12 February 2019
Kirkham U11 boys hockey team were crowned AJIS Champions at Manchester Grammar School yesterday. The tournament was split into two groups of four. Also In Kirkham's group were Kings School Macclesfield, Bolton and AKS. In their game against Kings School Macclesfield, the boys played very well but could not convert their pressure into goals and the game ended 0-0. In the match v Bolton they again played well and managed to win 1-0, goal by Dylan Misell. Their final group match was against AKS and sustained pressure resulted in two goals by Dylan Misell and Kirkham finished with a two goal victory. This resulted in KGJS winning the group and poceeding through to the semi-final against the hosts, Manchester GS. The boys started strongly and soon found themselves 1-0 up with a well taken goal by Harry . A period of very competitive hockey followed and our back three of Christian , Jenson and Alex had to be at their best and were well supported by Jack and Freddie . The forwards continued to create chances with good work by Bertie Jones and William de Klerk and two further goals by Harry Marsh made the final score 3-0. Kings School Chester won the other semi-final, setting up a final between the same two teams who shared the trophy last year. From the first whistle it was clear it was going to be a very tight game. Both teams created goal scoring opportunities but both keepers were in good form. Chester managed to break free and were in a good position to score but our keeper, in a desperate attempt to stop the attack, fouled their striker and a penalty flick was awarded. Fortunately for Kirkham, the ball was put wide of the post. A good attack by Kirkham resulted in some fine saves by the Chester keeper but a follow up by Harry Marsh saw us go 1-0 up and Kirkham managed to hang on for victory and become AJIS CHAMPIONS!