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The end is nigh – of term at least. We have fixtures with local neighbours Prince’s Mead this week with Colts (Year 6) and Foals (Year 5) on Wednesday and Under 9 (Year 4) and Under 8 (Year 3) on Thursday – all 1415 kick offs.

The Colts fixture has, in conversation with Prince’s Mead, been amended and will be for Colts C and Colts Touch teams.

On Friday we have the rugby team photos, from Year 3 up. Please can I ask for everyone’s Games shirt, shorts and socks to be clean; many thanks!

On Saturday, we have Inter-Set Touch Rugby. This competition has been running for a few years now, since Covid, and continues to establish itself in our programme. We will use the RFU’s Touch Union rules. All contact and touch players will participate together – in mixed A and B teams in Years 7 & 8, Year 6’s competition will stand alone, and we will combine Years 4 and 5 across A and B teams. Timings are below.

Once Saturday’s play has ended, we won’t require Games kit in school. Please just retain trainers for the final couple of days next week. A letter guiding you on Summer Sport at Pilgrims’ will be sent shortly.

Team	Opposition	Venue Details	Start	Return
Wednesday 20 March 2024
U13 XIII	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Bailey	14:00	15:30
U12/13 A Touch	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Bailey	14:00	15:30
U12 XII	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Bailey	14:00	15:30
U12/13 B Touch	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Bailey	14:00	15:30
Colts A IX	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Wolvesey	14:00	15:30
Colts B IX	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Wolvesey	14:00	15:30
Colts C IX	Prince's Mead School	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	16:00
Colts Touch	Prince's Mead School	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	16:00
Foals A VIII	Prince's Mead School	Away | Bowl Piches	14:15	16:45
Foals B VIII	Prince's Mead School	Away | Bowl Piches	14:15	16:45
Foals Touch	Prince's Mead School	Away | Football Pitch 2	14:15	16:45
Under 9 Rugby Group	GAMES - Coaching	Home | Grid	14:00	15:30
Skiing Group	Skiing	Alpine Snowsports, SO16 7AY	14:00	16:30
Thursday 21 March 2024
U9 A VII	Prince's Mead School	Home | Middle	14:15	15:15
U9 B VII	Prince's Mead School	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:15
U9 Touch	Prince's Mead School	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:15
U8A VI	Prince's Mead School	Away	14:15	15:45
U8B VI	Prince's Mead School	Away	14:15	15:45
U8C VI	Prince's Mead School	Away	14:15	15:45
Friday 22 March 2024
All teams: contact / touch U8-U13	Rugby Team Photos	Home	13:50	15:50
Saturday 23 March 2024
U13 XIII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey / Middle	14:15	15:30
U12/13 A Touch	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey / Middle	14:15	15:30
U12 XII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey / Middle	14:15	15:30
U12/13 B Touch	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey / Middle	14:15	15:30
Colts A IX	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:30
Colts B IX	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:30
Colts C IX	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:30
Colts Touch	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	14:15	15:30
Foals A VIII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	13:00	14:15
Foals B VIII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	13:00	14:15
Foals Touch	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Wolvesey	13:00	14:15
U9 A VII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey	13:00	14:15
U9 B VII	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey	13:00	14:15
U9 Touch	Inter-Set Touch	Home | Bailey	13:00	14:15

Match Reports

Wednesday 13 March

U13A XIII vs Cothill
Lost 20-15 (Tobi O, James P, Sammy P)
This was a marvellously entertaining and, again, hard-fought match. There was attrition, well-constructed phases, line breaks and stout defending. Cothill opened the scoring – two tries from their very well-built prop. Momentum shifted our way with a run from Barnaby through the middle and the enterprising threat of Sammy P in the midfield. From a penalty awarded to us just in the 22, James tapped and gave to Hobart. Hobart set up the ruck, Ben picked and crashed forward, setting up another ruck and Tobi picked to bulldoze forward over the line. This was a brilliantly worked forward try. The half ended 20-5 in Cothill’s favour.

In the second half, Pilgrims’ demonstrated great intent as we virtually camped on Cothill’s tryline, and they struggled to exit. Two attempts were held up, from Hobart and Tobi. We saw a driving maul – astounding! With so much pressure, we were awarded a scrum which James used to snipe over from close range. The excitement continued when Sammy P intercepted a pass to run clear and score. There were so many good performances and great improvement shown. What a great game, well done boys. AJS

U12A XII vs Cothill
Draw 25 – 25 (Dami O 2, Harrison E, Charlie S, Jacob H)
Due to player numbers, we combined squads which meant Cothill decided to play their A side for the first half and a predominantly B side in the second half. We decided to rotate players throughout the match and so in some ways this reflected the scoreline. In the first half we were well matched but seemed to be routinely driving up the field and unfortunately coughing up the ball in our opponents final 10. Cothill had less of the ball but broke through and scored off turnovers and favourable field position ending the half 4-1 up, a shame that the scoreline didn’t reflect the flow of the game. In the second half Cothill played a number of their B team players and the difference in quality showed. Pilgrims’ scored four unanswered tries. I was really impressed by the willingness to tackle and the organisation of the back line on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively we ran with determination and secured the ball well except for some costly handling errors. A game that was a well-earned draw that could have quite easily been a walk away win with some more polished handling. AC

Colts A IX vs Cothill
Lost 45 – 50 (Archie W 3, Elliot N 3, Farid A 2, Alvin F)
As rugby matches go, this one was a great game. Both teams played with real intent, determination and skill. The high score does not reflect either teams’ weakness in tackling – although it was not perfect! - but rather both teams’ commitment to playing expansive, exciting rugby that was ultimately great fun to watch. Cothill had the home advantage, they had plenty of time to warm up and a squad of eleven to rotate. Pilgrims’ had nine players who played the whole match. In the final quarter, fatigue was an issue. In the first five minutes, Pilgrims’ were on the backfoot as they were still running the coach journey out of their legs. But it was a game that had everything, even some skilful kicking which is rather rare at Colts level. Theo W and Elliot N had brilliant games in their first real match after injury and illness. As captain, Archie W had a terrific game, leading from the front with strong running and brave tackling. He was coaches’ man of the match. Patrick B was captain’s man of the match. That said, this week was an excellent team performance, with several boys deserving a very special mention, including Alvin F, Farid A, Anton S, Rufus M, Theo W, Elliot N, and Lucas J. Nevertheless, there is much room for improvement. Pilgrims’ still struggled to get organised in open field play and this was ultimately what really gave Cothill the win.  It is something to work on in training. PB

Colts B IX vs Cothill
Won 70 - 50
Colts C IX vs Cothill
Won 40 – 15 (Riku 2, Harry 2, Eddie 3, Edward 1)
The Colts Cs played a superb game of rugby against Cothill, and managed to dominate play for most of the match. There was some superb running with the ball, and some very courageous tackling, which has become one of this team’s strengths. There were some wonderful moments of individual brilliance,  however, this team must be commended for their excellent support of each other on the pitch. It was Pilgrims’ who fired the first salvo by scoring three quick tries in succession near the start of the game. Cothill replied with a beautifully worked maul for their first try, followed by a lovely break down the touchline for their second. Pilgrims’ then replied with a fantastic break by Harry for their fourth trip over the line. The second half opened with a try from Cothill, however, they soon ran out of steam, and it was Pilgrims’ who enjoyed the spoils at the end of the day. This was a lovely game to watch, and it was played in the right spirit. CXC

Foals A VIII vs Cothill
Lost 40-20 (Benjy C, Rio C, Conner W, Cameron S)
This was a cracking fixture and one that really could have gone either way. Having spoken to Cothill’s coach pre-match it was clear that this was going to be a close fixture. Pilgrims’ started the game well and played with a confidence from the first whistle. They were tenacious, they wanted the ball and they wanted in more than the opposition. We were able to build some great passages together, timing our passing and setting teammates off into gaps in the defence. The scoreline went back and forth for the majority of the fixture. Even deep into the second half it was anyone’s game. A funny 5 minutes in defence sadly saw Cothill creep ahead. As England head coach Steve Borthwick said at the weekend: We didn’t lose. We just ran out of time. MTG

Foals B VIII vs Cothill
Vs Cothill Bs – Lost 30-5
Vs Cothill Cs – Draw 20-20
The absence of numbers meant that the Foals B played a triangular tournament against Cothill B & C teams. Although the fixture against the B team was slightly one-sided Cothill victory, despite an excellent try by William S in the last quarter, the match against their C team was an extremely even contest, and it was great to see the boys enjoy and rise to the standard of playing against a team in a more evenly matched fixture. A flurry of tries from both sides, some incredible running and great tackles into tough meant that all players really rose to the occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the boys enjoy themselves, and many of the skills and techniques we have learnt could finally be put into practise. Well done. CAL.

Saturday 16 March

U13A XIII vs Twyford
Lost 55-0
This final match was, perhaps, a game too far and contrasted starkly with our first encounter with Twyford in which we were more competitive. A few key players were absent but those who remained, again, played with courage.

At the end of the match, we reflected on the season. The circuit is a tough one. We had an early drawn match with Westbourne (15 all), we had a big win against Boundary Oak and, following a lacklustre performance at Farleigh, turned things around on all fronts when they visited us shortly after with a notable victory. In the other matches, the team has played hard and never given up. They have developed connections and bonds with each other which, I hope, will endure for many years. Throughout training and matches, we have progressed, practiced, developed and enjoyed our time together. I thank the whole squad for their efforts, parents for their support and Neil and James for their captaincy throughout the season. AJS

U12A XII vs Twyford
Lost 55 – 10 (Dami O, Yashk P)
Twyford rightly romped to a decisive victory, they were the better side. I am so pleased that we managed to significantly reduce the deficit from the first fixture and that each of the tries Twyford scored was hard fought. A testament to the effort and improved organisation of Pilgrims’ U12A.  The fixture was far more competitive than the scoreline indicates, a tough defensive battle with Pilgrims’ not able to break the line enough to make a positive dent on the scoresheet. I was so proud of the effort and desire each boy showed until the final whistle. They should feel proud of how much they have improved over the season and how they conducted themselves in our final game of the season. AC

U12B XII vs Twyford
Won 70 – 20
A dominant style of play coupled with our shear indefatigability made us a feared opponent and secured our victory over Twyford – a great way to end our consistently strong season. Chenhan was a massive factor in this game, scoring 8 tries by bullying his way through the Twyford defensive line, and these runs also gave others the opportunity to get a ball over the line and contribute to the scoreboard. Ennis brought speed and determination with him through every carry, while Rupert drove his shoulder into every tackle and Zack made sure to get to each ruck and play the perfect 9. Jago left his heart on the field through some tackles and Seth gave his all in securing and protecting the ball at almost all breakdowns.

As a coach I couldn't have asked for a better effort from the boys. They can be really proud of their efforts this season.  AZ

Colts A IX vs Twyford
Lost 5 – 25 (Archie W)
Having been thrashed by Twyford in the first round of the local derby with Twyford, this game got off to a much better start with Archie W scoring in the first five minutes. Pilgrims’ were very much in the ascendancy for the first ten minutes and this was undoubtedly a game they could have won. Pilgrims’ passing and offloading in the tackle and around the contact zone was just too much for Twyford. By keeping the ball moving while also making good progress going forward, Pilgrims’ kept Twyford on the back foot. However, after losing their way at the start, Twyford fought back valiantly, and as is the mark of a good team, they knew what to do to get a foothold in the game and grind out the points. Pilgrims’ did not give up and kept fighting to the end. Although to lose the last game of the season was a bit disappointing, Pilgrims’ showed great strength of character and bravery in never giving up, even when the odds were against them. PB

Colts C IX vs Twyford
Won 50 – 40 (Harry 7, Eddie 2, Riku 1
This was probably my favourite game to watch in my time at Pilgrims’. It contained a bit of everything: big tackles, great running with the ball, good rucking and splendid teamwork.

Pilgrims’ were never in danger of losing this game, but there were some moments where Twyford looked like they might make a successful comeback. Both teams played with intensity and resolve, and the boys from both sides must be commended for the manner in which they engaged with each other on the pitch. The match was a bit of a try-fest for Harry, who crossed the try-line seven times. There was some excellent supporting play from Hugo, Eddie and Riku, as well as a number of big tackles made by Felix, Henry, Ethan, and Will. Eddie and Riku were also rewarded for their hard work with two and one tries respectively.

I am very proud of this group of boys, and I am certain this match will be lodged in their memories for a long time to come. CXC

Foals A VIII vs Twyford
Lost 45-15 (Benjy C 2, Cameron S)
What a turnaround from the first fixture we played a few weeks ago. The boys have really dialled in and things started to click. They are not the most physical side in terms of size, but they make this back with passion, endeavour and commitment. I was chuffed to see how we maintained possession and recycled the ball in the first 10 minutes of the game. The team played phase after phase, securing the ball and gaining yards. We visited the opposition tryline four times in the first half, through a mixture of powerful runs or great evasion. Twyford moved the ball well themselves and went over a few times to build a lead. Camerson S had definitely eaten his Weetabix that morning and played a blinder, taking both ball and man over the line with him! Benjy C was again a live-wire on the wing, jinking through tackles and finding his way to the line twice. A much closer affair this time round and a credit to the boys who have never given up. Awesome. MTG

Foals B VIII vs Twyford
Lost 30-15 (Connor 3)
A great final fixture against Twyford in the latter part of this season, demonstrated just how far this team has developed. Twyford put on two squads and lent Pilgrims’ a player, but this does not in any way discredit the strength and determination of the team throughout the whole match. Whether it was Inigo’s relentless sidestepping, Alex’s fierce tackling, Marek and William’s determination to power through with the ball in hand, or Connor’s zipping down the wing, a fantastic game meant that Pilgrims’ was able to put up credible opposition to Twyford in a way that was completely transformed from this time last year. Despite a lack of wins, I have been delighted by the performance of all the boys throughout the season. A really great effort today. Well done! CAL

Under 9A VIII vs Twyford
Lost 6-9
Pilgrims’ were unfortunately undone by a slow start in this fixture. We were tentative in the tackle and there seemed a lack of focus in the first 5 minutes. This resulted in Pilgrims’ going 3-1 behind! Clawing back 3 tries was always going to be tricky against strong opposition. Once the boys got going, they played some great stuff at times, and matched Twyford in every area. The rest of the fixture was very even, but ultimately, that first period cost us the result that we all really wanted. However, it was great to see once again, that the boys were learning the game and producing some excellent stuff. Unlucky chaps. Well played. JB

Under 9B VIII vs Twyford
Lost 8 - 15
Saturday saw the U9 B team compete against a strong Twyford team. It was pleasing to see a far closer competition than in the opposite fixture earlier in the term. The organisation, when in possession of the ball, was good, with all the boys looking to move the ball into space to allow for easier progress to be made down the pitch. Some of the boys must remember to look after the ball more, as we threw the ball away too often, allowing Twyford to regain possession. George I and Tommy P ran with pace and power and were able to break through the Twyford defence to score numerous tries. Teddy H was involved throughout, showing skill with the ball in hand as well as breaking up opposition attacks with some good tackles. Others could take note of Teddy’s technique and strength of tackle, as this continues to be an area of weakness. All being said, there has been improvement over the duration of the term in the boys' understanding of the game, positioning on the pitch, and fluidity when attacking. Well done boys for your effort! TMH

Under 9 Touch (Tag) vs Twyford
Lost 6 –12
Both teams started the match well, and it was end to end stuff for the first quarter of the game or so. However, Twyford started to take advantage of some unplugged holes in our defensive line. The rest of the game followed a pattern of Twyford out scoring us, and it was hard to pull back the deficit as the game went on. The boys didn’t give up though, and some excellent Pilgrims’ spirit was on display. Some great tries from Thomas (The Puma) H-P, Scipio, Caspar and Isaac meant we left the game proud of our overall effort and resilience. It was great to see the boys smiling after the game, shaking hands and cheering the worthy winners. An enjoyable afternoon of Tag Rugby for all involved. SLT

Monday 18 March

Cross-Country at Farleigh
Teams from Year 3 and up travelled over to an event which was well-attended by many schools near and far. The circuit was a challenging one, around Farleigh’s estate and a variety of terrain – some of it very muddy!

Tristan in Year 3, ran a phenomenal race to win the Under 8 boys event. At one point, the pace setter had to speed up a bit. Bertie in Year 4 came in first for Pilgrims’ in 7^th with another brilliant run. Lucas (13^th), Rio (14^th) and Charlie (17^th) ran solid races in Year 5. Patrick of Year 6 pushed through some illness to run a brave 8^th place finish, with Farid in 11^th. Ike achieved 7^th in the Year 7 race with William S in 15^th. Fraser ran a good 8^th place finish with Olly in 18^th. Well done to those mentioned and all those who participated with great determination in Pilgrims’ colours. AJS

Andrew Short
Director of Sport