Sports Reports

Kirkham Grammar School U14 Netball v The Grammar School at Leeds (pictured top)

In a thrilling netball match against The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), during the next round of the U14 Sisters in Sport National Plate, the Kirkham Grammar School girls showcased extraordinary teamwork and communication, resulting in a triumphant 51-28 win. The court came alive with seamless ball movement, orchestrated by the dynamic trio of Murro, Munro and Verstraelen in the centre court. Their incredible synergy paved the way for brilliant set plays that left GSAL struggling to defend. Ely and Verstraelen were dangerous in the attack, exhibiting exceptional skill and accuracy in scoring an impressive number of goals. Their strategic positioning and quick thinking on the court kept the scoreboard ticking in our favour. The teamwork extended to the defensive third, where our players demonstrated resilience and coordination, making it challenging for GSAL to penetrate our defenders. Throughout the match, the girls' cohesive play was evident, with each player contributing to the success of the team. From well-timed interceptions to precisely executed passes, the players displayed a level of synchronicity that reflected their dedication and hard work on and off the court. The victory was not just about individual prowess but a testament to the collective strength of the team. They now look forward to the next round. Player of the Match: C. Murro

Continental Tyres UK National Schools’ U18 Cup - Quarter-Final - Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV rugby squad v Woodhouse Grove School

After a successful trip to Macclesfield, Kirkham Grammar School progressed to the knockout stages of the Continental Tyres UK National Schools’ U18 Cup, this time taking on Woodhouse Grove School in the quarter-finals. 

From the first kick off, Woodhouse Grove span it wide and their powerful back line managed to slice through the KGS defence and, after just one minute of play, Kirkham found themselves five points down. The shock of this lit a fire within the Kirkham squad and they began to take control, dominating possession and playing in the right areas. This lead to two penalties from Hulse and a try from Austin and Gilmore which meant Kirkham went into the half time break leading 20-5. 

The second half started well for the KGS boys. Another Hulse penalty increased KGS’ points leaving Woodhouse Grove frustrated and unable to get a foothold in the game. Smith, who was brilliant throughout, showed some twinkling feet to tiptoe down the touchline and score under the posts. Kelly lead well throughout the match with his unstoppable physical presence and calm head. The visitors started to throw the ball around and managed to score a well-deserved and skilful try however, Kirkham proved too strong and quickly replied with the final try of the match from another one of KGS’ standout performers, Gilmore. Final score: 35-12 to Kirkham Grammar School. 

KGS’ 1st XV squad now look forward to working hard in the new year to prepare for their semi-final match v Bromsgrove School in March. 

Kirkham Grammar School U14s rugby squad v Hutton Grammar School

Last week, Kirkham Grammar School U14 rugby squad played Hutton Grammar School in the quarter-final of the Lancashire Cup. Under the watchful eye of Mr Bibby, KGS came out of the blocks fast with Virdee, Walls and Wright carrying with real verve and power. Their carriers created space in the wider channels and thanks to some good handling from Hartley-Pagnillo and Faith, Clarke dived into the corner to open the scoring. Shortly thereafter, Kirkham once again showed their ball movement skill with Lawson looking dangerous in one channel, the ball was once again swiftly moved down the line to see skipper, Kelso, burrow over from short distance. Hutton defended manfully, however KGS were relentless in attack and defence, and after a big tackle from Clarke, the ball was turned over, again it was moved quickly to the wide channel to find Virdee in acres of space to score, with Faith this time adding the extras (17-0). Kirkham were not done there though and after some good work at the breakdown from Peters, Webster and Burrows, a physical Martins smashed his way to the line to finish the first half's scoring (22-0).

The second half was a much more even contest, with Hutton's athletic runners getting into the game and making several line breaks. However, excellent work ethic managed to track back, create a turnover on the Kirkham line and in what was an excellent passage of play, ended in Wright scoring under the posts with Faith again adding the extras. Hutton threw everything at KGS in the last quarter and grabbed a deserved try but straight from the kick off, KGS' influential scrum half, Grigg, who has had an excellent half term, showed some great inter-play with Wright and Walls to dive in for a deserved try. In the dying embers of the game, Hutton managed to show their attacking prowess with a well-worked move which ended up with them scoring in the corner with their fly half adding an impressive conversion to end the game at 34-12.

In the New Year, Kirkham will host Liverpool College in the semi-final, with the hope that they can make the final at their first attempt.

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XI Hockey v Denstone College

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XI hockey squad embarked on the long journey to Denstone College on Monday 11 December for their fourth England Hockey Tier One league match. It was a difficult task to be fully on fire from the first whistle but the squad worked hard to make the right decisions under great pressure. Jackson made some great saves in goal whilst Cole, Tomes and Procter made some excellent runs up front. The defence found it difficult to clear the ball with some excellent attacking play from the Denstone side. At half time the score stood at 3-0 to Denstone. A swift change in formation changed the game with Kirkham taking the upper hand. A disallowed goal from Cole made Kirkham work harder with Procter finishing after some fierce attacking in the middle of the park. The final score was 3-1 - a disappointing result but still some positives to take away and build upon moving forward.

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XI v The Grammar School at Leeds

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XI played against GSAL this Saturday in terrible conditions. The game started well with Kirkham having most of the attacking play. Millar and Schofield linked up well creating various chances down the right hand side. Great runs from Tomlinson and Tomes set Cole and Procter through on goal with the GSAL keeper making some great saves. GSAL fought back hard converting from a one on one with Jackson. Kirkham continued to build and demonstrate real composure which resulted in an equaliser to take the score to 1-1 at the final whistle. The 1st XI now look forward to taking on Denstone College in the England Hockey Tier One Competition and RGS Newcastle in the last 16 of the National Cup. 

2nd XI v The Grammar School at Leeds

In Saturday's game, the 2nd XI faced Grammar School at Leeds away, and the match unfolded with a tale of contrasting halves. The first half showcased the girls' commendable start, characterised by an array of scoring opportunities. Despite the promising beginning, our efforts were thwarted by the formidable GSAL defence, and due to our disjointed teamwork and communication challenges, we found ourselves trailing 2-0 at halftime.

U15s v The Grammar School at Leeds

In Saturday's match, the U15 team faced Grammar School at Leeds away, delivering an impressive start with skilful ball movement and strong attacks, particularly in the attacking half. Despite numerous scoring opportunities, the team faced challenges converting chances into goals. The girls showcased commendable teamwork, with a resilient defence holding firm against GSAL's attacks.

KGS U14s v The Grammar School at Leeds U14s

In a fiercely contested field hockey match between KGS and The Grammar School at Leeds, spectators were treated to an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The game started with end-to-end action, showcasing the teams' commitment to the competition. KGS managed to gain a 2-1 lead at halftime, capitalizing on turnovers and executing precise plays. However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events as GSAL fought back relentlessly. Despite KGS's early advantage, their opponents demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess, securing a 3-2 victory by the final whistle. The high turnover of the ball kept both teams on their toes, and the dynamic nature of the game added an extra layer of excitement. Goals were hard-fought, and the spectators were treated to a thrilling match that showcased the true spirit of field hockey competition.

KGS U14B v KGS U13B 

In a thrilling encounter between Kirkham Grammar School U13B and a last-minute assembled U14B team, spectators witnessed a closely contested battle on the field. The match was characterized by swift ball movement, showcasing the agility and determination of both teams. Despite being hastily put together, the U14B displayed commendable teamwork and resilience. The game unfolded as a testament to the players' true determination to win, with every participant giving their utmost effort throughout the match. The ball darted across the field in a fast-paced exchange, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In this tightly contested battle, both teams fought fiercely for dominance. The true spirit of sportsmanship was evident as players from both sides showcased their dedication to the game. In this intense clash, every player contributed to the collective effort, making it a memorable display of sportsmanship, resilience and determination from both teams.

KGS U13s v The Grammar School at Leeds

Kirkham Grammar School U13s were beaten 5-3 by GSAL in an end-to-end game where neither side defended particularly well. After falling behind to a wonder goal, Osborne equalised with a low shot from the edge of the D into the bottom corner, KGS quickly fell behind again after a lack of concentration in defence left GSAL with two players free in the D to work the ball around Musson in goal. KGS equalised again after good work up front from Guthrie and Godbold.

Both sides created a number of chances but GSAL proved far more clinical and capitalised on individual defensive errors by KGS to go 5-2 up and whilst KGS put on late pressure and scored a third goal after good work down the right from Maclean-Bristol, they were too far behind to mount a comeback.  

Kirkham Grammar School U12s v The Grammar School at Leeds

The U12 squads came across their best opponents yet this Saturday. 

The A team got off to a great start dominating the opposing D with Hargreaves, Godbold and Faith linking up well. Townley made some excellent tackles when required with Cubbins clearing the goal line. Godbold converted the first from open play followed by another soon after. All players kept to the game plan which resulted in a further goal from Townley before the final whistle. A fine 3-0 victory.

The B team also started well but came under some pressure as the game went on. Airton played some excellent hockey to help release the ball forward to Grice and Mcilwham. Although the team fought hard they were eventually beaten by a well drilled GSAL side. 

Well done to all players in a very successful term of competitive hockey!