Tomorrow we play three main blocks of fixtures. The 1sts, 2nds and 3rds travel to Forres Sandle Manor (Fordingbridge). 4ths, 5ths, 6ths and the newly created 7ths are at home to Sherfield. This will accommodate everyone in Years 7 & 8. There will also be some re-shuffling of the teams at home as the Qs are busy, the skiers are back in the fold and the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds are limited to numbers for travelling. All Colts and Foals will head over to Prince’s Mead with an earlier kick-off at 1400.
On Friday, Year 3 and 4 are all away at Farleigh, kick-off at 1415. Again, sign-out is possible from there or boys may return for what remains of prep and commoners. Sign-out from school will be from 1640.
On Saturday, Inter-Set Football concludes with round two.
The rugby season starts on Monday 4 December, following our final football matches with Twyford on Saturday 2 December. We continue our session-a-week of rugby on Tuesdays until then.
Team
|
Opposition
|
Venue Details
|
Start
|
Return
|
Wednesday 22 Nov 2023
|
|
|
|
1st XI
|
Forres Sandle Manor
|
Away
|
14:30
|
17:45
|
2nd XI
|
Forres Sandle Manor
|
Away
|
14:30
|
17:45
|
3rd IX
|
Forres Sandle Manor
|
Away
|
14:30
|
17:45
|
4th IX
|
Sherfield
|
Home | Bailey
|
14:30
|
16:30
|
5th IX
|
Sherfield
|
Home | Bailey
|
14:30
|
16:30
|
6th IX
|
Sherfield
|
Home | Middle
|
14:30
|
16:30
|
Colts A VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Colts B VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Colts C VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Colts City VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Colts United VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Foals A VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Foals B VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
Foals C VII
|
Prince's Mead
|
Away
|
14:00
|
16:30
|
U9 Games Group
|
Games - Coaching
|
Home
|
13:45
|
15:30
|
Friday 24 Nov 2023
|
|
|
|
U9 A VII
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
U9 B VII
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
U9 C VII
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
U8 A VI
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
U8 B VI
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
U8 C VI
|
Farleigh School
|
Away
|
14:15
|
16:15
|
Saturday 25 Nov 2023
|
|
|
|
Y 7 & 8 Premier League
|
Inter-Set Football Round Two
|
Home | Bailey
|
14:15
|
15:30
|
Y 7 & 8 Championship
|
Home | Middle
|
14:15
|
15:30
|
All Colts
|
Home | Wolvesey
|
14:15
|
15:30
|
All Foals
|
Home | Wolvesey
|
13:00
|
14:00
|
All U9
|
Home | Middle
|
13:00
|
14:00
|
Match reports
Wednesday 15 November
1st XI vs Lambrook
Won 6-1 (Tobi O 2, Neil C 3, Finn R)
In many ways, this was our most complete performance of the season so far. With Captain Barnaby D being absent from the back, Summer Y and Charles N stepped up brilliantly as a new centre-back partnership (both arguably having their best game of the season), and indeed the whole defence performed superbly (will the skipper even get back into the side for the next game?!). In midfield, we were combative, and Neil C was, as ever, a bit of a force of nature, with his tackling and his driving runs down the left. However, it was up front where things really clicked. Tobi O had his best game of the season, both holding the ball up well, and being a willing (and effective) runner-in behind, and he was well-supported by both Fraser N, and Ike C.
The game started with us really on the front foot, and when Tobi O scored after five minutes, it was much deserved. There was then a good even period, but with Tobi getting his second after twenty minutes, closely followed by Neil C getting his second, suddenly we were comfortable; with Finn R scoring right on the stroke of half-time, 4-0 was comfortable. Neil C got another right at the start of the second half, and from there both Neil C and Tobi O spent some of the second half on the subs bench. When Lambrook pulled one back, with ten minutes to go, and suddenly looking threatening, Neil C was brought back on to complete a well-deserved hattrick.
I was very proud of the boys. Lambrook were a big side and put us under pressure physically, but the boys didn’t shrink from this, and performed superbly. This was a much-needed tonic after the 9-0 loss to Papplewick at the weekend and sends us into the last few games of the season with a spring in our step! Well done, boys. ASD
2nd XI vs Lambrook
Lost 3-0
This match was significantly closer than the scoreline suggests. Right from the start, both teams took it in turn to attack, with the spectators being treated to some really exciting, end to end football. Once the dust had settled, we lost our way a bit and Lambrook came into the game. Our recent issue of moving the ball nicely for 3 or 4 passes, losing possession and then not being savvy enough from attack into defence meant that we were chasing the game and the ball for a good ten-minute chunk, where we shipped two goals. However, we ended the half strongly and were still very much in the game.
The second half was a similar affair and knowing that the next goal would be key, the boys started with some good intent. When Arthur H brought a player down in the box, Lambrook scored a third past the despairing dive of Chenhan Z (who was excellent AGAIN in goal!), who guessed the right way but was unable to get a hand to it. Heads could easily have dropped, but instead – buoyed on by some vociferous away support, we started to play our best stuff of the match. Ben A was excellent in defence, producing his best performance of the season, and Edward B grew in confidence, defending well and launching attack after attack from left back. Ultimately, we couldn’t take our chances again – and we certainly had a few as the game wore on. Will S and Bryan S both had opportunities to reduce the deficit, but sadly, it wasn’t to be.
Whilst the result was disappointing, the performance wasn’t and was a huge step up from our 1-0 loss to Papplewick the week before. The boys need to keep trying, keep playing football and the goals will come. Well done, bad luck and on to the next one! WD
3rd XI vs Lambrook
Lost 4-3 (Dami O 2, Ennis Z)
This was a nail-biting game, being extremely competitive throughout the duration of the match. The game was off to a roaring start with Lambrook scoring 2 goals in quick succession. Pilgrims' responded with some great teamwork from Teddy E and Dami O to get Pilgrims' on the board for the afternoon. Lambrook counted back, forcing Pilgrims' to respond. With a great defensive push from Hugo C and Sam O’B the boys were able to work the ball forwards, giving Ennis Z the chance to score. Going into the second half, they had a great start with Dami O scoring a goal off a free kick from 50 yards out, absolutely majestic. Levelling up the score and putting Pilgrims' right back into it. Lambrook continued to push forwards for most of the game, wearing down the defence, and within the last five minutes, Lambrook was able to score. A brilliant and extremely balanced game that could have gone either way, but Pilgrims' were not able to get the win this time. EKS
4th XI vs Lambrook
Lost 5-0
The scoreline is stark but the 4ths played some regal football, such as playing out from defence and intricate passing. Yes, occasionally, the badly-needed big clearance didn’t emerge, which put us under pressure. We did have chances which, unfortunately, didn’t come off but, once again, we were the physical equal of the opposition and played with guts and determination. So, it was a creditable performance. AJS
5th XI vs Lambrook
To follow…
6th IX vs Lambrook
Lost 0-3
The sun literally went down on this match with Lambrook. The boys had a chance to warm up twice, get a full training session in, and watch the sun set on Gater Field. Despite the time taken and the remarkably circuitous route the opposition took to Gater Field, they arrived in good spirits and raring to go. The opening exchanges were cagey and there was a lot of play in midfield with neither team able to make a significant break until just before half-time when a good piece of wing play allowed Lambrook to round the defence and score. Undaunted, Pilgrims’ took the game to Lambrook in the second half, only to find the positive play left a few spaces in behind for Lambrook’s speedy winger to take advantage. This allowed two goals to be scored and would have been more had it not been for an outstanding performance in goal from Charlie S. It is hard to fault a team who tried a game of risk and reward – a noble aim – which, this time, did not provide a win. SL
Colts A VII vs Lambrook
Lost 7-4 (Patrick B 3, Boris H)
This game really had it all. Pilgrims’ started strongly and were on the attack from the early stages. Patrick B had a blinding game, enjoying a more attacking role. Having taken a couple of half chances, it was Boris H who struck first, with a cross-come-shot! 1-0. The rest of the fixture was end to end. Both teams managed to get a hold on the game, respectively. Within these five minute passages, the goals would not stop coming! Patrick B could not be reigned in, and was rewarded for flair and determination in slotting three well-placed goals, well done. Lambrook moved the ball well, and with a tiring defence, managed to pull ahead in the game. An exciting spectacle this afternoon. The boys did us proud! Onwards. MTG
Colts B VII vs Lambrook
Won 4-3 (Riku K 2, Harry C 2)
What a bounce back win! Beating the previously unbeaten Lambrook B away, even with a clear goal not awarded. I could not be prouder of how our boys played, it was gritty, gutsy and determined. Some of our goals were not pretty, rather scrappy, but the rest of our football was a class ahead. To Lambrook’s credit, their finishing was excellent, with goals coming from outside the box and one that our keeper accidently, athletically, pulled into the goal when it looked like it was sailing over the crossbar. For almost the whole game, we outworked and outpaced Lambrook. Riku and Seb looked like a class above. The game looked like a clear 4(5) -2 victory, but we switched off in the last three minutes and conceded when we shouldn’t, greater clock awareness and situational football would have closed the game out more comfortably. AC
Colts C VII vs Lambrook
To follow…
Colts City vs Lambrook
To follow…
Colts United vs Lambrook
To follow…
Foals A VII vs Lambrook
Lost 0-1
Pilgrims’ had the pleasure of playing on a slightly larger pitch than normal and were excited about the prospect. With more space to exploit, Pilgrims’ started very brightly and passed the ball with fluidity and control. Despite this, chances at both ends were limited and the score at half-time was tied at 0-0. The second half saw Lambrook begin to create a few more chances, but Alex S in goal produced a couple of fantastic saves. Eventually, the deadlock was broken and Lambrook got their winning goal. An extremely balanced match which could have gone either way. JB
Foals B VII vs Lambrook
Drew 1-1
‘The one that got away’, ‘A tale of two halves’, ‘Park the bus’, ‘Lady luck was on our side’ and ‘a big one will always beat a little ‘un’ are all well-known adages that could describe a quite magnificent game. Against the run of play, Pilgrims’ took a lead when Oscar scored from a superb long kick by Marek. At this point, Lambrook had already squandered several chances, including two open goals. At half-time, Mr Rainer was imploring the boys to concentrate on the ball, not the man, and get stuck in. Lambrook scored early in the second half and then the most wonderful rearguard action led by Rafe and the two Jacobs, though I am sure there were many more, kept the attacking Lambrook at bay. Marek pulled off some wonderful saves and at the end of the game, I said to the boys that for Pilgrims' it was a draw that felt like a win and Lambrook a draw that felt like a loss. A quite magnificent afternoon. TWR
Foals C VII vs Lambrook
Lost 6-0
Unfortunately, our boys were unable to contend against a very strong Lambrook opposition today. However, despite the disappointing scoreline, there were numerous positives to take out of this game. William W had some impressive saves as keeper during the first half and Ryan M was an ever-present threat in offence. I was particularly impressed with the boys’ grit and perseverance in the second half, during which only one further goal was conceded! Inigo S-P took the crown as man of the match with his strong display of tackling, dribbling and determination. I wish the boys well in their next game. MMG
Monday 20 November
Yesterday evening, the Year 7 and 8 swimmers and I made the short trip to Twyford’s swimming pool for an enjoyable gala and a chance to get some competitive experience under our belts. Firstly, every boy swam very well and did the school proud. There were some highlights as we saw David L and Ike C place 2nd in Year 7 breaststroke and freestyle respectively. Ike also took a creditable 3rd in the individual medley. In Year 8, Edward B won both the freestyle and backstroke, with Zander coming second in the freestyle to gain maximum points in that event. Tristan S got second in the breaststroke and Yan took 2nd in the IM and 1st in the butterfly. The Year 8 relay teams took 2nd in the medley and 1st in the freestyle. Again, well done to all participants in a very enjoyable encounter. AJS
Congratulations to:
Bertie made good use of his Exeat by helping out one of the Winchester Men’s teams on Saturday. He was in the thick of it, making countless saves, lowering the team's average age by a considerable margin and, ultimately, helped the team to a 3-1 win over Romsey 2nds. As the adage goes, ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough!....’ Well done, Bertie.
Andrew Short
Director of Sport