Sports Reports

Wednesday 2 February  – Lancashire Cup Rugby Quarter-Final

U16s v Bolton School

Won 43-7

Kirkham Grammar U16s played Bolton School in the Lancashire Schools Cup quarter-final. This was their first outing since they turned over Sedbergh in early December. The Kirkham boys were eager for this, which led to an impressive first half performance. Kirkham scored five tries through Harry Tomlinson, Henry Whitton x 2, Will Davies and Seb Kelly. Callum Hill successfully converted three of the tries making the half time score 31-0 to Kirkham.

Bolton began the second half with much more determination and aggression, making life difficult for Kirkham. Bolton managed to score a converted try and they probably deserved more from the game for their efforts. Kirkham skipper, James Stacey, and centre Harry Reay, scored two further tries, with the last try successfully converted via drop goal by second row Henry Whitton.

Saturday 5 February 

U16 v Audenshaw

Won 48-14

Kirkham hosted Audenshaw School on a blustery Saturday morning at the Ribby Road ground. After a tough day up front against Bolton in the Lancashire Cup, the Kirkham pack were bolstered by the return of prop forwards Finn McLachlan and Saif Amr. There was also a reshuffle in the backs with Jack Chapman moving from the pack to inside centre in place of injured Callum Hill. Xander Cane replace Tom Wilkinson on the wing who was on duty for PNE. The Kirkham side started well, gaining territory and eventually a penalty, which led to a catch and drive try scored by Seb Kelly. Kirkham were unstoppable after this and scored five further tries through Wills Gut x2, Seb Kelly, Alex Greenhalf and Jack Chapman. Scrum half, Harry Tomlinson, was on kicking duty and successfully converted three tries making the half time score 36-0 to Kirkham.

Audenshaw looked like they were going to bounce back as they scored two converted tries within the first five minutes of the second half. However, Kirkham stepped up a gear and scored two further tries through Jack Chapman and Finlay Shawcross-Clough. Harry Tomlinson converted one of the tries making the final score 48-14

KGS U13s v Audenshaw U13s

The under 13s travelled to Manchester to play Audenshaw School. Despite the blustery conditions and physical opponents, this did not affect the under 13s fantastic performance. The boys worked as a team and put their training into action in a game where they managed to score six tries.

The tries would not have come without the outstanding tackling from Evan Twose, Ethan Stafford, James Ball, Harvey Barton & Tom Barton, which put pressure on Audenshaw allowing KGS to regain possession.

KGS went behind to start but swiftly responded through Ethan Stafford scoring a short-range try. The Kirkham lads were on the front foot putting some good rugby into action which resulted in a try through Tom Barton. Audenshaw then broke round the edges to equalise the game. Another surging run towards the try line from Stafford allowed him to shrug off some defenders and place the ball down for his second Try. This followed by two solo tries from Ryan Shaw, who collected the ball in Kirkham’s own 22 and jinked his way through the defence to put KGS 25-15 up. Another try came from Stafford, 5 minutes before the end, and you would have thought it was over…

However, Stafford was not finished! In the last minute of the game, Audenshaw made a break round the Kirkham defence. Ethan Stafford chased the Audenshaw player and made a last ditch attempt to clip the heels of player who was gaining ever closer to the try line. This was the final moment of the game and a great win for Kirkham’s U13s. Well done to all involved in Saturdays game!

Hockey

1st XI v Grammar School at Leeds

The 1st XI hit GSAL hard from the start, closing them down fast, putting them under pressure and forcing the error. Kirkham were very strong, composed and disciplined at the back; the midfield controlled the centre of the pitch creating waves of attack; and the forwards caused chaos up front. The girls worked hard and kept their focus in a very physical game. Jess Cole scored two great goals in the first half and Agatha Barker-Mill added another in the second half to give Kirkham a well-deserved 3-0 win.

2nd XI v Grammar School at Leeds

KGS worked hard from the start whistle and persisted throughout. The girls progressed up the pitch to keep the ball up in their attacking end, with incredible teamwork from Tilly Loggenberg, Phoebe Caunce and Issy Harkins. Unfortunately, this did not result in a goal but the girls continued with their efforts. KGS’s hard work, on and off the ball, resulted in a great goal scored by Issy Harkins. The half time score 1-nil to KGS. However, Leeds came back in the second half stronger than ever but consistent team effort from KGS resulted in a well-deserved goal by Phoebe. Kirkham ended successfully gaining a 2-nil win.

U15s v Grammar School at Leeds

KGS U15s also played away at GSAL. They got off to a rocky start with GSAL closing them down quickly. Kirkham soon started to pick up the pace when they were on the ball but kept losing possession. The defence worked hard to control the ball in the D making sure GSAL could not get a shot on target. Half time result was 0-0.

After a team talk at half time, KGS tried to work as a team and keep possession. Despite many opportunities to score and having more possession on the ball, Kirkham had a number of short corners but unfortunately could not get the ball in the back of the net. The final score was 0-0.

U14s v Grammar School at Leeds

Following on from the win against Wakefield, the team were up for what was going to be another tough match. The girls worked well, attacked down both wings but could not convert any chances they had. GSAL put Kirkham’s defence under pressure throughout the game, but their GK, Isabella, kept them in the game with some fantastic saves. With 5 minutes to go, GSAL scored a scrappy goal. KGS continued to try to equalise but the final score ended 1-0 to GSAL.

 U13 A and B v Grammar School at Leeds

The U13A team battled well against a very strong GSAL team. Despite the high quality of their opponents, the KGS girls never gave up and worked hard to repel the GSAL attacks. Evelyn So and Alice Bunday were excellent in defence and Issy Gut provided a constant attacking outlet with her pace and direct running. The 5-0 score line reflected the high quality of the hockey GSAL played.

The U13B team showed much improvement from the last time they played GSAL before Christmas. Despite having a lot of defending to do they managed to keep GSAL out until late in the second half. The defence of Poppy Pickervance, Jess Grice, Alice Wright and Raia Trend were excellent throughout and were unlucky to concede late on. A 1-0 defeat, whilst disappointing, showed real progress over the last few months.

U12A VII v Grammar School at Leeds (pictured top)

The U12 squad got off to a slow start against very strong opposition going 1-0 in the first few minutes. Once the girls began to play, the match was end to end with both teams having multiple chances in front of goal.

Great defensive work from Hermione Edwards and Lucie Wilson kept GSAL out, whilst Hollie Bailey and Holly Schofield worked hard up front. Sophia Melling made some excellent runs from the middle, which resulted in an equaliser before the half time whistle.

In the second half, both teams pressed hard it is was clear that more goals were yet to come! Unfortunately, GSAL finished the game with a great shot at goal leaving the score at 2-1.

U12B VII v Grammar School at Leeds (pictured top)

The U12 squad worked hard from the start whistle making some great runs down the right hand side of the pitch. Megan Hartley-Smith was dynamic in her attack allowing Evie Mannion and Jasmine Stirrup to run riot in the ‘D’. Alys Williams converted one goal quickly followed by two others to finish the game off at 3-0. Two great team performances from two amazing U12 teams.