2007 Season Review

23/9/07 v : Cricket Society: The last game of the season was a nail-biter, Pilgrims were restricted to 110 and the visitors seemed to have the game under control only for Bailes 4 for 5 and Wise 3 for 18 to rescue Pilgrims and force a victory by 19 runs.

16/9/07 v : Min: Pilgrims again underperformed and had to fight hard to avoid defeat with eight wickets down.

9/9/07 v : Reigate Priory: Pilgrims again underperformed allowing Priory to score 201 and then struggling to stay in the game. No batsman got going leaving the tail to hold out for a draw with two wickets standing.

2/9/07 v : Blues: Tight bowling restricted the Blues to 156, but the Pilgrim batting faltered after a good 50 from Burnside and had to struggle to avoid defeat with only two wickets left.

28/8/07 v : South Nutfield: The Pilgrims had a cracking day - good food, pleasant company and ample refreshment, but their cricketing form deserted them with the hosts having no trouble scoring the 195 required for victory with six wickets in hand.

12/8/07 v : Old Dorkinians: Pilgrims good form with the bat continued, but despite fine flight and guile from Scotty, several dropped catches helped the Old Boys survive the last four overs with just one wicket standing.

3-5/8/07 The Pilgrim Tour to Southwold again attracted a fine body of Tourists clad in yellow shirts who returned with garbled accounts claiming that they were again triumphant, beating Wenhaston Wanderers, Southwold and Halesworth Pumas. (One of their number is reputed to have returned to Southwold the following weekend just to check it had not been an illusion).

29/7/07 v Ipswich Greyhounds: The regiment opened their traditional manoeuvres in the South East with a match against the Pilgrims. Generously allowing our batsmen led by Ray Bailes to score 216 for 4, they were unable to mount a real challenge, but Pilgrim bowlers failed to dismiss them for another draw at 161 for 8.

A feature of the game was an opulent picnic held to commemorate Keith Jones. It was a good sight to see so many old members wining and dining in a style that Keith would surely have approved, even if his comments on the cricket would no doubt have been less generous!.

22/7/07 v Selsdon: Pilgrim batsmen continued the strong from with 196 for 6 and this time the bowlers found their mark dismissing the opposition for 96.

15/7/07 v Mogador Wanderers: Yet another wet day which ruined the main match, but sunshine after tea allowed a 20 over match. Moggies scored a powerful 183 for 6 and Pilgrims chased hard but to no avail finishing on 173 for 7.

8/7/07 v Sutton: A new fixture was unlucky to have another wet day. Pilgrims dismissed Sutton for 155, but were unable to beat them fading to 112 all out.

17/6/07 v Sydenhurst Ramblers: Pilgrims batted first and set a declaration of 201 for 9. Ramblers got close but at 179 for 7 it was another draw.

10/6/07 v Ewell Court: Pilgrims entertained their 'blood' brothers and a good day was enjoyed by all with Pilgrims scoring 220 for 2 declared and Ewell Court fighting their way to 179 all out gracefully providing Pilgrims with their first 'win'.

27/5/07 v Gentlemen of Hampstead: Pilgrims batted first and scored 198 all out. In reply the Gents won with only four wickets down.

20/5/07 v Kensington: Kensington batted first and cruised to 255 for 3 with an elegant innings from Matt Marshall. Pilgrims chased as hard as possible but were always behind the pace and losing wickets, despite Ray Bailes half century. However they managed to hang on for another draw at 176 for 9.

13/5/07 v Buccaneers: The weather could not last and chose the morning of the match to rain on our parade. Pilgrims nobly started bowling in the rain, but after 15 damp overs it was off for lunch and thirst quenching in the bar.

6/5/07 v Jack Frost XI: Another cracking game with Pilgrims all out for 198 and the visitors in the driving seat, until the wickets started to tumble, leading up to the last ball with all results possible. However no result either way with Jack Frost on 196 for 9 as stumps were drawn.

29/4/07 v Temple Bar: A beautiful day to start the season and a wonderful game. Temple Bar scoring 208 declared and the Pilgrims in hot pursuit. Alas with 4 needed off the last ball, we could only score 1. Match drawn

2006 Season Review

Another Pilgrim season cames to a close with a slightly disappointing excess of losses to wins, but also a lot of very tense draws on either side of the balance. Runs were not so plentiful this year, but new Pilgrim, Ray Bails was highest scorer with many others making important contributions. On the bowling, all bowlers put in some good performances, but not often enough to force the win rate up. The Averages reveal the best batting and bowling.

Three particular matches stick in the memory. A poor decision by the captain to bat first on a wet wicket against RNVR, leading to a slump to 60 for 6, magically redeemed by Chris Wise with a dervish like 70 to get us to 178, which was enough for us to bowl them out for the win. The annual game with South Nutfield was another good one including a rare 50 from David Forsyth and an 80 from Ray lifting us 224, unfortunately the South Nutfield chase succeeded with seven wickets down. Finally a win against Min CC, with Andy Tomes showing new skills at short leg, by catching their last bat of a slower one from Arnie to win the game in the last over.

Champagne moment of the season - a diving Gerry Jordan at backward cover airborne for several seconds to grab a fierce cut by a Southwold batsman, closely followed by the earth shuddering thud as he fell to earth again.

The 2008 dinner was held at the Reigate Hill Golf Club on Saturday 8th March. It commemorated "Presidents Past" and was a great success. 50 Pilgrims and guests, of all generations sat down to an excellent meal. President Roger Walker launched the Past Presidents fund for youth cricket, which was generously supported. John MacKenzie spoke of Keith Jones and previous Presidents of the club and San Gore (Kensington CC) responded to the toast to 'The Guests'.

Pat Carty is again plotting for a Southwold tour. The Anchor hotel is booked for Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August, so make your reservations immediately.