24 May 2022
National final qualification for KGS U18 tennis squad
KGS U18 tennis squad progressed to the Aberdare Cup National Final after successful 2 set singles and doubles matches against South Hunsley School, Hull.
The girls approached the north final with composure and focus starting with 4 singles matches. Peet completed her singles first 6-0, 6-0 shortly followed by Tinsley who also finished in style 6-0, 6-0.
Culshaw finished next, but unfortunately after two right sets narrowly lost her match.
Shek was last to complete with a 6-3, 6-1 victory to put the team into an excellent position as they moved onto their doubles games.
Both pairs didn't take long to see off their opponents with convincing victories securing a place in the Aberdare Cup National Finals to be held at Nottingham Tennis Centre at the start of July.
Congratulations on an amazing achievement!
Under 14 cricket v Rossall - Thursday 19 May
KGS - 43 all out (Taylor-Tomlinson 11)
Rossall - 31 all out (Smith 4 for 6 / De Klerk 4 for 3)
KGS won by 12 runs
The Under 14s’ good form continued on a sunny afternoon at Rossall in the second round of the Lancashire Cup. Batting first, the team never settled to Rossall's tight bowling and struggled to build partnerships with wickets falling regularly. The team battled to 43 with no-one really looking comfortable or able to build an innings. Thankfully, 11 from Taylor-Tomlinson proved to be crucial and it was good to see him batting with much determination, occupying the crease for a few overs. After an inspirational team talk between innings by coaches Carter and Duncan, the boys rallied and were confident the game was still winnable. Thankfully, a superb opening spell from Smith and Bray blew the opposition away with Rossall 9 for 6 at one stage. The game had been turned on its head, and when De Klerk came on in the middle of the innings, he managed to remove the tail with an impressive 2 overs, taking 4 wickets. Rossall were bowled out for just 31 with Kirkham winning by the narrow margin of 12 runs. An incredible victory from the jaws of defeat!
Under 14 cricket v Merchant Taylors - Saturday 21 May
Kirkham – 117-0 off 20 overs (Stan Collinson 60 not out, Theo Smith 42 not out)
Merchant Taylors - 43 all out off 17.3 overs (Christian Taylor-Tomlinson 4 wickets, Charlie Bray 2 wickets)
KIRKHAM WON BY 74 runs.
After overnight rain, the match began at 10am at Kirkham on a slightly sticky wicket. Kirkham lost the toss and were put in to bat. Openers Stan Collinson and Theo Smith, batted sensibly from the off, defending straight and full deliveries, and picking off the opposition bowling with excellent running between the wickets. Remarkably, they batted throughout the 20 overs without losing a wicket, with Collinson finishing on 60 not out and Smith 42 not out. Merchant Taylor’s soon looked a defeated side, with Kirkham’s opening bowling continuing the dominance. Charlie Bray bowled with his usual hostility and pace, taking 2 wickets in 4 overs and only conceding 1 run. Ciaran Milligan skilfully moved the ball around during his 4 over spell, and was unlucky not to take a few wickets with a couple of catches going down. Christian Taylor-Tomlinson ripped out the opponent’s middle order and any chance of them winning, by taking 4 quick wickets with his wily off spin - at one stage being on a hat-trick. The bowling was then shared out by Captain, Collinson, with Harry Thompson taking the final wicket with his bamboozling leg breaks to complete a professional and comfortable victory. The U14 cricketers have now won all 6 of their matches this year, and go into Thursday’s massive Lancashire Cup match against Lancaster RGS with confidence high.
U15 Girls Tennis
On Monday 23 May, Kirkham Grammar U15 tennis squad travelled to Bolton School for their LTA division 1 competition. The singles started well with Hannah Culshaw and Lucy Wildish winning various points and serving with real power. Hannah Pilkington and Lucy Jones also played well in their one set singles matches but unfortunately Bolton had the upper hand going into the doubles.
With Culshaw and Wildish taking to the court first, it was always going to be a difficult task coming back from the singles games. Pilkington and Jones played well claiming three games but unfortunately both doubles pairs were beaten overall.
KGS now face Stonyhurst College in their next fixture.
ESAA Track and Field Cup
The junior and inter girls teams took to the track at Stanley Park last week for the first round of the ESAA track and field cup. With lots of amazing results both on the track and in the field, the KGS girls were looking good!
During the morning session the girls were involved in field events ranging from discus, javelin, high jump and triple jump to name just a few. At the half way point the girls moved onto the track. After some excellent point scoring in the field, their second event of the day was paramount to gaining a place in the regional A finals.
The final scores saw KGS finish in first place in both age groups securing a place a Trafford AC for the Regional A Final after the half term break. Well done to all involved.
