KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL RUGBY RESULTS v BIRKENHEAD, SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012

U17A XV

Lost 7-12

Kirkham Grammar School U17's A side played their first game of the season against Birkenhead 1st XV. Birkenhead have had a good season and proved to be a tough test for a young and inexperienced KGS side. From the start Birkenhead's better cohesion caused KGS problems, however, KGS defended well, with both Lockhart brothers putting in some excellent work. KGS looked sharp in attack despite the difficult conditions and they scored the first try after some excellent approach work from fly half Dom Basley and winger Will Lockhart leading to a try for second row James Penrose and conversion for George Brookes. Birkenhead replied immediately with their own try and conversion. The second half was very equal with both teams trying to run the ball. KGS could have a won this game with more accuracy of passing and patience in certain areas of the field, but it was Birkenhead's experience that came through as they scored a late try. KGS should learn from this experience as they continue their development.

U17B v Birkenhead 2^nd XV

Won 41-7

This was a positive performance by this young side. With many of the team having experience of being part of this year’s successful squad, the team put some positive phases of play to beat a motivated Birkenhead side. Robert Lavelle scored three tries, whilst Sam Norris (2), Alex Ward and Ryan Powell also contributed and Ward also kicked three conversions. Alex Barlow, Callum Paley and Tom Hunter proved to be constant thorns in the opposition side and with Ward continuously controlling the pace of the game; the opposition were regularly on the back foot.

U15A XV

Won 54-0

Having not played for two and a half weeks, the U15 boys were ready to compete. They started the game well with Ellis Clarke scoring in the first ten minutes, helped by Oscar Twitchett. The forwards continued to dominate with Adam Joyner and Scott Collins making direct runs. Jack Welch and Connor Scott both managed to cross the line. In the second half, all the reserves were eager to make an impression. Rob Thomas and Harry Welch were both outstanding in defence. Overall a good performance.

 

U14A XV

Won 36-0

2 tries Oliver Kitchen. 1 try; George Carter, Tyrone Cartmell, Bailey Harwood, Jack Campbell

3 conversions  Todd Roper

Any victory away at Birkenhead is an achievement. To score 36 points without conceding is quite unique. The team stated slowly, as seems to be a regular occurrence with the U14’s. Plus the forwards continued to give away early penalties, which is something we need to work on. However, once the game progressed, the forwards started to control play. The back row of Charlie Abbott, James Seward, & Nick Coleman are very much playing as unit, combined with determination and commitment. Carter the scrum half saw plenty of early ball which enabled the centre Matt Thomas to continually punch his way through the Birkenhead defence, Thomas had an exceptional game. The first try scored by Bailey Harwood the full back was a worthy try running from his own 22 metre line down the left flank to score. Shortly after Oliver Kitchen, who had arguably his best game so far, combined well with Thomas to run onto a pass and score underneath the posts. By half time Kitchen had scored his second try and the teams third, giving the team a 19-0 lead.

The second half started a little sluggishly, not helped by an extremely wet and heavy pitch, but once the team realised the best way forward was to throw the ball out to the backs away from the mountain of mud, then we eased our way forward. George Carter broke away from the scrum, made a clever run and with good support play by Seward scored his first try. The best try of the game was when the standoff Todd Roper  produced an innovative kick over the Birkenhead defence, and Matt Thomas raced onto it and grounded the ball over the opposition try line. Jack Campbell the hooker scored the fifth try, and Tyrone Cartmell scored the final try, bursting through the opposition forwards with an intelligent run, in the final minutes of the game. Despite the conditions this was an excellent performance and the team were worthy winners.

U13A XV

Lost 28-19

This match ended up being a very close fought contest after Birkenhead dominated the first half and KGS the second. KGS got off to a poor start with Birkenhead dominating possession and territory through their muscular pack that pushed KGS back at a rate of knots in the tight phases and duly scored within 5 minutes. KGS fought back and once outside centre Pearson was given room to run he finished off a promising backs move to leave KGS trailing 7-5. After this Birkenhead thundered back and after a kick through scored when KGS failed to clear their line. This seemed to drain the confidence from KGS who soon conceded another try after a mistake to trail 21-5 at half-time. After a few positional changes and a rousing chat the KGS players started the second half body kicking for position and running any quick ball albeit up a hill. Will Bruce, now at centre, straightened beautifully to draw the Birkenhead full back to put Pearson away from half way to score under the posts. KGS then scored another try immediately from within their own 25 metre line with Pearson rounding the home side`s winger to streak up the touchline to score under the posts, Matthew Newby again converting to leave the score 28-19. By now KGS had the momentum and great self-belief that they could go on and win, however, despite more possession they could score no more but definitely ended the match the stronger team.

U12A XV

Won 34-17

A tough encounter against a big side who played with real spirit. Kieran Wilkinson scored the crucial tries but the whole side had to perform with a sense of determination to record this victory on a heavy pitch.

U12B XV

Lost 5-7

An excellent match in which both teams had opportunities to win the game but in the end the greater possession won by the opposition forwards proved crucial in the end. The game was played in an excellent spirit and enjoyed by all.

KGS pupils selected for Lancashire, Cheshire and Scotland Squads

North U18 Squad Charlie Swarbrick, North Trial U18 Trial Tom Hurst, John Windle and Sam Peet. Scotland U18 Final Trial Phil Cringle. Lancashire U18's C Swarbrick, E Crowe, J Windle, S Peet, T Hurst, S Hall. Cheshire U18's Phil Cringle. Lancashire U17's R Wilkinson, B Swift, L Woodward, S Hargreaves, D Basley, D O'Connor, G Brookes, Lancashire U15's C Wilkinson, A Whalley, W Rhodes.