3 April 2024
RUGBY
Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s
At the time of writing, Kirkham had enjoyed the first half of the Rosslyn Park National 7s competition. This competition hosts over 1000 schools from countries around the world.
Our 2nd VII had a good run out winning two of their group games in the U18s Vase competition, but a narrow defeat to St Paul's, London meant we didn't progress. Tom Cater, Ted Wilson and Taran Mathuada enjoyed having more time and space on the ball.
The U14s showed an excellent account, having won their group with good wins over Ivybridge College, Downside and Caterham they progressed to the eliminator where they played Merchiston Castle from Scotland. With boys being rotated we unfortunately ended up losing, however it meant we progressed into the plate competition. Having won 4 more games which included a Dutch national side and Solihull School we met Ipswich School in the Semi Final. Fatigue was starting to set in and we went down 29-37. All of the boys played well, but special mentions for Seb Clarke, Jonty Faith, Johnny Wright and Jack Gillett, who all put in a great shift.
The U16s were less fortunate as a mathematical error from the official meant we exited at the group stage having drawn one and winning two games. Cieran Milligan showed his excellent ball movement skills, whilst Harry Marsh, Charlie Bray and Max Musson showed the pace and power.
HOCKEY
Date: Wednesday 20 March 2024
Title: KGS U18 1st VII Hockey Squad at Cheadle Hulme Invitation 7's tournament
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The U18 1st VII hockey squad took to the pitch to completed their 2023/24 season in the inaugural Cheadle Hulme Invitation 7's tournament.
Their group consisted of Cheadle Hulme, Kings Chester 1st VII and KSC whilst the other group battling it out were Sedbergh, Kings Macclesfield, Bradford Grammar and Newcastle Under Lyme School.
KGS got off to a great start with a 4-0 win over Cheadle. In the second game the goals just kept coming with Tomes, Cole, Margerison, Procter and Tomlinson converting with the final score finishing at 8-0.
In the final group game KGS struggled to get into their rhythm and went down 2-0 to a strong KSC side.
This completed the group games and took the squad through as runners up in the cup competition. In the semi-final the girls came up against Bradford Grammar. Whilst KGS had their opportunities, the match was tight and was 0-0 at full time taking the game to shuffles to determine who qualified for the final. KGS took the 3-1 victory meaning they faced Kings Macclesfield in the final. Both sides had opportunities on goal but it was KGS that converted in a tight fought final.
The 1-0 victory sealed the VII's cup tournament for the girls which was an amazing way to finish what has been an outstanding season. Congratulations to captains Cole and Marsh for their excellent leadership throughout the season and to the whole senior squad for their determination and commitment throughout the 2023/24 season.
Date: Tuesday 12 March 2024
Title: KGS U13 Regional hockey finals
The U13s finished 3rd in the North West following a competitive day of fixtures at Manchester High School for Girls.
KGS started the day with a dominant 6-0 win over Ullswater College. They moved the ball quickly in attacking areas and created numerous chances for attackers Godbold, Guthrie and Maclean-Bristol. They followed this up with a 2-0 win over Loreto Grammar in another game they dominated but faced an impressive performance from the Loreto goalkeeper.
The final group game was a tense end to end affair against Kings Macclesfield in which neither side was able to create many clear cut chances. A 0-0 final score left KGS as group winners. This resulted in a semi-final against AKS in a repeat of the deciding game from the Lancashire round. KGS dominated the game and were rarely troubled defensively but couldn't find a way past the AKS keeper who was in inspired form. The match ended 0-0 and was decided by a penalty flick contest. AKS came out 1-0 winners to advance to the final.
This left KGS with a 3rd/4th placed playoff against Sedbergh. Again, KGS were able to dominate the game and ran out as 2-0 winners playing some excellent and clinical hockey. Overall, the KGS girls can be proud of how they played throughout the competition.