13 March 2018
Wed 7 March: U13 Regionals Finals - Hill House School, Doncaster
The KGS U13s were crowned Regional Champions at Hill House School in Doncaster after 5 excellent performances.
KGS started solidly against Hill House and won 2-0 thanks to 2 short corner strikes from Natasha Hartley-Smith. The score line didn't fully reflect how dominant KGS were as countless short corners went begging.
This was followed up by an impressive 7-0 win over Liverpool College with all the KGS attacking players showing great skill and composure. In goal, Anya Jackson, was rarely called upon but showed great composure when required. A tough match against a strong Stockport team followed and although the final score was 6-1, KGS were made to work hard and lift their game up a level from their previous performances. Two big wins, back to back, with goals from Hattie Madden, Bo Madden, Ella McDonald and Talia Armstead now meant that KGS had 3 wins from 3 and a great chance of winning the competition.
Game 4 was another impressive 5-0 win against Sedbergh. The KGS girls defended well as a unit with great work at the back from Poppy Kearsley, Dani Merrick, Eve Gooderham and Amy Merrick. Goal of the day (with plenty of wonderful ones to choose from) came from Bo Madden who rolled a Sedbergh defender and lifted a reverse hit into the goal.
KGS went into the final game knowing a win would see them crowned champions and progressing to the North finals. Despite a shaky start against a determined Queens Chester the KGS girls settled into their pressing game and ran out 5-0 winners with more wonderful goals and excellent passing hockey.
An outstanding performance to win the tournament with only one goal conceded and 25 scored in 5 games. North of England finals here we come!
Wed 7 March: 1st XI Lancashire tournament
With only three teams in the area entering, the annual Lancashire tournament was a very small affair! KGS welcomed AKS and Stonyhurst College on a very sunny afternoon. The two matches played were competitive and it was clear that the tournament could be won by any of the three Hockey schools.
KGS took on Stonyhurst first and opened the score line in the first minute of the game with a great goal from Charlotte McDonald. The game was end to end with Stonyhurst scoring next from open play. A further two goal from each team left the final score at 3-3.
KGS then took on AKS, again this was end to end. In the first half the game lacked pace and it wasn’t until KGS opened the score line that the game picked up. The ball moved freely around the pitch with both teams having their chances. An equaliser from AKS left the final score at 1-1.
AKS met Stonyhurst in the last game and, once again, the game was open. Both teams peppered each other’s goal but AKS scored securing a 1-0 win and the Lancashire Trophy.
2nd XI vs Stonyhurst
2-0 Win
As the 2nd XI Lancashire Tournament had only KGS and Stonyhurst field teams, we felt it only fair that the two play a final match to determine the champion. Both team played some excellent hockey creating fine opportunities through on goal. The first half was goalless but the 2nd half proved to be a different story: KGS really stepped up moving the ball around beautifully to open up space for the forwards. The opening goal came from Megan Hughes who slapped the ball into the net from a high shot. The second again came from Hughes after Tess Clowes ran the ball through the Stonyhurst defence. The final score was 2-0 to KGS - a great way to end a fantastic season of 2nd XI Hockey.
Sat 10 March: KGS v GSAL
U15 v GSAL
3-0 Win
The U15 played very well indeed against a strong GSAL team. The game was fast and physical and the KGS girls stepped up and took control. They were rock solid in defence and midfield and played with real speed and skill up front. A fantastic team performance in the last Saturday game of the season. The girls won the game 3-0 with a stunning hat-trick from Beth Dowbiggin.
U14 vs GSAL U14.
3-0 Win
After a long break for the U14s, it was great to see them come together for their last official game of the season. Kirkham applied pressure from the off and had all the attacking play. KGS had chance after chance and produced some fantastic link play, especially their passing round the back.
The girls looked confident going forward and allowed Aggie Barker-Mill to score the first goal from a lovely top D strike. Kirkham were now in their stride dominated going forward, Lexie Fraser secured the second goal for Kirkham.
At half time KGS were dominating the game and just needed to maintain this. Aggie managed to score her second goal of the game allowing Kirkham to finish with an impressive 3-0 win.
A massive congratulations to the girls on their final win of the season and a brilliant game to finish on - well done!
U12 v GSAL
It was always going to be a tough morning against a strong GSAL team. In their last game of the season, the A team dominated from the start and had several opportunities on goal. Unfortunately the ball was put wide or saved by a talented GSAL goal keeper. The girls battled well but gave the ball away at times resulting in pressure from fast, fit GSAL girls!
Just before the end of the first half, KGS conceded which meant they had to really step up as the 2nd half started. Unfortunately, GSAL continued to apply pressure scoring another goal after several fantastic saves from goal keeper Anya Jackson.
The B team game was end to end with KGS doing their best to take control. KGS opened the score line with a great goal from Alicia Threlfall. Great defensive play allowed Sadie Drury to run riot up front creating several opportunities on goal. GSAL equalised in the opening minutes of the second half but KGS battled until the end!
1st Xl V GSAL.
Lost 3-0
The 1st Xl had to work extremely hard for the full 60 minutes against an extremely strong Leeds side. The girls played with real strength and showed real character throughout. They went 1-0 down in the first 10 minutes but after that bounced back and battled all over the pitch.
Again in the second half the game was end to end, then in the final quarter the Leeds girls started to get the upper hand. The girls had to settle for a 3-0 loss in what was a very competitive, high tempo game.
KGS Second XI vs Grammar School at Leeds Second XI
2-0 lose
It was an emotional final Saturday of the season for the second XI as for the upper sixth and some fifth years it was their final game at Kirkham Grammar School.
The game started and it was clear that both teams were evenly matched. GSAL applied pressure for majority of the first half but Kirkham's defence were outstanding, Ella Kearsley produced numerous fantastic saves and managed to keep it 0-0 half time.
As the second half started, Kirkham were desperate to take the lead. However, Kirkham turned the ball over in the middle allowing GSAL an opportunity to score. Despite KGS maintaining the intensity for the duration of the game, GSAL finished with a 2-0 victory.
