9 September 2024
Kirkham Grammar Senior School
CRICKET
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham Grammar School 57 St Ambrose 7
The KGS U15s continued their good start to the season with a comprehensive win over a well-regarded St Ambrose College side. Straight from the off, KGS came out of the blocks fast scoring 3 tries in the first 10 minutes through Clarke, McKay and Kelso. Captain Hartley-Pagnillo adding 2 conversions. Despite the best efforts from the men from Altrincham, Kirkham continued to assert themselves on the game, with Vidree, Walls and Martins carrying with a physicality they couldn't cope with, which led to Clarke's second try to make in 22-0 inside 12 minutes. Next came an outstanding team try straight from the kick off. After a good carry from Wright, slick hands from Paraskeva, Gillett and Gildea saw the blues go coast to coast and the length of the field to see Wright dot down in front of the posts (29-0). Kirkham weren't finished there though, and another fine bit of ball movement saw Gillett open up his tally for the season to close the half out at 36-0.
The second half saw Ambrose come back into the game a little bit as their big centre caused some issues scoring a well worked try but Kirkham remained resilient and Clarke added another 2 tries to make it 4 for the day (50-7) and in the dying embers of the game Burrows linked up well with scrum half Grigg to dot down in the last play to finish a solid performance from KGS.
Next week we host Lancaster RGS who are always a tough team to beat and they will be looking to avenge their defeat to KGS in last year's Lancashire Cup Final.
RUGBY
DATE: Wednesday 11 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U12s v St Ambrose College
KGS U12 took part in their first game for Kirkham Grammar school this weekend against St Ambrose College. The team tackled and defended very well with W. Yates looked particularly sharp in defence and attack and also scored a try himself. Kirkham put together some impressive rugby with fast hands through the backline to find the space and powerful running from all players. Several other KGS players made an impression particularly, Z. Oliver scored 3 tries amongst making some effective tackles and some surging runs. A Cure who also scored 2 tries but contributed nicely to the game by getting the ball moving from the ruck. H Pickervance added to both the attack and defence with some powerful runs and he managed to counter ruck the opposition on a number of occasions. The players should all be very proud of their efforts in what was a great start to the season, thank you to all the supporters who came to watch the boys in their first game for the school and we look forward to our next game against Audenshaw.
Tries: A Cure(2), Z Oliver (3), W Coward, F Sanderson, W Yates, N Taziker, W Trapp
DATE: Wednesday 11 September 2024
TITLE: 1st XV Cup team vs Merchant Taylors
A positive start from the boys racking up 8 tries throughout the match. In heavy blustery conditions Kirkham kept calm and played smart in the conditions using strong forward runners gaining excellent territory for the backs to have some fun. Causey as captain lead by example hitting some brilliant running lines throughout the game and setting up a number of tries because of this. Millachip looked powerful in the centres crashing through the line on multiple occasions. Milligan lead the team at 10, having the experience of Shuttleworth at scrum half to help him boss the boys around. Kirkhams dominance was just too much for Merchants with the score finishing 51-0. The boys look forward to their next cup game in a few weeks time and hopefully continue their climb towards Twickenham.
DATE: Wednesday 11 September 2024
TITLE: U14A RUGBY vs St Ambrose
The Under 14 Squad put in a spirited and committed performance against a physical and powerful St Ambrose team. Kirkham struggled to with the pace of the visitors back line and often found themselves on the back foot due to the opposition`s breakdown strength. However Kirkham fought gamely with Cox, Taziker and Swindlehurst endeavouring to keep Kirkham going forward when they could. Kirkham took the lead after Duckett interception on the Ambrose line before the visitors were stung into action as they replied with two quick scores themselves. In fact Ambrose hit a puple patch just before half time with four more tries to lead the try count 7-1.
Kirkham began the second half really positively, denying Ambrose the ball for periods and strung together some phase play which led to two further tries from Cox and Dunn. An injury to Burke didn`t help Kirkham`s plight but the squad soldiered on to actually outscore their opponents 3-2 in the second half.
DATE: Wednesday 11 September 2024
TITLE: 1st XV v Llandrillo College North Wales
Last Wednesday the 1st XV played Llandrillo College from North Wales. The game was played at Lymm Rugby Club, exactly half way between the two schools. The first half was a tight contest, with both teams defending well, and making the most of any opportunities given to them. The second half remained a close contest until the last 15 minutes, when Kirkham started to edge away. Tries were scored by Littler, Lyster, Sheldon, Krippner, Glue, Anderson and Grigg. Wilson kicked six conversions. Final score 47-14 to Kirkham.
DATE: Saturday 15 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham U18A v ST Ambrose 1st XV
The last couple of seasons this fixture has gone to the wire each time, with Saint Ambrose winning two years ago 22-19 and Kirkham, taking the spoils last season 24-20. In the first half Kirkham controlled most of the ball, but just couldn’t convert the chances into points. St Ambrose had one chance in the first half and scored a try from a catch and drive line out. The score remind 5-0 to Saint Ambrose until about 55 minutes when Kirkham eventually managed to break down the Saint Ambrose defence. Some strong ball carrying saw hooker Sam Littler cross the line for Kirkham. Conversion and successful. Milligan, now at fly half replacing Wilson, at half-time, was settling into the game nicely. Milligan spotted spacing behind and grubber kick to the ball through for open side, to chase onto and score. Milligan added the extras making the score 12-5 to Kirkham. St Ambrose had one last go to try and take victory with a drop goal. However the attempt went wide of the posts and Kirkham held on to a hard fought victory. Final score 12-5 to Kirkham.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham 3rd XV v ST Ambrose 2nd XV
The 3rd team started slow with Ambrose playing some good rugby however with a good rolling maul we managed to score our first try, with the score at half time being 12 - 14 to Ambrose we were just playing in the wrong areas of the pitch and making mistakes in our own 22, however the second half started strong with Williston kicking well we started to play some good rugby as the pressure built up and Ambrose couldn’t handle it and with Josh scoring 4 tries we ran away with it. Final score 40 – 21.
HOCKEY
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U12 TEAM 1 vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
The U12 squad experienced their first taste of senior hockey in what is set to be an amazing season!
Against some more experienced players, KGS put up an amazing fight with Norcross and Lawson creating some excellent opportunities on goal.
Best, Townsend and Addison impressed at the back making some outstanding tackles!
Bradley ran riot up front creating space and holding the ball up well. Omer had a tough task in goal making some great saves at the far post.
The girls worked hard throughout, converting in the latter stages of the game.
Watch out for this squad, it’s oozing potential!
Final score 7:1
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U12 TEAM 2 vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
KGS put in a strong effort in their first match of their KGS career. They were unlucky to suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat. The girls worked hard throughout the game, showing determination and battling for every ball. Despite their best efforts, KGS had lots of opportunities to move the ball around and work as a team. It was a tough result, but the team's hard work and commitment were clear and they will bounce back ready for next game.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U13A vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
KGS started their season with a convincing 2-0 victory, showing solid teamwork as they settled back into the rhythm of play. The first goal came in the first half, with Bulter-Reid sending a well-timed pass from the backline to Murro on the wing. Murro then delivered a perfect cross, allowing Godbold to slot the ball home and give the team a 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Godbold extended the lead, finishing off a well-worked team move to make it 2-0. KGS dominated possession and created plenty of scoring opportunities, with several shots on target, though no further goals came.
It was a promising start to the season, with the girls showing signed of connecting as a unit, maintaining composure and building momentum, a solid all round performance to kick things off.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U13B Team vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
The U13 were punished early on in the game from a slow start. The girls soon got into the swing of things, driving the ball down the right with Airton and Grice attacking the Cheadle goal.
At the back Whittle, Butcher and Walls distributed the ball well opening up space for wave after wave of attack forcing the Cheadle keeper into making some outstanding saves.
Branthwaite and Mcillwam linked well together to convert in the D leaving the final score at 3:2.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U14XI Team vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
Saturday brought the first competitive fixture for the 20/25 season. The U14 team started strong with lots of link up play between the defence and the midfield. Tireless work from Maclean Bristol, Mcgarry, Mackenzie and Burrows created a breakaway run for Guthrie to slot the ball away and open her goal tally for the season. The defence, including Gislow, Dunne, Wise, Townsend and Captain So were solid throughout, clearing the balls and creating opportunities for Thompson and Jennings in the attacking play. Shortly after half time, Cheadle soon equalised making it a level playing field again. Not long after, Kirkham stepped up their game once again with some excellent play from Townsend at the back, who set Guthrie on a run who passed the ball to Singleton to put the ball home and make it 2-1. Special mention to Musson in goal who made some excellent saves throughout the morning.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U15XI Team vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
In their first friendly of the season, the U15 team took on a strong Cheadle side. Despite a lengthy period without play together, the team quickly found their rhythm, showcasing impressive teamwork and communication. Players adapted well to frequent positional changes, which proved vital in maintaining their effectiveness on the field.
The first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams battling hard but unable to break the deadlock. However, the U15 team dominated possession throughout, consistently applying pressure to the Cheadle defence. Their persistence was rewarded when Murro scored the only goal of the match. The final score was 1-0 in favour of KGS, marking a successful start to the season.
DATE: Saturday 14 September 2024
TITLE: KGS U16XI Team vs Cheadle Hulme Hockey
KGS U16 had their first friendly of the season on Saturday, the team faced Cheadle in a competitive and exciting encounter. The match began with the team showing promising signs, distributing the ball effectively and demonstrating strong teamwork. They excelled in attacking down both the left and right flanks, creating numerous opportunities and moving cohesively up the pitch. Defensively, Bunday was a standout performer, providing a solid presence at the back and putting significant pressure on Cheadle's attack. Despite their efforts, the team found themselves trailing 2-1 at halftime determined to turn the game around, the team came out with renewed vigour in the second half. Their collective effort and well-coordinated play resulted in several scoring chances. The persistence paid off when Melling carried the ball into the penalty area and scored, levelling the match at 2-2. The game ended in a draw, reflecting the team’s strong performance and resilience throughout.