5 March 2024
RUGBY
Saturday 2nd March at Aylesbury RUFC
National Schools Cup Semi-final against Bromsgrove School
Kirkham won 19 – 14
Both sides looked nervous in the early stages, with neither team really taking control. Kirkham were missing lineouts and Bromsgrove spilling ball in attack. However, following another poor lineout from Kirkham, Bromsgrove made yet another error and found themselves being tackled in their own goal. Kirkham were awarded the five meter scrum and Captain S. Kelly made easy work of picking up from the base and scoring the first try of the game. Successfully converted by R. Hulse.
Bromsgrove hit back a few minutes later with a well-executed set play from the scrum that had the Kirkham back line in all sorts of trouble. Bromsgrove scored from the second phase and successfully converted to bring the scores level.
Half an hour into the game the Kirkham lineout started to function and with that their catch and drive. Bromsgrove had no answers to the powerful Kirkham maul and hooker J. Austin scored Kirkham's second try. However, Hulse struggled to convert from the touch line. Half time score 12-7 to Kirkham.
In the second half, Kirkham now playing into the wind, started to make inroads into the Bromsgrove defence with strong ball carrying from J. Gilmore, S. Kelly, A. Smith, M. Dryhurst-Jones and S. Amr. The players introduced from the bench brought energy and it was C. Bray that got Kirkham's third and final try of the game which was successfully converted by Hulse taking the score to 19-7. Kirkham were now looking pretty comfortable with fifteen minutes to go.
Bromsgrove however did not give up. They launched a number of attacks in the next ten minutes but the Kirkham defence, led by Vice-captain J. Stacy, remained solid through the middle. Bromsgrove eventually found space out wide and scored their second try which they successfully converted to make the score 19-14 with four minutes left to play. In a tense last few minutes, where both sides looked threatening, Kirkham were able to cling on to the victory and book themselves a place in the final where they will meet Harrow School at Twickenham on Thursday 14th March 2024.
HOCKEY
DATE: Saturday 2 March 2024 at Cheadle Hulme School
KGS U12A v Cheadle Hulme School
The U12A beat Cheadle Hulme 6-1 in a game they dominated. The girls worked the ball quickly into attacking areas and tested the Cheadle goalkeeper with lots of shots. Goals were shared out among Hargreaves (3), Townley, Kerr and Butler-Reid. Cheadle did manage a consolation goal on the break but the final score reflected Kirkham’s dominance.
KGS U13A v Cheadle Hulme School
The U13A team had to work hard for their 3-2 win over Cheadle Hulme. Despite dominating the early part of the game, Kirkham found themselves 1-0 down after being caught on the break. Godbold equalised after good work on the right by Maclean-Bristol. Guthrie then put Kirkham in front before half time.
In the second half, Cheadle fought back and scored from a short corner that Kirkham failed to properly clear. The Kirkham girls showed great resilience and dominated the remainder of the game but left it until the last two minutes when Guthrie scored the winner.
KGS U15 v Cheadle Hulme School
The U15s lost 3-0. In an even first half there were few chances for either side as both teams battled to dominate the midfield. Cheadle took the lead just before half time with a well struck hit from the top of the D.
In the second half, the game opened up and Cheadle’s midfielder players started to dominate the game. They added a further two goals before full time.
SWIMMING
DATE: Tuesday 27 February 2024
TITLE: Mixed swimming gala vs Hutton Grammar
The KGS mixed swimming team competed at Hutton Grammar School in a friendly fixture. All swimmers from U12 to U18 competed in their respective age groups.
In the individual races some great victories came from Boughen, Faith, Hargreaves, Osborne, Mackenzie, Winstanley, Gregson, Wright and Harling. The senior team lead by example with impressive performances coming from Wilsdon, Collinson, Milligan, Tushingham and Denn.
The team maintained their positive start into the relays resulting in victories in 7 out of the 10 events.
Congratulations to all swimmers who represented the school. The squad now look forward to the QEGS Quadrangular Championships next week.
NETBALL
DATE: Wednesday 28 February 2024
TITLE: U18 VII netball vs Lancaster Royal Grammar School
In an intense and closely contested match at home, the KGS U18 Senior Netball team displayed remarkable teamwork, communication, and individual skill against LRGS. Despite the narrow loss with a final score of 25-23, the KGS team demonstrated a commendable level of play, leaving everything on the court in a game that could have swung either way.
From the starting whistle, the KGS girls exhibited strong cohesion and an unwavering determination. Their teamwork and communication were apparent, growing stronger with each quarter. The players' ability to merge individual talents into seamless sets of play was a highlight, showcasing impressive transitions up the court that kept LRGS on their toes.
The defensive unit deserves a special mention for their tireless effort throughout the game. They applied constant pressure on the LRGS attackers, successfully turning over the ball on several occasions and disrupting their flow. This defensive resilience was a crucial aspect of the KGS team's performance, providing the foundation for many of their offensive plays.
Midcourt players were pivotal in moving the ball efficiently, demonstrating agility and strategic thinking that created numerous shooting opportunities. Their efforts were well complemented by the attackers, who capitalised on these chances, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the outcome uncertain until the final whistle.
Although the match ended in a 25-23 victory for LRGS, the KGS U18 Senior Netball team's development and performance throughout the game was evident. The close score line each quarter reflected the competitive nature of the match and the high level of skill displayed by both teams.
Individual accolades were awarded to Murro, who was named Players' Player of the Match, and Loughlin, who earned the Coaches' Player of the Match.