1 October 2025
Kirkham Grammar Junior, Infant, and Pre-School
U9 + U10 Hockey vs Stonyhurst College – Saturday 20th September 2025
Despite arriving to wet and chilly conditions at Stonyhurst, Kirkham Grammar School’s U10 and U9 hockey teams were full of enthusiasm for their first fixture of the season. The teams wasted no time getting warmed up and were soon out on the pitches—U10s on one, U9s on the other—ready to take on the challenge.
From the first whistle, both matches were played at a high tempo, with Kirkham displaying impressive attacking intent. The players regularly broke into the attacking D, showcasing sharp stick skills and confident forward play. The matches were end-to-end, with Kirkham’s passing, movement, and teamwork standing out in difficult weather conditions.
Each team played four ten-minute quarters in persistent rain, but the adverse weather did nothing to dampen their determination. The players maintained their energy and focus throughout, resulting in well-deserved victories for both the U10 and U9 teams.
A fantastic start to the season for Kirkham Grammar School, with strong performances across both age groups. The teams should be proud of their resilience, teamwork, and attacking flair.
Here’s to more exciting fixtures ahead!
Kirkham Grammar Senior & Sixth Form
Rugby Pre-Season Training Report – August 2025
What a fantastic start to the pre-season for the senior rugby squad! The energy and commitment shown by everyone this week has been nothing short of outstanding.
Mr Roddam, our Head of Rugby and 1st XV coach, had a massive help in Mr Robinson who adapted to every challenge thrown his way. We were also fortunate to receive help from Mrs Russell on the Keswick trip and some top-notch coaching from Mr Briers, Head of PE at the junior school and Fylde 1st team coach, and a special guest session from Sedgley Park's Director of Rugby, Scott Barrow, who led an inspiring defence clinic.
Fifty-five players trained at school on Tuesday and Friday, showcasing the squad's depth and enthusiasm. On Tuesday, our development squad traveled to Sedbergh for a pre-season festival, gaining valuable experience against Tynemet U18s, Gosforth Academy, and Sedbergh's 2nd XV.
Then, on Wednesday, 38 boys headed to Keswick for a two-day camp. They had some great on-field sessions at Penrith RUFC and plenty of time to socialize in the evenings. Despite a fell walk being cut short due to poor weather, it was still a great trip. The week culminated in a pre-season festival at Kings Macclesfield School on Saturday. The U18 A team faced tough competition from QEGS Wakefield, Christ College Brecon, and Denstone College. Meanwhile, the U18 B team played against Wirral Grammar, Oakham School, Dame Allan’s, and Solihull School.
The attitude and effort from every player have been brilliant, and with some incredibly promising performances at the weekend, the whole squad is ready and raring to go for the season ahead.
U15 Rugby vs Wirral Grammar School – Saturday 6th September 2025
A tough first game of the season saw Kirkham Grammar School clinch a hard-fought 21-14 victory over Wirral Grammar School in a match that truly tested the home side's resolve. Played on a pitch that has been well looked after over the summer by our grounds team it looked like a green carpet, both sides were clearly raring to go.
Kirkham Grammar U15’s had a few new faces in different positions, got the scoring started when Lawson crossed the line, but by halftime, the score was a deadlocked 7-7. It was a tough, physical contest, proving that friendly matches can be anything but! The real turning point came in the second half when Wirral GS managed to level the scores again (14-14). Rather than dropping their heads, it seemed to flip a switch for the home team! The team took control of the ball, relentlessly working their way towards the try Ellery joined the field from the bench at half time, who immediately made an impact by scoring not once, but twice! With Cheesebrough also adding three conversions, the home side secured the win. It was a proper show of guts and teamwork and a great way to kick off the new season.
U18A Rugby vs Wirral Grammar School 1st XV – Saturday 6th September 2025
Kirkham’s U18 A side secured a comprehensive 55-10 victory over Wirral Grammar 1st XV in the first block fixture of the season. The match saw Kirkham start strongly, scoring seven tries in the first half. Freddie Ferguson was a notable performer, getting a hat-trick, with additional tries from Will Kelso, Josh Sumner, Anton Gildea, and Henry Bates.
A number of substitutions were made at halftime, leading to a more competitive second half. Wirral Grammar crossed for one try, while Kirkham added two further tries through Charlie Worsfold and Josh Sumner to seal the win.
U13A Rugby vs Wirral Grammar School – Saturday 6th September 2025
The Under 13A team had an excellent start to their season beating Wirral GS by 50-15 at home. The visitors started a little brighter than Kirkham however, catching them cold with an early try. This minor setback did nothing but galvanise Kirkham who hit back immediately with a try from Finlay Sanderson, the first of seven tries he was to score on the day. More tries followed, as Kirkham began to enjoy large periods of possession and there were further scores from Oliver Wright (2), Alfie Cure (2), William Coward and Zac Oliver. Kirkham moved the ball at will throughout, posing a real threat to the Wirral defence who battled gamely and this brought two late tries for the away side.
U18A Rugby vs St Ambrose College 1st XV – Saturday 13th September 2025
Kirkham Grammar School emerged victorious in a hard-fought encounter against a resilient St Ambrose College 1st XV, securing a 17-7 victory at home. The result, while deserved, was a testament to the toughness of both sides, with St Ambrose proving a difficult opponent to break down.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams showing strong defensive organisation. However, it was Kirkham who found a way through just before the break. A powerful carry from centre Ed Millachip saw him burst through the St Ambrose defense from ten yards out to score the opening try. Fly-half Evan Oxley added the conversion to give the home side a 7-0 lead at the interval. Kirkham's forwards, including Rowan Edwards, Alfie Holiday, Oliver Cliffe, and Henry Bates, were instrumental, putting in a tireless shift to secure a solid platform for their backs.
The second half saw Kirkham's attacking efforts rewarded with two further tries. Fullback Cole Cullen showcased his knack for finding space in the defense, crossing the whitewash to extend Kirkham's lead. Not long after, Millar Anderson, who had worked tirelessly throughout the game, powered over to seal the victory. St Ambrose, despite the scoreline, remained a tough side to break down and never gave up. They showed glimpses of their potential throughout the match and will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the season progresses. The final score of 17-7 to Kirkham reflected a well-earned win, built on a solid forward performance and moments of smart play from their backs.
U15A Rugby vs St Ambrose College – Saturday 13th September 2025
It was a tale of two very different halves, but Kirkham Grammar School ultimately secured a well-deserved 43-21 victory. The match kicked off with a bang, as the forwards put in some powerful runs, setting the stage for the backs to shine. They moved the ball out wide brilliantly, running in a couple of fantastic tries that left the opposition scrambling. It was a near-perfect start, and the team entered the break with a commanding 24-0 lead. Everything seemed to be going to plan.
However, the second half proved to be a real test of character. A combination of ill-discipline, simple mistakes, and some good work from the opposition saw the team concede 21 points. It was a bit of a wake-up call, but the squad showed their determination and managed to close out the game with a comfortable win. There are a lot of good things to take from the performance, but plenty to work on as well. The team will be hoping to iron out those mistakes before their next fixture against Finborough on Wednesday.
U13 Rugby vs St Ambrose College – Saturday 13th September 2025
The Under 13 team suffered a very narrow loss away (30-25) at St. Ambrose who had one particular player of outstanding ability, who ultimately made the difference. Kirkham scored the first try of the game through Harry Pickervance who burst through two tackles on his way to the line. The hosts hit back with a try of their own, after a couple of missed tackles down the left flank. Kirkham continued to battle hard and managed to suppress some St Ambrose pressure but conceded three more tries before half time, however Kirkham did score through Fin Sanderson before the break.
The second half saw a much improved performance from Kirkham who were clearly fired up from their concession on first half tries by St Ambrose. Kirkham had more possession and consequently went over for three more tries by Sanderson, Yates and Deignan. However this was in reply to three more St Ambrose scores as the game finished with only one try separating the teams, Kirkham fought valiantly and could have arguably snatched a draw at the end, alas it wasn't to be!
U16 Rugby vs St Ambrose College – Saturday 13th September 2025
After a convincing win at Wirral Grammar last week, a tougher challenge was anticipated, which was certainly the case but a much improved performance from KGS delivered a very similar outcome. St Ambrose dominated the first 10 minutes, although KGS scored first with Clarke intercepting on half way and running in before St Ambrose worked there way over in the corner, as the half progressed the momentum shifted to KGS with Virdee powering down the right before passing inside to Clarke to go over, Gillet was next after a barnstorming run, Virdee twice and Walls all showed pace and strength to score before half time, making it 38-5 at HT.
With all 7 finishers introduced at HT, KGS continued to dominate with scores from, McKay, Clarke (2), Walls, Jolley and Wright, St Ambrose showed great determination to score again before full time. (70-10)
U14 Rugby vs St Ambrose College – Saturday 13th September 2025
The KGS U14s built on their win last week against Wirral GS with a very encouraging performance against a strong St Ambrose side.
Ambrose cam out of the blocks fast but KGS we more than up to the challenge claiming some significant turnovers. Despite being camped on the hosts line, Kirkham could convert their chances and a turnover on the line saw their centre run 90 metres for the first of his 5 tries on the day. A feat he would repeat shortly thereafter to take a 10-0 lead.
Kirkham hit back quickly, with some good carriers from Joe Hartley-Pagnillo and Zach Burke, which led to Tom Dunne diving in the corner to make it 10-5.
Just before half time, the centre completed his hat trick to make it 15-5 at the break.
The KGS spirit shone through and hit quickly after the break, with Freddie Wigglesworth diving in from short range (15-10). Kirkham domianted much of the play, with some excellent ball movement from Buttler and Taziker, giving Greco and Duckett, plenty of time in the wide channels. However, depite dominating much of the territory and possession, Ambrose did enough to spoil the quality of the ball and get it to their centre on a further 2 occasions as he ran both tries in from his own half.
Despite the 25-10 scoreline, KGS continued to play some excellent rugby but could not add any further points.
Another pleasing performance, with this group showing excellent progress already.
1st XV Rugby vs Lancaster Royal Grammar School – Saturday 20th September 2025
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(Continental Cup Round 1)
Kirkham Grammar School's 1st XV advanced to the next round of the Continental Schools Cup with a convincing 64-7 victory over Lancaster Royal Grammar School 1st XV, though the final score belied a challenging first-half performance.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Lancaster's defence showed commendable organisation and a resilient scrambling spirit. They successfully frustrated a Kirkham side that was producing quick ball at the breakdown but struggled to find a free-flowing rhythm in attack. This defensive effort held Kirkham to four tries in the first half, scored by Millar Anderson, Arthur Scrase, Josh Sumner, and Archie Blackburn. Two of these tries were converted by Cieran Milligan, leaving the halftime score at 24-0.
In the second half, Lancaster began to fade as Kirkham played with more composure and efficiency. Kirkham's forward pack laid a strong foundation, allowing the backs to exploit the increasingly tired Lancaster defence. Winger Josh Sumner was the main beneficiary, running in three more tries to take his personal tally to four for the day. Further tries were scored by Harry Marsh, Alfie Halliday, and Cieran Milligan. Milligan, who played a pivotal role in the victory, also added five conversions in the second half. Lancaster's commendable efforts were rewarded with a late converted try, capitalising on some poor back row defence from Kirkham.
The final score of 64-7 sees Kirkham Grammar progress to the next stage of the competition. Lancaster Royal Grammar School can take pride in their disciplined and spirited defensive performance in the first half, which made Kirkham work hard for their points.
U15 Rugby vs Lancaster Royal Grammar School – Saturday 20th September 2025
In a match defined by the elements, Kirkham Grammar School ground out a tough 15-5 victory over LRGS on a wet, windy, and narrow pitch. It was a day for the forwards, and the visiting side rose to the occasion. Their powerful ball carriers made strong runs all game, showcasing real improvement from the training pitch. The first breakthrough came when H. Whiteside fought his way over the try line for the game's opening score, with J. Cheesbrough adding the conversion. Despite the relentless pressure from the homeside who threw everything they had at them, Kirkham held firm, heading into halftime with a narrow 7-0 lead.
The second half began with a display of better game management from Kirkham. They skillfully used the conditions to their advantage, pinning the home side in their own half and forcing a penalty under the posts. Opting for the easy points, J. Cheesbrough slotted the kick, extending their lead to 10-0. However, the home team didn't give up. They caught the visitors sleeping and managed to sneak around the edge of the defence to score, bringing the score to 5-10. But with a final push of grit and determination, Kirkham stuck to their game plan. M. Milligan powered over for the team's second and final try of the game, sealing a hard-earned 15-5 victory.
U18 Hockey vs Stonyhurst College – Wednesday 24th September 2025
After sailing through the first round of the U18 England Hockey National Cup, Kirkham Grammar School met Stonyhurst College on Wednesday.
The game was fast paced with KGS meaning business from the start. Some excellent midfield play resulted in a short corner being awarded. A great straight strike from Greenwood took the score to 1-0. KGS continued to press with Bunday impressive at the back, Whiteside at right midfield and Gut making excellent runs at left midfield. Several well worked play resulted in further goals being converted. At full time the result stood at 9-0 to KGS. The squad now progress to round three.
U15 Rugby vs Audenshaw School – September 2025
KGS U15 took on Audenshaw School this week in a complete contrast of weather to their last outing, the sunny Mancunian morning set a scene for the 'perfect' conditions for a game of rugby, and Kirkham certainly took advantage.
The visitors kicked off with an immediate and ferocious attack, clearly eager to put their training into practice. After a well-worked move, O Walker-Bassham finished wide to open the scoring, making the conversion a tough one. Audenshaw tried to grind their way back into the game, but Kirkham’s defence was like a brick wall, showcasing the hard work put in during the week.
Forcing a turnover, the visitors immediately hit back with a well-drilled training ground move, allowing J Walker-Bassham to score their second. This one was converted by J Cheesebrough, and the first half scoring was concluded when hooker C Davies powered over the whitewash out wide, making it a tricky kick again. The solid performance saw Kirkham head into halftime with a commanding 0-17 lead.
The second half was a real test of character, but Kirkham came out on a mission, proving their no-quit attitude even as injuries mounted and new faces cycled onto the pitch. The team's greatest achievement was holding the line for seven minutes while down to 14 men, not conceding a single point during that spell. The scoring twins, J Walker-Bassham and O Walker-Bassham, both managed to get on the scoresheet again, with one of the tries converted. The final try for the visitors came from centre J Wileman, which J Cheesbrough converted to finish off their tally. However, the home side never gave up.
Showing great grit and determination, they kept coming back and managed to put together a well worked converted try in the very last minute a deserved reward for their consistency and spirit. A comprehensive win for Kirkham and a perfect morning for running rugby!
U15 Rugby vs Merchant Taylors – Saturday 25th September 2025
Kirkham Grammar School secured passage to the next round of the National Cup with a convincing win against Merchant Taylor’s School Crosby, but they didn't make it easy for themselves. The home side started the game "switched off," allowing the visitors to get on the scoreboard first. This early shock seemed to be the necessary wake-up call, as Kirkham finally implemented their training, getting the scoreboard ticking over. Tries from Lawson and Smith put them ahead, though the visitors kept fighting back. Quick decisions and good rugby saw Lawson grab his second and Ince cross the line before the break, but a late visitor score made it a tight 26-17 at halftime.
The second half was where Kirkham truly took control. The post-break talk and some smart changes in the pack quickly paid off, with Lawson darting over for his hat-trick just after the restart. Despite some poor discipline that allowed the visiting team to kick a penalty, the home side settled down. Powerful runs from the forwards and steady play from the base of the scrum led to two tries for Milligan, with back-row teammate Raswlingson also dotting down. Lawson then finished the scoring for Kirkham with his remarkable fourth try. With Cheesbrough converting six of the eight tries, the home side built an unassailable lead, cruising past a final try from the visitors in the dying moments to secure a solid win and move into Round 2.
