The Pilgrims’ Pitches
Friday 12th June 2015
My apologies for an error in last week’s newsletter in,
the Foals A XI match against West Hill Park. The boys
names should have read: Orlando Fox, James Poultney
and Oliver Dickens. RL
Foals A XI v West Hill Park (WHP)
20 over match
West Hill Park 72-8 (O Fox 3-13)
Pilgrims’ 74-9
Pilgrims’ won by 1 wicket
A strong bowling performance saw us work ourselves
into a good position. The bowling of Orlando Fox,
James Poultney and Oliver Dickens was especially
pleasing, backed up by good fielding. However,
woeful batting made a win look unlikely at 20 for 7,
but tenacity by the tail and generous bowling by WHP
meant we literally stole this win. Eight wickets lost by
being bowled indicates clearly that there is plenty of
work to be done on batting technique! MDS
1st XI v Elstree
25 over match
Pilgrims’ 85-5
Elstree 89-8 (J Beardmore-Gray 3-8, J Nichols 3-14)
Elstree won by 2 wickets
These two schools’ 1st XI’s have brought the best out
of each other in recent fixtures and this year proved
to be no exception; this really was a very good game
of cricket, despite, or perhaps because of, the
relatively low scores. Elstree’s opening attack was
outstanding, so Pilgrims’ did very well to recover from
1-1 after 6 (maiden) overs, a solitary bye scored
showing just what a test it was for the batsmen. Oscar
Robertson saw off the new ball and then Jake Nichols,
Freddie Krone, Jamie Beardmore-Gray and Fergus
Pressland all batted positively and intelligently against
a varied attack that never allowed the batsmen to feel
properly ‘in’. It was a sporting wicket too and
Pilgrims’ also benefitted from the helpful conditions,
soon reducing the strong home team to 30-4, with the
victory target still some way off. However, a
match-winning innings was then played by the Elstree
number 6, mixing brave defence with audacious
stroke play in his 44; when he was out with 15 runs
still needed, the game remained finely balanced, but
despite Pilgrims’ brave efforts the result fell, this time,
to the home team. It had been a fine match, in front
of a sizeable crowd, with some very good cricket
played; an uplifting occasion reflecting a performance
of which the boys should feel proud. AH
2nd XI v Elstree
25 over match
Pilgrims’ 102-6 (L Sassow 32no, L Elkington 26)
Elstree 103-4
Elstree won by 6 wickets
A devastating spell from the Elstree opening bowler
(6 for 3 from 3 overs) had Pilgrims’ shaken on 16 for 3
after 6 overs.
However, a superb 4th wicket
partnership by Luke Elkington and Luca Sassow,
beginning cautiously and patiently and then opening
up later, saw the boys recover to 71 for 4 in the 18th
over. Sadly, when Elkington went the innings lost a
little momentum; and 102 never really looked
enough, and so it proved. Despite wickets falling,
Elstree’s momentum was never fully checked and
they cantered to a confident 6 wicket victory. ASD
3rd XI v Elstree
25 over match
Elstree 249-2
Pilgrims’ 120-9 (C Myers 38)
Pilgrims’ lost by 129 runs
Despite the large difference in scores, this was the
team's best batting performance of the season and a
bowling performance of great credit to the spirit of
the boys. Three strong Elstree boys scored quick runs
after two early wickets gave hope of a tight contest.
The blustery wind, the fast outfield, the short
boundaries and the easy-paced astro-wicket all
contributed the the high scoring and Christopher
Myers returned the favour in his 38 off 34 balls. The
boys enjoyed the day, even when searching for one
of the lost match balls - there were several in the field
by the end! HGD
Colts A XI v Elstree
25 over match
Elstree 176 all out (S Mediratta 2-38)
Pilgrims’ 133-8 (T Wigley 39*, F Coulson 39)
Pilgrims’ lost by 43 runs
This was a match for batsmen with only two maiden
overs being bowled in the whole 50 overs. Choosing
to field, Pilgrims’ did not start the match with the
positivity that they have demonstrated of
late. Elstree capitalised on this and two of their
batsmen scored half centuries with 39 extras added
to the Elstree total. Pilgrims’ reply was rather feeble
from the top order and at 5-2 it looked as though a
pasting was on the cards, but the reliable Toby Jeffes
stuck around for a useful 22 before the partnership of
the season so far (67) between Tristan Wigley and
Freddie Coulson gave Elstree a bit of a scare. One
wonders how close this match would have been had
the Pilgrims’ bowlers been more disciplined? AA
Foals A XI v Elstree
20 over match
Elstree 131-9
Pilgrims’ 47 all out
Pilgrims’ lost by 84 runs
A good bowling and fielding performance saw an
even balance between bat and ball in the 1st
innings. Four of our bowlers took two wickets
reflecting good development by the team. There was
some great ground fielding and an excellent run-out.
Batting-wise, we were exposed again technically, with
too many boys not applying themselves and playing
straight. We will continue to work on this because
we are a better team than this. Boys, remain positive
and focused! MDS
Under 9A XI v Elstree
Pairs Match
Pilgrims’ 247-7
Elstree 280-6
Pilgrims’ lost by 33 runs
A lovely day at Elstree saw Pilgrims’ fielding first
against an exceptionally well-drilled Elstree side. After
a few overs to get into the groove of the match (36
scored by the first Elstree pair), we began to field
incredibly well, with Jack Boissier leading the way
with three run-outs! Boys were backing up, diving to
stop runaway balls, and supporting each other in the
field. The opposition coach was extremely impressed
with our efforts and the pressure we put on their
batsman. Pilgrims’ started off well with the bat, but
throughout the innings we lost wickets after scoring
good runs. We also found it difficult to score down
the leg side by trying to hit the ball too hard, rather
than place it where a short boundary guaranteed
runs. RW
Under 9B v Elstree
Pairs Match
Pilgrims' 292
Elstree 349
Pilgrims' lost by 57 runs
Electing to bat first, Pilgrims’ made a very good start
with Gus Bowden and Jack Bowman scoring 26 runs
off their allotted 4 overs. This set the tone for the
innings, with all the Pilgrims batsmen batting sensibly
and not giving cheap wickets away. Oliver Withers
and William Thompson also batted well, scoring plus
23. Starting with 200 runs, the total score of 292 was
a respectable target, however Pilgrims’ would need
to bowl and field well given the short boundaries on
both sides of the wicket. Elstree started keenly with
their opening pair scoring quickly and this impetus
was maintained, allowing the away side to pass
Pilgrims’ total with overs to spare. Nathan Mann and
Michael Hirst both bowled well but found wickets
hard to achieve. A good match played in the right
spirit and much was leant by all. MCB
Under 12A XI v Chafyn Grove
25 over match
Chafyn Grove 134-5
Pilgrims’ 135-4 (W Ellington 31, C Anstee 62*)
Pilgrims won by 6 wickets
Pilgrims’ Year 7 team did well to win this match, even
if the home team were slightly below their full
strength side. The bowlers all performed well,
especially against one particularly strong player,
although the fielding lacked the quality that will be
needed in Year 8. It was the run chase that was the
most pleasing aspect of the whole day though; the
partnership between William Ellington and Charlie
Anstee was intelligent, confident and effective,
reducing the required rate from 9 an over to a more
manageable 5 in the closing stages. In the process,
Charlie scored his first fifty; a fine innings. This was a
fun afternoon of cricket, enjoyed by boys, teachers
and parents. AH
Colts A XI v Chafyn Grove
25 over match
Pilgrims’ 163-6 (F Coulson 51*, B Smailes 27)
Chafyn Grove 102-8 from 25 overs (Barrett 2-4,
T Tufnell 2-12, S Mediratta 2-12)
Pilgrims’ won by 61 runs
Pilgrims’ did not give themselves the best start to the
match when they were 14-3 after four overs. The
middle order again responded with an entertaining
display led by the in-form Freddie Coulson and Benny
Smailes. Their healthy 68-run partnership gifted the
lower order some breathing space and they duly
chipped in. Chafyn Grove’s reply never appeared too
threatening as the Pilgrims’ bowlers, again rotated
well with everyone bowling, managed to collect
wickets at regular intervals to stifle the momentum of
their run chase. AA
Colts C XI v Chafyn Grove
20 over match
Chafyn Grove 122-7
Pilgrims' 115-5 (O Lamont 25* ret’d)
Pilgrims' lost by 7 runs
This was a great game which was decided in the final
over. The Colts C took a steady stream of wickets in
entertaining fashion. In bat, Oliver Lamont scored
freely to retire on 25, but over for over it was nip and
tuck – the scores very much level. In the end we were
seven runs short but it was an exciting finish. AJS
Foals A XI v Chafyn Grove
20 over match
Chafyn Grove 111-9 (A Davies 3-8)
Pilgrims’ 97 for 9 (O Dickens 55)
Chafyn Grove won by 14 runs
A much better game than of late, with good bowling
and batting from both sides. A wicket taken on the
first ball was exciting but then Chafyn Grove
appeared to be running away with it until Albert
Davies struck three times to pull us back in. We again
fielded well. Batting-wise, it was a steady start which
then exploded as Oliver Dickens took nineteen runs
off an over to get us right back into it. A spirited
effort fell short but there was a good feeling in the
team; great stuff. Oliver now needs support from his
batting teammates to fit the last piece into place.
MDS
Under 8A v Twyford
Pairs Game (starts on 200 runs)
Pilgrims’ 254-7
Twyford 235-14
Pilgrims’ won by 19 runs
This was a cracker of an afternoon and a cracker of a
match. Due to the very fine weather, the innings
were rotated to allow the fielders more of a break.
With this test match feel, amazingly, at the half way
stage the scores were level on 203. Batting first,
Twyford applied pressure in taking 6 wickets over the
first three pairs. The U8’s response was admirable
with Reuben Hobbs and then Rory Wooster taking
catches from the first two balls of Twyford’s innings,
off Sebastian Viela-Dean’s bowling. This set the tone
with busy fielding, exciting run outs and further
catches. The score was nip and tuck through the
second innings before the run rate took off with Rory
and Sebastian adding 30. Twyford, feeling the need
to chase hard, fell victim to run-outs and the win
went to the hosts. All of the Pilgrims’ boys
contributed to a super team performance. Good
cricket – well done. AJS
Under 8B v Twyford
Pairs Game (starts on 250 runs)
Pilgrims’ 326
Twyford 335
Pilgrims’ lost by 9 runs
The first of two games against Twyford took place at
The Pilgrims’ School for the U8’s. The game was
played in the pairs format. The team scored a total of
326 (starting at 250). The stand out pair was Max
Ingram and Harry Perks who scored a combined total
of 28. Oliver Scott took a great caught and bowled
while Barney Short and Julian Ho were supreme with
the ball taking a wicket each. In an exciting finish the
side just lost by 9 runs. We will be working on our
running between the wickets and fielding in the up
and coming game sessions. The boys played with
great sportsmanship and enjoyed the game
thoroughly. OM