25 March 2022
U14 Richard J Wilson Trophy
On a glorious spring day it was great to see the U14 Richard J Wilson trophy on offer again. Due to the pandemic, it was last competed for in 2019, when the current KGS Lower Sixth side retained the trophy.
This year’s U14s have had a promising start to their 7s rugby at KGS, but as yet have been unable to secure any silverware. The return of inspirational captain Milligan, less than 4 weeks after dislocating his shoulder, counter balanced the impact of those away on the school ski trip.
Kirkham powered through their group with Bolton up first. KGS scored 6 tries with the explosive Kelso bagging 4, Milligan and C Sumner 1 each, plus two conversions each from Wilsdon and Milligan for a 38-5 win. Next up was Lancaster RGS who have proven to be a stubborn opponent in previous games. However, on this occasion, Kirkham were clinical in attack and defence to win 26-5 with Milligan 2, Kelso and Bray scoring tries and 3 conversions from Wilsdon and Milligan. AKS were the next team to play, who made it difficult early on, but Kirkham powered to victory in the second half resulting in 36-17 with scores from Milligan 3, C Sumner, Kelso and Wilsdon plus 3 more conversions. With qualification for the cup semi-finals now secured, Kirkham coasted at times but still managed to despatch West Hill by 32 points to 22 with scores from Milligan 2, J Sumner 2, Kelso and Wilsdon.
Kirkham now moved to the first team pitch to play their semi-final against St Mary’s Crosby. First half scores from Wilsdon and Kelso, plus a Wilsdon conversion, enabled them to turn round 12 – 5 up. Kelso powered away to score early in the 2nd half, but St Mary’s refused to give up pulling one back to make it 19-12 with 2 minutes left. Brilliantly, Kelso again broke free to make it 24-12.
The final against Cheadle Hulme, who beat Lancaster in the other semi-final, proved to be a classic with the lead changing hands several times. First half tries from Milligan and Kelso, and a Wilsdon conversion, gave KGS a 12-5 half time lead, but Cheadle came back strongly with 2 good scores of their own to go ahead 17-12. Not for the first time, Kelso had the final say with 2 excellent scores in the final 3 minutes, to take his tally for the day to 13 and a Milligan conversion for a win: 24-17.
This victory is testament to the hard work the squad has demonstrated this season; their commitment and desire to improve has been outstanding. If they maintain the same work ethic more success will come in the future.
Squad: Milligan ©, Gildea (vc), C Sumner, C Bray, J Wilsdon, J Sumner, A Blackburn, W Kelso, S Collinson, T Carey, O Shackleton and C Taylor-Tomlinson.
