THE NATIONAL SEVENS AT ROSSLYN PARK

KGS 1ST VII travelled to London to participate in the National Sevens, the largest schoolboy tournament in the world with an entry of 110 schools.  Although confident after winning three tournaments this season (Birkenhead School, North of England and the Fylde Sevens), KGS faced some very tough opposition in their group.  Oaklands College (Saracens Academy), had three internationals in their line-up, but KGS kept their composure and with Tommy Banks in top form a 24-22 victory was secured.  Further victories followed against Wimbledon College, Amman Valley and Ardingley College.  Daniel Bibby and Jonathan Edwards were in good form and these victories allowed KGS to go forward into the last sixteen (knock-out stage).

On a tense second day KGS faced Sedbergh, and with James Moncrieff and Daniel Bibby leading the way, KGS controlled Sedbergh for a 26-17 victory.  The team were working very hard and their ability to defend in difficult situations often won them games.  The quarter-final against Henley College, was won in comfortable fashion 29-17, with Ireland U18 scrum half Kieran Marmion prominent.  This pushed KGS into a semi-final spot and position last achieved in 2002.

KGS now faced top Bristol School Colston’s.  In a nail-biting game both teams played excellent rugby and with one minute to go were locked at 19-19, but with strong scrummaging KGS forced Colston’s into a mistake and Kieran Marmion pounced to score a crucial try to give KGS a 24-19 victory and a final spot the first time KGS have ever reached the final of this most prestigious of tournaments.

The final against Millfield was always going to be difficult; the opposition containing numerous internationals have won this tournament more than any other school.  KGS started well and should have scored, but with heavy legs KGS tried in vain to cut down Millfield’s pace.  Unfortunately Millfield ran out 36-0 victors, although this score was not a true reflection of the game.  However this was certainly Kirkham Grammar School’s finest ever achievement at Sevens rugby.