31 March 2026
U12 Rugby
Date: Sunday 1st March 2026
Last week the U12 boys showed excellent form, winning the Wirral Grammar School 7s. They dominated the group stages against Wirral B, Sandbach, and Calday Grange, followed by a 15–10 semi-final win over Manchester Grammar. The final was against hosts Wirral who they beat by one score in a tight contest. Additionally, the U12 B team secured the Bowl at the Manchester Grammar School festival.
1st VII Rugby
Date: Sunday 1st March 2026
At the North of England Sevens, the 1st VII moved into the Plate competition after group wins over Trent College (17-5) and Oswestry (40-7) but suffered a narrow loss to Durham Cathedral School (19-12). They reached the final by defeating RGS Newcastle (36-0) and St Peter’s York (45-0), eventually becoming Plate winners beating King’s School Macclesfield (17-12) in a classic.
U13 Rugby
Date: Monday 2nd March 2026
At the AKS 7s, the U13s finished second in their group with wins over Bolton (40-5) and West Hill (45-5) but losing to Birkenhead (25-5). They progressed to the Trophy competition, which they won after defeating St Mary’s Crosby, Lytham St Annes High, and Hutton Grammar.
The Warwick Rugby 7’s
Date: Saturday 7th March 2026
Kirkham Grammar School travelled to the Warwick 7s to compete in one of the most demanding schoolboy tournaments in the country. Across an incredibly long day of rugby against the UK's elite sides, Kirkham's boys showed immense character.
The U13s navigated a gruelling six-game Waterfall competition, securing wins against Sedbergh and Solihull and a draw against Hampton.
The U14s remained clinical and unbeaten in the group stages with wins over Wellington College, Hampton, KES Birmingham, and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, reaching the Cup Semi-Final before a narrow loss to Warwick.
Despite an early loss, the U15s showed great resilience to beat Ipswich, Wimbledon, and The King’s School, Worcester, eventually finishing as Cup runners-up after a standout semi-final win against Sedbergh and a hard-fought final against RGS Worcester.
The U16s also reached the Cup Semi-Final following impressive performances against Warwick, RGS High Wycombe, Trent College, and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun.
In a tournament where the overall winner is determined by the combined performance of every age group, the consistency shown by every Kirkham player proved to be the difference.
Due to these collective efforts, Kirkham Grammar School was named Overall Winners of the Warwick 7s, taking home the Freebourn Shield for the first time in the school’s history. Given the high calibre of the competition, this historic achievement is one the boys should be incredibly proud of.
The Schools Championship Rugby Sevens
Date: Saturday 7th/ Monday 8th March 2026
On March 7th and 8th, the 1st VII competed in the School Championship Sevens at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium.
On Day One, the team secured victories against Seaford College (22–5) and Oaklands College (24–12). Despite a 29–7 loss to Sedbergh, they successfully qualified for the Cup competition.
On Day Two, the boys beat Hurstpierpoint College 19–12 before falling 27–12 to Millfield School. They bounced back with a competitive 19–10 win over Berkhamsted. With all teams tied on matches won, the finalist was decided by points difference. Millfield progressed and eventually won the title.
It was a magnificent display of high quality sevens from the Kirkham boys against the cream of school boy rugby sevens in the country.
Ampleforth Rugby 7’s
Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
U15’s
Just four days after their success at the Warwick 7s, the U15s were back in action at the Ampleforth 7s. On a dry but incredibly windy day, the squad faced a massive physical and mental challenge: their third tournament in just seven days.
The team opened the day with a 33-7 win over QEGS Wakefield, setting a strong tone early on. However, the schedule quickly tested their resolve.
In the second game against RGS Newcastle, Kirkham trailed for the majority of the match. Showing immense composure, the lads stuck together and snatched a 22-21 victory with a try in the final moments. The momentum continued into their toughest group fixture against Scarborough College, where they worked hard for a 28-21 win to top the group.
The Cup competition provided some of the most dramatic rugby of the season:
Quarter-Final vs Woodhouse Grove: Kirkham faced a mountain to climb, trailing 19-0 at halftime and 26-7 with only five minutes remaining. In a remarkable display of grit, the squad refused to give up, clawing back point-by-point to secure a stunning 28-26 comeback win.
Semi-Final vs Dame Allan’s: Despite some very tired bodies on the field, KGS took full control of this fixture. They managed the game expertly from start to finish, easing to a 31-5 victory to book their place in the final.
The Final vs Hill House was played on the prestigious Dallaglio field. In a tense affair. Kirkham went into the break 12-5 down.
With one minute left on the clock, KGS trailed 19-15. After a crucial regather from the kick-off, the boys stuck to the game plan, moved the ball into the wide channel, and scored to go 20-19 up. They maintained the pressure until the final whistle, to seal the championship A Remarkable Week To play three tournaments in seven days—reaching three finals and winning two—is an outstanding achievement. The stamina and determination shown by this group of players has been second to none.
The squad now looks ahead to their final challenge of the 7s season: the Myles Marshall 7s at King’s Macclesfield.
2nd VII
In the group they beat Birkdale School 19-10, but lost to RGS Newcastle 21-19 and St Peters York 48-5. This put the team into the plate quarter final where they beat Harrogate Grammar 52-12 and then Ampleforth College 28-0. They met Birkdale School again in the final and in a tight game managed to hang on for the win and pick up some silverware. It was a really enjoyable day for all involved.
U15 Girls’ National Plate Round
Date: Thursday 19th March 2026
Kirkham produced a dominant and clinical performance to secure an emphatic 7–0 victory over The Queens School Chester, comfortably progressing to the next round of the National Plate.
Kirkham made a fast start and immediately set the tone for the match, taking the lead early on through Murro, whose well-taken goal reflected the team’s sharpness from the opening whistle. This early breakthrough allowed Kirkham to settle into their rhythm, controlling possession and dictating play across the pitch.
Their attacking intent continued to shine as Burrows added two well-earned goals, both coming from sustained pressure and intelligent movement in the final third. Kirkham’s ability to move the ball quickly and create space proved too much for the opposition defence to handle.
Further goals followed as Kirkham found the back of the net, rewarding our consistent attacking play and dominance in midfield. The team’s structure and composure ensured they remained in control throughout, limiting Queens School Chester to very few opportunities.
We then capped off an excellent team performance with two consecutive goals, demonstrating Kirkham’s clinical edge in front of goal and rounding off an impressive attacking display.
Defensively, Kirkham were equally strong, remaining organised and disciplined to secure a well-deserved clean sheet. Their ability to regain possession quickly and transition into attack was a key feature of the performance.
Overall, it was a complete team display, highlighting Kirkham’s quality, cohesion, and attacking strength as they confidently progressed to the next stage of the competition.
U15 Girls’ National Plate Quarter-Final
Date: Wednesday 23rd March 2026
Having progressed through the previous round with a convincing 7–0 victory against The Queens School Chester, Kirkham delivered an assured and commanding performance to secure a well-earned 5–1 victory over Westholme, booking their place in the semi-finals of the National Plate.
From the outset, Kirkham imposed themselves on the game, controlling possession and setting the tempo with confident, composed play. Their ability to move the ball efficiently through all areas of the pitch limited Westholme’s opportunities and allowed Kirkham to dictate proceedings for long spells.
The early pressure soon translated into chances. Their persistence paid off midway through the first half with a well-taken opening goal, before adding a second just before the break following another period of sustained pressure.
Kirkham continued with high intensity after half-time, maintaining control through midfield and demonstrating excellent structure both in and out of possession. Their dominance of the ball restricted Westholme to counter-attack, while Kirkham continued to create chances through patient build-up play and intelligent movement.
As the game progressed, Kirkham’s quality in front of goal became increasingly evident. Clinical finishing and well-worked attacking passages saw them extend their lead, reflecting their control and attacking intent throughout the match.
Defensively, Kirkham remained organised and composed, dealing effectively with the opposition’s forward play and regaining possession quickly to restart attacks. Their discipline and teamwork ensured they remained in control even during brief spells of pressure.
A late goal from Westholme did little to shift the momentum, as Kirkham continued to play with confidence and authority through to the final whistle.
Overall, it was a highly accomplished team performance, showcasing Kirkham’s technical quality, composure in possession, deservedly securing their progression to the next round at Lilleshall.
