Powers Field			14:30	17:15
3rd IX	Lambrook			Away | Westfield			14:30	17:15
4th IX	Lambrook			Home | New Piece			14:30	16:30
5th IX	Lambrook			Away | Hedges			14:30	17:15
6th IX	Lambrook			Home | Gater Field			14:30	16:30
Colts A VII	Lambrook			Away | Meadow			14:30	17:15
Colts B VII	Lambrook			Away | Meadow			14:30	17:15
Colts C VII	Lambrook			Away | Pavilion			14:30	17:15
Colts City VII	Sherborne House			Away			14:30	16:45
Colts United VII	Sherborne House			Away			14:30	16:45
Foals A VII	Lambrook			Home | Middle			14:30	16:00
Foals B VII	Lambrook			Home | Wolvesey			14:30	16:00
Foals C VII	Lambrook			Home | Wolvesey			14:30	16:00
Skiing Group	Skiing Group			Neutral | Alpine Snowsports, SO16 7AY			14:00	16:30
Monday 20 Nov 2023
Boys-U13A		Yr 8/9 District XC	Away | Perrins School		14:15
Mixed-U13A		Twyford School	Away | Sports Centre: Sports hall and swimming pool		17:00	18:30
Mixed-U12A		Twyford School	Away | Sports Centre: Sports hall and swimming pool		17:00	18:30

 

Match reports

Wednesday 8 November

1^st XI at the Rory McDonagh Tournament, Farleigh
As defending Champions (memorably beating Twyford in the semis last year!), the 1^st XI went into the afternoon feeling the pressure of expectation a little.  Thankfully the dreadful rain of recent days relented and the tournament took place in relatively fine conditions.

We started against Farleigh 2nds, and with two goals from Neil C, we began the afternoon with a comfortable victory.  Next up were Sherfield 2nds.  We comfortably dominated the game, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.  Frustration was starting to show and one break away from them showed that in these short 10 minute games, one mistake can undo everything.  However, a strong run from Neil C down the left resulted in a pullback, leading to a bit of a scramble in the six yard box, from which Fraser N poked the ball home (much to our relief).

Our 3^rd game was against Highfield 2nds; they were a strong and organised outfit.  We probably had the better of the play, but neither side really fashioned any clear-cut chances and 0-0 was probably a fair result.  Last up, to decide who topped the group were Twyford 1sts.  A pretty even game ensued, with chances on both sides.  George S in goal pulled off a couple of excellent saves, but we weren’t without our chances either.  Again, in a balanced game, 0-0 was probably the right result.

With Pilgrims' and Twyford both on 8 points (two wins and two draws), the organisers had to look at goals scored to decide who topped the group, and with one more goal, that was Twyford.  In the semi-final we were paired with Sherfield 1sts.  We were a bit hesitant, with some uncharacteristic errors at the back, but again George S between the sticks kept us in the game.  However, eventually the pressure told, and after a couple more errors at the back, Sherfield got the goal that they needed to see them through.  In the 3^rd/4^th place playoff, we were again up against Twyford.  Things were very even in normal-time, and either side struggled to fashion clear-cut chances.  Twyford had the better of extra-time, and we were somewhat relieved to make it to a penalty shoot out.  These things are a bit of a lottery and from the six penalties taken, only one was missed; unfortunately, that one was ours, and our hunt for a victory against Twyford this season continues (the return at Twyford in a couple of weeks’ time is hotly anticipated!)

All in all, a superb afternoon and the boys really gave everything they could in defence of their crown.  Well done! ASD

2^nd XI at the Rory McDonagh Tournament, Farleigh
This is a lovely event, and one that last year the 2nds acquitted themselves well at. This year, our group contained three 1st XI teams and only one 2^nd XI team, so it meant it was likely we'd have our work cut out for us. However, with the format being 9-a-side and 10 min games, we certainly had a chance!

Ultimately, it was our inability to put the ball in the net which cost us. We came away from the group stage with a very creditable 2 draws and 2 losses, including impressive 0-0 draws against Farleigh 1sts and Highfield 1sts. Special mention must go to Chenhan Z who was consistently magnificent in all games, making save after improbable save, before launching our own brand of direct, route 1 football which, whilst lacking in guile, certainly made for some exciting moments!

It didn’t quite work out for us on the day and we exited at the group stage, but we had a good go against some high-quality opposition in a lovely tournament that it’s important to be a part of. WD

Foals A VII vs Farleigh
Lost 2-0
A cracking game with Farleigh who Pilgrims’ had previously beaten twice this season. This fixture was evenly matched and a case of missed oppertunities. Pilgrims’ struck the post, the crossbar and missed came up against a goalkeeper who looked unbeatable at times. Farleigh also had theor chances and converted twice late on to take a 2-0 victory. An excellent game to watch! Well done chaps. JB

Foals B VII vs Farleigh
Lost 4-1
Farleigh always presents a difficult fixture for the mighty Foals Bs, although I was extremely impressed with the improvement this team has made throughout the term. A devastating partnership of Oscar in the midfield and Rafe upfront led to an early finish, and put multiple moments of pressure on the opposition as we looked to create chances. Marek, meanwhile, kept things in order from the goalkeeping position, making several devestating saves that could have led to a poor scoreline. Casper, also, had a great first game in his debut with Pilgrims’, and looked competitive on the left wing as we looked to strengthen our attack. A full match of 40 minutes with no subs proved a bit too tiring in the end for our boys, who held out until the final moments when the scoreline drifted away from them. However, I was extremely impressed with the contributions of all players throughout the match, as I have been all season, and look forward to the next chances to finish the term on a high. Well done all. CAL.

Foals C VII vs Farleigh

To follow...

Friday 10 November

U9A VII vs Elstree
Drew 1-1
A great game between two evenly matched teams. Pilgrims’ took the lead after George B followed up on Rufus W’s accurate free kick, which the keeper couldn’t hold on to. There was very little in the game and it was a real to and fro contest. The visitors eventually equalized, and the match was set up for a next goal wins finish. Alas, the goal never came and the game finished honours even, which in truth was a fair result. SLT

U9B VII vs Elstree
Won 3-1 (Thomas H-P 2, Own goal) 
hat a brilliant game! Pilgrims' was off to a flaming start with Thomas H-P scoring a great goal 20 second into the game. Pilgrims' did not take their foot off the gas either, as with the help of Winston G and Tommy P, Thomas was able to score another goal in the first half. Elstree made a strong comeback at the start of the second half, Zachary P and Rafe H supported Josh O in goal in order to shut down almost all scoring attempts. Towards the end of the game, with great offensive pressure from Artem T and Anthony C, Elstree scored an own goal, leaving Pilgrims' with three goals at the end of the match. The boys all showed great sportsmanship and determination in a tough game. EKS

U9C VII vs Elstree
Lost 3-1
Pilgrims’ looked strong this week against a well-drilled and rehearsed Elstree team. George I took the lead upfront, playing a strong roll of attacking striker, but also occasionally helping out in defence and midfield. Wilfred played very well in goal, making the scoreline much more respectable with several cracking saves and Angelos, Scipio and Max all contributing some excellent periods of play. I set the boys one target at half-time, which was to make sure they enjoyed themselves and gave the best effort they were capable of. I certainly felt this was the case this week and am very happy with the contribution from this team. Well done. CAL.

U8A VII vs Elstree
Won 4-2 (Dev K 2, Alexander O 2)
What a great game of football! The match was end-to-end and very entertaining for the spectators. Pilgrims’ took a hold on the game early. Winger, Tristan G ran the show. He was all over the place! His work rate in attack and defence was unmatched. Dev K played well, he was tenacious and confident on the ball. His two goals came in the first half, without reply. Elstree snuck in a shot just before the halftime whistle to set up an important second half for both teams. Alexander O made sure it was Pilgrims’ who came off the field the happier of the two teams. His two goals showed excellent technique. A well-deserved and comfortable win in the end. MTG

U8B VII vs Elstree
Lost 5-0
I was pleased with the way the team stuck at the task even though leaking goals: two in the first half and three in the second. The effort was high and we had a fair share of attacking pressure ourselves, especially at the start and so it was a shame not to get onto the scoreboard. Nevertheless, team spirit prevailed, to the boys’ credit, who worked hard throughout the game. AJS

U8C VII vs Elstree

To follow...

Saturday 11 November

1^st XI vs Papplewick
Lost 9-0
It seems unlikely that I am going to write the following phrase, but I was deeply proud of the boys at the end of this match.  Papplewick are always a strong team, but when before the match their coach explained that they have one of their strongest teams ever, who have rampaged through a successful season, I did wonder how the day would play out.  It didn’t take long to find out.  From the kick off, Papplewick quickly regained possession, after some intricate passing down the left, an overlapping run from the fullback was found brilliantly, a pinpoint cross was met with an unerring first-time finish; it was a high-quality goal and showed what we were in for.  The boys actually fought brilliantly, and arguably had the better of the play in the first 10 minutes, but their attack was rapier sharp, and when chances came, they put them away ruthlessly.  5-0 down at half time, it really looked like we could end up with a cricket score!  However, I talked to the boys about pride, and it is on days like these that one finds out much about you team, and I found out that the vast majority would not be bowed, and would not throw the towel in, not matter how hard it got.  That we kept the score to single figures may sound like defeatism, but the Papplewick side I saw in this match is the best Prep school 1^st XI I have seen in 20 years in the job.  The things that I hope the boys got out of the afternoon were an understanding of never giving in, but also what crisp passing and excellent movement get you – it can be unstoppable! ASD

2^nd XI vs Papplewick
Lost 1-0
The 2nds have had some good matches against Papplewick over the recent years; they often provide strong opposition and after a good start to the season, recently results have not gone our way. The initial cut and thrust saw a slightly frenetic approach from both teams, lacking somewhat in quality but with a reasonable amount of niggle. And that’s how it stayed for the entire match! Our first touch was poor, our passing got better only in the second half and our shooting was disappointing. Whilst we didn’t really deserve to get anything from the game, bizarrely, we had the better chances to win it - Will S and Olly P both passing up gilt edged chances. But in a game with about 4 shots in total from both sides, profligacy was our undoing, which shows the importance of taking your chances in tight games. We are a better footballing side than we displayed against Papplewick, and whilst the boys fought hard until the final whistle, we just lacked the quality to nick a result. Onwards and upwards though, and back to winning ways soon – hopefully! WD

3^rd IX vs Papplewick
Lost 0 – 6
Papplewick usually have a strong team at 3rd IX level and this year was no different. To be honest, they could probably have given Pilgrims’ 2nd IX a good game. They had a number of players who could dribble and pass with great skill; they kept their heads up and were constantly on the lookout for creative opportunities, passing into space and putting pressure on Pilgrims’ defence. Pilgrims’ were, in the circumstances, outstanding in attitude and resilience. Even though the game was clearly going against them, they did not give up, they did not sulk. In fact, they kept thier chins up and made the most of it. And because they did, they score line was respectable. Leo Li shared man of the match with Tristan Soon. As keeper, Leo kept Pilgrims’ in the game with save after save. While Tristan’s excellent organisation of defence gave Pilgrims’ a fighting chance. PB

4^th XI vs Papplewick
Lost 2-1 (Frank H)
This was a gritty, entertaining encounter. The 4ths did well to get the journey out of their legs and started brightly. I was particularly impressed with the physicality we demonstrated, meeting like-for-like and not pulling out of tackles. As the game went on, Papplewick seemed to have the upper hand but couldn’t find a goal until the second half. A small defensive error meant that lead doubled but it was Frank who managed to set Papplewick hearts racing with a comeback goal, which with Pilgrims’ momentum riding high, we looked to threaten an equaliser. In truth, Papplewick had had so many near misses they deserved the win but football is a funny old game, as someone once said. AJS

5^th XI vs Papplewick
Drew 3-3 (Harrison E 3)
Our 5ths had a great game against a very competitive Papplewick team today. Harrison scored an impressive opening goal to start the game off well, however Papplewick responded with two goals of their own in quick succession. Now on the back foot, Pilgrims needed to find a way to get back on top. They did this through some strong tackling and especially by using the wings to transfer the ball down the line. Special mention to Louis B who had an excellent game by distributing the ball swiftly into the oppositions half on countless occasions. With ten minutes left on the clock, our boys were now two goals down and running out of time! But they never gave up and were rewarded by two more goals from Harrison to level the score before the final whistle was blown – well done boys! MMG

Colts A VII vs Papplewick
Lost 5-2 (Own Goal 2)
Well. This game had it all! I have very rarely seen an own goal in our fixtures, let alone 3! We were grateful for a break in the weather, relishing the opportunity to get back on the pitch. Pilgrims’ started well, getting the ball and ourselves in useful, dangerous positions. This paid off as the first goal went our way from a low, drilled cross. This fortunate opening gave us optimism. Alas, it was Papplewick who were next to receive a little bit of luck. Their equaliser cruelly ricocheted off our defensive cover. All to play for. Slow decision making on the ball saw Papplewick extend their lead after the break. We had not given up by any stretch, however! Sadly, a couple near misses or hitting the upright allowed our opponents to keep a slight cushion on their lead. The last 10 minutes were all Pilgrims’. The third and final own goal went our way, but despite our best efforts it was too little, too late. A solid effort, on another day could have been a more even scoreline. On to the next. MTG

Colts B VII vs Papplewick

To follow...

Colts C VII vs Papplewick
Lost 5- 0
The Colts Cs had a tough afternoon of it against Papplewick on Saturday. Even though they were full of bonhomie, they certainly were not completely in an attacking frame of mind.

Papplewick’s first goal came early on in the encounter, with some shoddy defence to blame for a soft goal. They were made to work for their second goal, and it looked like the Pilgrims’ boys were beginning to engage with the game more competitively. There was some solid defence for the rest of the half, and it looked like the boys might have fought back in the second.

Unfortunately, a comeback was not on the cards, and Papplewick scored two quick goals in succession. The Pilgrims’ boys looked a bit flat-footed and Papplewick proved just that bit more skilful. The final goal came with about two minutes to go, and the result was sealed.

Our boys will need to make a concerted effort to apply themselves better ahead of their next fixture. CXC

Colts City vs Papplewick
Lost 5-0
This was an optimistic contest between two teams of differing ability.  The Pilgrims’ players played well, but Papplewick clearly had a better understanding of the game and how to play effective football.  It was, at times, slightly frustrating to watch Papplewick carve their way through the Pilgrims’ team with ease.  At times, Papplewick played some very good football, passing out side and pulling the ball back to the penalty spot; they could have scored more were it not for some classic goal-mouth scrambles.  There were some notable performances from Albert F and Alfie H, but not enough collectively from all the players. AA

Colts United vs Papplewick
Lost 4-0
Colts United found the opposition hard to break down in this encounter.  Papplewick showed energy and enthusiasm which far dwarfed that of most of the Pilgrims’ players, leaving a lot of the work to be done by Nicholas M and Albert F.  Regular changes to the Papplewick personnel caused some confusion in defence as players marked the wrong position. Pilgrims’ did create some scoring opportunities, but one was left wondering what the score could have been if all boys played to the best of their ability. AA

Foals A VII vs Papplewick
Lost 6-2 (Connor W 2)
Pilgrims' had a very tough game but worked hard to hold their own throughout the game. Papplewick got off to a very strong start scoring three goals in quick succession. Pilgrims' worked hard to tighten up on the defence with great work from Rafe J and Daniel M who push the ball into our attacking half. Connor W, getting a penalty, was able to score off the deflection from the keeper. Pilgrims' continued to push forward with some great passing from Finley N and Benji C, Connor W was able to score his second goal for the afternoon. Going into the second half with high spirits Papplewick came out very strong and was able to break down our defence despite the great efforts of Alex S in goal who held strong despite the onslaught of shoots at goal. EKS

Foals B VII vs Papplewick
Lost
A very difficult fixture for us this week, against a team that certainly knew what they were doing. It’s always difficult to play a mis-matched fixture especially with some of the team away with various commitments this week. However, there are always lessons to be learnt in tough fixtures and I was impressed with the way that the boys held themselves together and represented the school well. Cameron played extremely well upfront and made several strong runs through the opposition defence. CAL

Foals C VII vs Papplewick C & D
Lost 8-1 (Ryan P)
After a long drive up to Papplewick we got straight to work with a warmup and a team talk before the match. Some of the key takeaways that the boys should keep in mind were:
Due to only having 5 players in the squad due to injury - A, they would have to conserve their energy and play smart football, as Papplewick had upwards of 18 players to chop and change throughout the game. And B, positioning and spacing would be our focus due to the size of the pitch, being able to stretch the pitch and hit out attackers with some nice wide passes would be beneficial. Just before kick-off Papplewick were gracious enough to lend us two of their D players to alleviate some of our personnel issues.
As the first whistle blew, Pilgrims' squared up against their D squad first. Pilgrims' started out well, showing the development of their passing skills with some great passing passages and through balls. Some awesome keeping from Toma K and William S kept out most of the chances throughout the beginning of the first half. However, this Papplewick squad was very strong and still managed to slot home 4 decent goals past us with some slick movement and finishing. Nevertheless, coming in from the half, we talked about the positives and negatives and went out again to face the C team for the second half. Despite now playing a clearly stronger side.
n my opinion, this was the better half of football from our boys. Ryan P and Julian C really stepped up their game this half, producing some great interchanging passes and runs down the line. Once again, however, our defensive transitioning was lacking, which allowed Papplewick C’s to slot 4 past us again. However, Pilgrims' managed to grab a penalty for a foul on Ryan P in the closing minutes, and he put it away comfortably. While the score states a loss, I think the latter should be the takeaway for the boys. They never lost passion or sportsmanship, and, under the circumstances, I still think it was a positive day out for the boys, and they should be proud of how they played. Go Pilgrims'! - EJG

U9A VII vs Papplewick
Lost 1- 2 (Patrick B)
Another really close game away in Epsom. Pilgrims’ took the lead after a strong start through Patrick B. The opposition then started to come into the game and were showing some great passing as well as some individual speed and skill. They equalised in the first half and then took the lead not long into the second half. It was a tough game to chase as the opposition's quality meant we were having to put in a good shift at the back. Lots of credit to Rufus and Bertie who ran their socks off, and to Teddy who showed composure in the middle. A disappointing result, but with several of the first team elsewhere, and with a bare seven players, no subs, I felt we made a good show of ourselves. SLT

U9B VII vs Papplewick
Lost 5 –3 (Thomas)
A super game between two evenly match sides, which on another day could have ended in victory for Pilgrims’. Special mention must be given to Teddy and Josh for both performing outstandingly in goal. The highlight of the match was a mazy run by Thomas, before he slotted the ball into the net. Despite our tireless work throughout, we were unable to score the goals needed to match Papplewick. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was had by all. A big well done to the boys for their effort.

U9C VII vs Papplewick
Lost 6-2 (Angelos T, George I)
An exciting game of football with some enthusiastic support from the sidelines! Pilgrims’ got off to a flyer with an excellent piece of persistence from Angelos who manages to bundle the ball over the opposition goal line. Papplewick followed with 2 goals themselves, taking a 2-1 lead into half time. After the break, Pilgrims continued to work tirelessly but Papplewick extended their lead before a goal from George Ibbotson closed the gap. The final whistle blew with Papplewick taking the win. 6-2. A great display from both teams.

Rowing Commoner
Whilst it’s impossible to get out on the water with these early nights, the rowers are at least able not only to work on their individual technique on the ergs but also as two teams working with ergs attached to each other on sliders, to help their pace and timing.
 

Andrew Short
Director of Sport