16 September 2024
KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SENIOR SCHOOL
RUGBY
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham 2nd XV v Lancaster RGS 1st XV
The Kirkham team looked off the pace in the early exchanges, with Lancaster coming out on top at the breakdown. It took a while for Kirkham to adjust to the narrow pitch and after a number of good ball carries from the likes of Littler, Blackburn, and Tom Carey, Kirkham started to establish some good field position. Fly half, Milligan, took advantage of a tiring Lancaster defence with some sharp footwork and scored Kirkham's first try at 26 minutes. Milligan successfully converted and those were the only points of the first half. With points being hard to come by, Kirkham decided to kick a penalty early in the second half to stretch the lead to 10-0. Ten minutes later, winger, Sumner found space and secured Kirkham's second try. Wilson, now on the field for Milligan and he kicked the conversion. The next penalty Kirkham were awarded they decided to go for the corner and try their catch and drive. This proved to be a successful tactic, resulting in Halliday touching the ball down for Kirkham, successfully converted by Wilson. Kirkham scored one for more try through hooker Littler, dotting the ball down at the back of another driven lineout. Wilson converted successfully to make the final score 31-7 to Kirkham.
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham U14 vs Lancaster RGS
In perfect conditions two well matched sides produced a great advert for school boy rugby, the early exchanges saw both teams moving the ball around confidently but two well organised defences were on top, until after a period of pressure in the Lancaster 22, the alert Ince nipped down the blindside to score in the corner, from the restart skipper Lawson with a thunderous tackle dislodged the ball, from the ensuing Kirkham scrum Wileman fed Lawson who hit an incisive line then rounded the full back to score under the posts, Robinson converting. Lancaster we’re on top for the rest of the half but some outstanding defence with Cookson, Elleray, Rawlinson and Hasan to the fore saw Kirkham to half time 12-0 up.
The second half returned to the stalemate, with both teams defending well, the front row of Smith, Davies and Medhurst stood up well against a much larger pack, strong running from Cookson, Elleray and Lawson threatened, Robinson struck some booming clearance kicks to relieve pressure, but the highlight of the half was O Walker-Basham hauling down a rampaging Lancaster forward metres from the line, with neither side recording a score in the second half, Kirkham won 12-0.
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: Kirkham Grammar 3rd XV vs Lancaster Royal Grammar school
Kirkham grammar had their 'local' derby against Lancaster grammar at the weekend. Kirkham's strength and depth in the squad showed as they managed to claim a strong victory over their rivals. Their first try came from a strong run by Musson who carried on his try scoring prowess with a hattrick throughout the game. Wilsdon kicked extremely well in windy conditions and added a try to his tally giving him a grand total of 15 points. Newby Harwood looked sharp with some strong carries in the wider channels. Two boys who really impressed stepped up from the under 16s to make their senior debuts, both Stafford and Dawson-Gerrard stepped up and really shone making a huge impact scoring tries and making some exciting breaks. The experienced Smith also managed to crash over adding to the tally. The final score finished 50-0.
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: U15s Rugby Report vs Lancaster
Last weekend the KGS U15s hosted local rivals and friends Lancaster RGS in what promised to be a good encounter. In a close contest between 2 even teams the small margins were going to be the difference. LRGS came out of the blocks fast, taking a 14-0 lead thanks largely to their influential 12, whose physicality was something that caused the Kirkham side significant issues all day. Not to be outdone KGS came back well to score a converted try through some good ball movement, which saw Gildea dive in the corner. A good conversion saw the score 7-14 in LRGS' favour. Despite pressure from the home side it would be the visitors 12 who again, ran over 3 players inside his own half and then went 70 metres to score an unconverted try to make it 7-19 at half time. Credit to Kirkham, they came straight out of the blocks and a massive tackle from Smith created a knock on. From the resulting scrum Clarke picked up from the base and went in untouched to make it 14-19.The majority of the half it remained a one-score game, with both teams having their moments, but yet again it would the LRGS 12 that would score twice in the dying moments of the game to complete his hat trick and close out a deserved 14-33 victory for the visitors.
HOCKEY
DATE: Tuesday 17 September 2024
TITLE: U16 Hockey vs Grammar School at Leeds
The U16 squad travelled to GSAL on Tuesday for their first England Hockey tier one national league fixture. The players meant business from the first whistle controlling the midfield, releasing some great passes for the forwards to run into. Whilst they spent most of the time in the opposition D, they were unable to convert in the first half. Bunday, Lewis, Gut and Greenwood linked up well moving forward whilst Osborne opened up space for Whittle to attack the D. Whilst KGS were dominant in attack, they also had work to do in defence with Edwards and both Hartley-Smiths stamping their ground on the game! KGS were 2- 0 down at half time but it was all to play for. Miles and Melling created chances up front which eventually lead to Miles converting from close range. A very positive performance for their first run out as an U16 squad demonstrating real promise for the season ahead.
DATE: Wednesday 18 September 2024
TITLE: U14 Hockey Cup Match vs Sedbergh School
The U14 team faced a tough challenge in their first round cup match against Sedbergh School, with the game proving to be an exhilarating end-to-end battle from the start. Both teams showed great attacking play, with KGS putting immediate pressure on Sedbergh’s defence. Despite KGS’s strong start, it was Sedbergh who broke the deadlock early in the first half, going 1-0 up. However, KGS responded brilliantly straight from the restart, surging forward into the attacking half, where Guthrie calmly slotted in an equaliser to bring the score to 1-1. Sedbergh thought they had regained the lead shortly after, but a goal was disallowed, and the teams went into half time level with everything still to play for. The second half continued in the same exciting fashion, with Sedbergh managing to edge ahead once again, making it 2-1. Musson (GK) was in outstanding form, pulling off a series of vital saves to keep the team in the game. The pressure paid off, as Guthrie found the back of the net for a second time, levelling the score at 2-2. Unfortunately, in the final minutes of the match, Sedbergh managed to score a late goal, sealing a narrow 3-2 victory. Despite the loss, the team played exceptionally well, showing resilience and determination throughout the match. Guthrie’s two goals and were standout performances. The team now looks forward to competing in the plate competition, eager to build on their promising play in their first round match.
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: U14 Hockey vs Rossall School
The U14 team secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Rossall School in a match where KGS dominated for the majority of the game. From the outset, KGS applied constant pressure on the Rossall defence, keeping their goalkeeper busy throughout the match. KGS’s attacking play down both wings was relentless, with Carter, McGarry, Osborne, Guthrie, McClean-Bristol, and Mackenzie all contributing to wave after wave of chances. The breakthrough came just before half-time, when Guthrie found the back of the net, giving KGS a deserved 1-0 lead. In defence, the team had less to do but remained solid, expertly marshalled by captain So, who ensured that any Rossall attacks were dealt with confidently. Early in the second half, KGS doubled their lead with a scrappy goal, securing the win at 2-0. It was a dominant performance from the whole team, with excellent attacking play and a disciplined defence. Well done, girls!
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: U13 Hockey vs Rossall
In an exhilarating display of skill and teamwork, secured a 5-1 over Rossal in their latest fixture. From the opening whistle, the girls showcased their dominance, moving the ball around with precision and maintaining impressive possession throughout the game. The team’s cohesion was evident, as they constantly supported each other on and off the ball. This fluidity of play helped overload the attack, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The forwards took full advantage, Murro & Hargraves, to find the back of the net, with a blend of individual brilliance and well-worked team goals with support Godbold & Townley. Defensively, Bulter-reid & Kerr remained solid, only conceding once after a brief lapse in concentration. Despite the goal, the team quickly regrouped and continued to press, showing resilience and unity. The teamwork on display, coupled with their ability to control the game’s tempo, was instrumental in securing this emphatic victory. Every player contributed to the win, making this performance a testament to the hard work and dedication the girls have shown throughout the season.
DATE: Saturday 21 September 2024
TITLE: U12 Hockey vs Rossall
The U12 squads worked hard from the first whistle putting new skills into action throughout the match. All girls worked incredibly hard to get the ball wide, using the backlines of the pitch to attack the goal! It wasn’t long before the first goal was converted on one pitch followed by a few more! Townsend, Addison and Elleray put in some great tackles to turn over the ball and create various attacking plays. The other pitch saw a much closer match with Rossall converting first. The girls never gave up creating several opportunities on goal. Lawson, Bradley and Mitchell linked up well with Bradley slotting the ball away at the end of the first half.
NETBALL
DATE: Tuesday 17 September 2024
TITLE: U15 Wyre and Fylde Netball Tournament
The U15 Wyre and Fylde School Netball Tournament took place last Tuesday. Kirkham Grammar School (KGS) were excited to take to the court for the first time this season, and the girls were eager to show their teamwork and skill.
Game 1: KGS vs Baines
KGS started the tournament with a dominant 13-0 victory against Baines. The team worked hard to reacquaint themselves with one another, and their ability to shift the ball down the court with ease set the tone for the match. It was a strong, confident performance from the whole squad.
Game 2: KGS vs Millfield
Building on their earlier success, KGS stormed to a 21-0 win against Millfield in their second match. Captain A. Ely and I. Roberts were exceptional in attack, consistently converting chances into goals. The entire team kept the pressure on Millfield from start to finish, showcasing impressive ball movement and teamwork.
Game 3: KGS vs Cardinal Allen
KGS continued their winning streak with a 17-0 victory over Cardinal Allen. The girls displayed versatility, using set pieces effectively and rotating players into different positions. This adaptability highlighted the depth and cohesion of the team, allowing them to maintain control of the game throughout.
Game 4: KGS vs Hodgson
After two consecutive matches, fatigue began to show in Game 4 as KGS faced Hodgson. Despite putting up a strong fight, KGS fell 13-3. The defensive unit shone brightly in this match, applying consistent pressure on Hodgson's attackers. Although tired, the girls never stopped working hard, showing resilience and determination.
Game 5: KGS vs St Aidans
In their final game of the tournament, KGS faced a strong St Aidans side and were narrowly defeated 11-5. Despite the result, the KGS girls continued to work hard, demonstrating how much they had improved throughout the tournament.
Overall, the KGS girls should be proud of their efforts. They showed fantastic teamwork, skill, and resilience, gaining valuable experience and building confidence for the season ahead.
KIRKHAM GRAMMAR JUNIOR SCHOOL
RUGBY
DATE: 20.09.24
TITLE: U11 Rugby Festival at Stockport Grammar School
On Friday 20th September, the U11 rugby team travelled to Stockport Grammar School for their first rugby fixtures of the season. During the day, the team played against Newcastle under Lyme, Manchester Grammar, Stockport Grammar, The Grange and Kings Macclesfield.
Throughout the afternoon, all of the pupils performed excellently, with different players shining at different times. There was elusive running, ferocious tackling and some excellent offloading out of the tackle. A notable moment of the afternoon was a cross field kick from Jack, which was collected by Theo, who scored in the corner. Well done to all who took part.
DATE: 21.09.24
TITLE: U8 & U9 Rugby Vs St Mary's Hall
On Saturday 21st September, 20 of our J1 and J2 pupils took part in their first rugby match of the season against St Mary's Hall. For some this was their first ever competitive match.
In the Tag match there was some fantastic running with the ball, some great passing and energetic defence, with the players hunting down their opponents to get their tags. A number of tries were scored by both teams and there was smiles on faces all round.
In the contact game the players worked hard to make their tackles in order to keep out some very strong runners. With the ball the team looked very dangerous, scoring a number of tries from weaving runs, or from running good support lines. The team left the field very happy after a successful first game of the season.
Well done to all who took part.