2 October 2023
Hockey
Friday 29 September 2023 v Millfield School
1st XI Hockey v Millfield School (pictured above)
The annual and prestigious fixture against Millfield School, Somerset, took place last week. The 1st XI were well prepared and ready to hit their opposition hard. Emily Marsh controlled the defence well with great all-round positional play allowing the midfield space to spread the ball around. Tomlinson and Tomes worked well together in the middle of the lodge teamed with Smith and Schofield at either side. Chance after chance came with Margerison, Cole and Procter coming close on several occasions. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that Kirkham converted a well worked team goal with Tomes taking the final swipe! An amazing game to watch highlighting what is set to be an outstanding season for the KGS squad. Final score 1-0 to KGS.
2nd XI Hockey v Millfield School
In an intense match on Friday afternoon, Kirkham Grammar School 2nd XI faced off against Millfield School. The KGS girls started strong, displaying excellent ball possession and creating promising scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find the back of the net. Players A Bunday and E Greenwood showcased remarkable dedication in the midfield, diligently defending and limiting Millfield's options in our defending zone. I Gutt and L Cooper, on the right side, generated numerous chances, even securing a short corner, but luck wasn't on their side as the ball missed the goal. The first half concluded with Millfield leading 2-0. As the match progressed, fatigue set in for the KGS girls, making it challenging to pressurise Millfield effectively. Millfield capitalised on this, manoeuvring through the pitch and earning several short corners. Despite the tough defensive efforts from M Homan and E So, goalkeeper, G Brindle, emerged as a standout player, making multiple crucial saves. The girls showcased unwavering determination, but Millfield managed to score once more, bringing the final score to 3-1 in their favour. A Bunday's outstanding performance earned her 'Player of the Match'.
KGS U15s Hockey v Sedbergh
On Tuesday 26 September, Kirkham Grammar School U15 hockey team travelled to Sedbergh for the second round of the Independent Schools Cup. The game began with the KGS girls experiencing a bit of a slow start, as they initially found themselves lingering too long on the ball, granting Sedbergh the opportunity to gain an early advantage with multiple scoring opportunities. The KGS defence, recognising their mistakes, worked tirelessly to protect their territory, striving to prevent Sedbergh from advancing into the D. It was during these crucial moments that goalkeeper, M Smedley, showcased her brilliance, making a series of fantastic saves to keep the deficit manageable. As the first half progressed, the KGS girls began to find their rhythm. They switched gears and diligently worked to advance the ball up the pitch, employing the sidelines for their attacking plays. KGS had a few promising opportunities, but the Sedbergh defence managed to keep the ball away. At half time, the score was 3-0 in favour of Sedbergh however, the second half saw KGS get stronger. They approached the game with greater intensity, making it increasingly difficult for Sedbergh to move with the ball. As a united front, KGS applied pressure as a team and allowed the ball to do the work when it was in their possession. This shift in strategy created more opportunities for KGS, although, unfortunately, the ball remained elusive in finding the back of the net. Despite the 4-0 score in favour of Sedbergh, the KGS girls worked hard and had many opportunities.
2nd XI Hockey v 1st XI Wilmslow
On Wednesday 27 September, the KGS 2nd XI hockey team went on their first outing as a cohesive unit, facing off against Wilmslow 1st XI away. The initial moments of the game were marred by a lack of communication and movement on the pitch, as the girls struggled to find their rhythm. This slow start put immense pressure on the KGS defence, who fought to keep the ball out of the D. However, Wilmslow's relentless offensive plays and strategic overloads created numerous scoring opportunities that they capitalised on. Goalkeeper, G. Brindle, stood strong, making a series of impressive saves against the shots fired by Wilmslow. As the clock ticked past the first 29 minutes, a transformation began to take shape on the field. The KGS girls started communicating better, allowing the ball to do the work passing more between them. This enabled KGS to push the ball down the pitch into the attacking zone. Though the team had several promising scoring opportunities, the resilient Wilmslow defence held their ground. KGS persevered and managed to advance the ball up to the 23m, earning themselves a short corner. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they couldn't convert it into a goal. Despite the odds, the KGS 2nd XI displayed determination throughout the match. The final score, 7-0 in favour of Wilmslow, may not reflect the team's efforts and the improvements made as the game progressed. Player of the Match - G Brindle
KGS U13s v The King's School Chester
On Monday 2 October, Kirkham Grammar School U13 girls faced The King's School Chester in round 2 of the ISC National Cup. KGS took the lead after good work down the right space, for Hollie Guthrie to slot home. The game continued and KGS struggled to move the ball quickly into wide areas and King's failed to create any clear cut chances. 1-0 felt a fragile lead at half time. In the second half, the KGS girls stepped up a gear with higher intensity, pressing and quicker ball movement. Despite dominating for most of the second half, it took until two minutes from the end to seal the victory after more good work down the right and an excellent finish from Hollie Guthrie for her second goal of the game. Final score 2-0 to KGS.
Netball
U13A Netball v Stoneyhurst
Kirkham Grammar School's U13A netball team kicked off their season with great determination in a home fixture against a strong Stoneyhurst squad. The match witnessed a spirited start, with KGS taking an early lead in the first quarter. Despite Stoneyhurst gaining an advantage in the second quarter, the team remained composed, settling into a calmer rhythm in the latter half, which narrowed the score. Imi Osborne, Hollie Guthrie and Isabella Mitchell displayed impressive defensive skills, intercepting numerous passes and regaining possession, especially in the defensive goal third. Hettie Maclean-Bristol displayed boundless energy, both in attack and defence as centre, combining well with Lois So to feed precisely into the goal circle and set up multiple scoring opportunities. Juliette Verstraelen and Harriet Mackenzie, a dynamic attacking duo, impressed with their skilful dodging movements and knack for the net, amassing an impressive 14 goals together. Though the match concluded with a Stoneyhurst win, KGS' performance was a testament to their potential, fuelling excitement for a season filled with growth, learning, and victories. The girls are eager to harness this experience, striving for greater success in their upcoming matches.
Rugby
1st XV v Methodist College Belfast
On Friday 29 September, Methodist College, Belfast, travelled to Lancashire to play Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV. The Kirkham Grammar School team recorded a 52-12 victory, after scoring eight tries during the course of the game. Ollie Davies touched down for two with Oscar Considine, Seb Kelly, Harry Reay, Morgan Dryhurst-Jones, Cian Jackson and Wills Gut scoring one try a piece. Ollie Davis added six successful conversions with Rhys Hulse adding one. The Methodist College team was awarded a penalty try and scored an unconverted try through Joe Thompson. The Kirkham Grammar School team will travel to play Ballymena Academy in November. Their coach, Mr Roddam, is looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland. As a Lancashire Schools' hooker, back in the late nineties, Mr Roddam played against Ulster Schools' for the Atkins Cup at Armagh RFC. His opposite number in that game was one Rory Best!
KGS U16s vs Sedbergh U16s - Wednesday 27 September 2023
After a disappointing result against Lancaster a few days prior, Kirkham Grammar School U16s were looking for a victory against Sedbergh on home turf. Kirkham came firing out of the blocks putting pressure on their opponents from the off. Kirkham were awarded a penalty and opted to go to the corner, the forwards did their thing which resulted in a maul try scored by Charlie Bray. Sedbergh responded and found a gap in the Kirkham defence and scored a converted try (5-7). Kirkham kept the pressure on with some big tackles from Archie Blackburn, Will Kelso and Harry Marsh. Kirkham were awarded a penalty, the captain opted for the three points which Jack Wilsdon converted. Sedbergh were persistent and were able to find a gap down the blind side to go over for an unconverted try. The game was then well fought until Sedbergh were able to go through for a converted try. The second half was again very competitive between the two sides with some energetic runs from Sedbergh as well as Kirkham through, Rowan Edwards, Freddie Stott and Cieran Milligan. It was end to end, but neither team were able to execute in a way that they would have liked to, until Kirkham added pressure in defence which resulted in a line out 10m from the opposition try line. In typical scrum half fashion, Antonio caught the defence snoozing and scored from 5m out. Jack Wilsdon converted. Again, both teams attacked and defended and gave everything and the scoreline didn’t finish there. With the Kirkham line out not functioning as it did in the first half, Kirkham opted for the three points which Wilsdon executed. However, it left Kirkham with too much to do with two minutes to go. The final score was 18-19 to the opposition in what was a very well balanced and entertaining U16s fixture.
KGS U16s v Audenshaw
On Saturday 30 September, KGS U16s faced Audenshaw at home in what was a very competitive schoolboy game. Squad rotation gave some players an opportunity to showcase their ability. The game was fairly even with both good attack and defence from both sides, but the first try came from Kirkham with Tom Carey down after some excellent ball retention. Jack Wilsdon converted. Audenshaw kept the pressure on and broke through the defence for a converted try just before halftime. It didn't take long for Kirkham to get on the scoresheet again after a held up try. Josh Sumner was able to finish a well worked try in his first game back from injury. Another try followed shortly after through some great back row support from Tom Carey with Callum Sumner finishing the play and converted by Jack Wilsdon. The last try was scored by Josh Sumner who went over for his second again, again converted by Jack Wilsdon. KGS have two fixtures this week, one on Friday v Finborough and one on Saturday v The Manchester Grammar School. Final score 26-5 to KGS.
KGS U14s v Audenshaw
Kirkham Grammar School U14s travelled to Audenshaw on a warm September morning. Things didn't start well for KGS, with Audenshaw scoring two quick tries, through their powerful runners taking a 12-0 lead. However, KGS came back strong with some good play from Harry Walls and Jonty Faith which saw Jonny Wright go in for the first of his four tries. Shortly after, a strong run from Charlie Taylor created an opening for Wright, who burrowed over from short range to level the game up at 12-12. Just before half time, the forwards showed their physicality with a fine catch and drive lineout with Wright completing his hat trick and Oli Hartley-Pagnillo adding the extras to make the score 19-12 to Kirkham. Kirkham came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, and scored two quick tries thanks to some fine running from Harry Walls and Seb Clarke. Not to be outdone, the hosts came back strong with a try of their own to make it 36-19 with five minutes to play. However, it would be KGS who would have the last say with Walls completing a fine performance with a second try, which was converted by Faith to finish the game 43-19 to Kirkham.
KGS U13A v Audenshaw
Audenshaw had two or three big athletes that were a real threat with ball in hand, making easy yards early on. Audenshaw scored first, however the KGS U13A side responded well with some excellent tackling and counter rucking and KGS eventually scored their first try through Oliver Cookson. Audenshaw ran in another two tries through their big athletic players, however this really inspired the Kirkham side to front up in the second half. Fantastic tackling from Manny Elleray, Torrin Anderson and Tumi Milligan, combined with strong ball carrying from Hamish Gilchrist, Oscar Smith and Tom Medhurst saw Kirkham cause lots of problems for Audenshaw. Kirkham scored two further tries from hooker, Beau Ince, and winger, Chris Davies. Final Score 15-15.
KGS U12s v Audenshaw
KGS U12 teams acquitted themselves admirably against physically stronger opponents in Audenshaw on Saturday. The Wizards tackled and defended stoutly with Thomas Dunn looking particularly sharp and scoring two tries himself. Kirkham put together some impressive moves with continuity but eventually bowed to the greater physicality of Audenshaw. However, several other KGS players made an impression particularly, Daniel Winstanley, Freddie Butler, who tackled ferociously, Teddy Parker and Raurie Sumner, with some surging runs. However, the final score of 30-10 against did not reflect the game from a Kirkham point of view and the players should all be very proud of their efforts.
The Jedis were very impressive in their 40-10 win as they enjoyed lots of possession which they managed to turn into points, scoring eight tries in the process. Matthew Duckett at scrum half had a fantastic game, always challenging the opposition defence with his mazy running, scoring a hat trick of tries in the process. At one stage, Kirkham were comfortably ahead but two quick tries by Audenshaw ensured a tense finish. However, Kirkham forged ahead at the very end to win by a clear two try margin. The other try scorers for Kirkham were Harry Bowen, Zak Stevenson, Sebastian Boughen and Isaac Taziker.
Cross Country
Sedbergh Prep School Invitational Cross-Country Event
The U13 girls and boys competed in the annual Sedbergh Prep School Invitational Cross-Country Event on Thursday 28 September. The highly competitive event saw ten schools, and 14 teams, take part and KGS achieve some excellent individual results. The course itself was a very challenging one with an uphill start and was run over fields with several undulations, a very fine effort from all the squad members.
The U13 girls race, featuring 110 runners, saw KGS' Isabella Mitchell finish in 5th place whilst Imi Osborne finished 8th. Kirkham Grammar School were narrowly beaten into 2nd place overall. A fantastic team effort from all seven girls. The U13 boys race, featuring 122 runners, saw KGS finish 5th out of 13 schools with some notable performances from; Tumi Milligan (8th), Charlie Oliver (30), Josh Walker-Basham (31), Teddy Parker (33), Matthew Duckett (44) and Manny Elleray (55).
Kirkham Grammar Junior, Infant and Pre-School
J4 Rugby v Scarisbrick Hall
On Wednesday 27 September, Kirkham Grammar School J4 boys took part in their first rugby fixture of the season v Scarisbrick Hall. The game was highly competitive and all boys enjoyed getting back into school rugby. The J4 boys showed great potential and this year promises to be an exciting one for our J4 boys.
AJIS U9 Rugby Festival at Manchester Grammar School
On Monday 2 October, our Kirkham Grammar School J2 boys played in the AJIS U9 Rugby Festival at Manchester Grammar School. The afternoon proved very productive for the pupils, in their first competitive fixtures of the season. The team grew as the afternoon went on and the development of the group over the 6 games was outstanding.
Stockport Grammar School U11 Girls Hockey Festival
On Friday 29 September, Kirkham Grammar School U11girls travelled to Stockport Grammar School to play in a six aside hockey festival. The format of the tournament was mini hockey which meant small pitches, mini goals and no goal keepers. The U11s played five mini games of high tempo hockey, showcasing their hockey skills. The team worked well as a unit, up and down the pitch creating attacking opportunities. It was fantastic for the team to reflect on each game and play in a variety of different playing positions, experiencing competitive hockey in a fun festival.
Stockport Grammar School U11 Boys Rugby Festival
On the same day, our J4 boys took part in the Stockport Grammar School U11 rugby festival. During the afternoon, the boys played three games, winning two and drawing one. Throughout the afternoon, all of the boys performed excellently, with different players shining at different times. A notable performance was seen in the final game versus Stockport Grammar School, when the boys showed great resilience, coming back from 2-0 down. Well done to all the boys who took part!