18 March 2024
Thursday 14 March 2024
KGS U18 1st XV Rugby Team v Harrow in The Continental Tyres National Schools Cup Final
Report Highlights from the NextgenXV.com
The pattern of the game was set early, a Kirkham try after just three minutes from Austin off the back of their brilliant maul was met quickly by a wonderful flowing Harrow score from Uduehi. Ten minutes in and we already had two scores. Ten minutes later we had two more, Kirkham’s maul again doing damage as Smith scored from the next phase, before another flowing Harrow try in response as Hammick fed England’s Griffin, who in turn fed St John Smith for a lovely score to level the game up with Edstrom’s conversion at 12-12.
That tightness would stay throughout, Kirkham’s 7-0 lead on three minutes was the most any side would lead by. That tightness was in evidence when after 22 minutes Kirkham opted against their fearsome maul and instead took the points through Hulse to go back in front.
This epic contest meant that there would quickly be another swing though as Griffin went charging over for Harrow on a shirt line after patient build up play, only for Kirkham to strike again, this time through Kelly after close forward play, to head in at half time 22-19 in front. It was breathless, it was tight, and it was utterly glorious. Kirkham’s set piece work was brutal and effective, while Harrow looked so dangerous out wide. It was a toss of a coin sort of a game and fine margins were all it was going to be decided by. The second half followed exactly that, and again it was right from the off, Harrow scoring four minutes in through Knight after some lovely intricate handling to get the ball to his left wing.
Harrow then had a try chalked off for a forward pass and as the time ticked by it felt like it could be a crucial intervention, particularly when, with ten minutes left, Kirkham’s maul again caused huge damage. They didn’t quite bulldoze over, but they created the space on the short side from fly half Lewtas to scamper over for a 27-24 lead. As the seconds ticked away it looked like the game was Kirkham’s, twice they repelled big Harrow attacks, but Harrow kept on coming. With the clock red they had a lineout on the left hand side, they worked their way from one side of the field to the other, and all fifteen charged to that far right corner. In the stands the cries were to spread out, it was fifteen players all inside the fifteen metre channel, but Harrow had other ideas – they were going to batter their way over.
It was bold, Kirkham knew what was coming, but Hammick was not going to be denied, he had run into brick walls all day and when his team needed him he was there again to blast over for the most dramatic of Continental Tyres Schools Cup finishes of all time. Over 30 years of history in this tournament, but this felt like the high water mark.
Kirkham will be gutted, they are so good and came so close, they put in one of the great finals performances and are a schools rugby great – no question. They just came up against another great today, a side that now holds an unbeaten record, the Daily Mail Trophy, the Howden Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, and the Continental Tyres U18 Schools Cup.
NETBALL
Saturday 16 March 2024
KGS U18 1st VII Netball Team at Stonyhurst National Invitation Tournament
The U18 1st VII netball squad had an amazing day at the Stonyhurst National Invitation Tournament. They played an eight match round robin tournament against The Grange, Stonyhurst A, Newman College, Ullswater High, Stonyhurst B, Scarisbrick Hall, LRGS and Giggleswick School. Against some tough opposition KGS produced some excellent results resulting in them finishing 2nd in the tournament once the results were split. An all-round amazing team performance. A special mention must go to Houlighan who moved up from the U14 age group to represent the U18 squad! Well done to all players who have been involved in our 2023/24 netball season. You have all done the school proud!
Saturday 16 March 2024
KGS U14A Netball Team – Stonyhurst National Invitational Tournament
In an exhilarating display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the U14A team participated in the much-anticipated Stonyhurst Invitational Tournament on Saturday. Teams from across the region gathered at Stonyhurst for a day of Netball. The U14A team's day was a profound journey of evolution, teamwork, and determination. Starting with significant team changes and facing absences, their performance transformed remarkably as the day unfolded, leaving a memorable mark of skill and spirit.
The day kicked off with an air of anticipation as the U14A team, .jpeg)
with a line-up facing unexpected adjustments, took to the court. The initial moments of their opening game highlighted a team in adaptation, seeking rhythm and cohesion. Yet, as the game progressed, a notable transformation took place. Communication improved, players adapted to each other's playstyles, and a more synchronized team emerged. This newfound synergy allowed for fluid movement up the court, creating numerous scoring opportunities and setting a positive tone for the matches ahead. As the competition intensified, so did the team's resolve. Facing some of the toughest teams in the tournament, the U14A squad showcased exceptional defensive prowess, especially from I Osborne and A Whittle. Their relentless efforts and unwavering spirit became the team's defensive backbone, repelling attacks and sparking counter plays that captivated spectators.
This defensive solidity laid the groundwork for the attackers to excel. Turnovers, prompted by the team's tenacity and anticipation, became a frequent sight, allowing the attacking talents of I Roberts, A Ely, and J Verstraelen to come to the forefront. Their ability to score multiple goals was a testament to both individual skill and effective team coordination.
By the close of the tournament, the U14A team had experienced a range of outcomes—winning some games, losing others, and drawing one. Each match, regardless of the result, was a display of incredible skill, determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their performance was not just about the scores, but the spirit they embodied and the growth they demonstrated, marking their participation in the Stonyhurst Invitational Tournament as a truly impactful experience.
Saturday 16 March 2024
KGS U14B Netball Team – Stonyhurst National Invitational Tournament.jpeg)
The U14 B team played netball in the National U14 Invitation Tournament at Stonyhurst College on Saturday 16 March. The event was well supported with 13 teams. Despite some tough opposition, Edwards captained the team well and managed a win against Stonyhurst C team. Bailey played consistently well as Centre, working hard to move the ball up the court. It was a beautiful day which made our losses not too deflating. Well done!
Equestrian
Saturday 16 March 2024
Kirkham Grammar School Pupils Compete at NSEA Dressage Competition.jpg)
This weekend saw two Kirkham Grammar School pupils, compete at the NSEA Dressage competition at Greenlands. Lucy (Year 4) and Harriett (Year 1) did incredibly well. Harriet in her first school competition won both her classes with fantastically high scores. Lucy also had a great competition, and rode two horses to gain four championship qualifications, coming 2nd place in both classes on her own pony Betty and 3rd and 4th place on Perry. Huge congratulations to both pupils.