1st XI v LLANDOVERY COLLEGE – 7 DECEMBER 2011

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV travelled to Oswestry RUFC to play Llandovery College. Llandovery have been one of the form sides in schoolboy rugby this season inflicting heavy defeats on top rugby schools Millfield and Bromsgrove. KGS were facing a daunting task, but with some players returning after injury and illness and selection changes KGS were very positive in their preparation.

From the start KGS had to defend wave after wave of attacks from Llandovery, the back row of Elliot Crowe, Jack Loxham and Sam Pet were defiant and tackled everything that moved. Young lock Jordan Hogan made a very pleasing debut working hard in all departments. Eventually Llandovery opened the scoring after a KGS handling error to take a 5-0 half-time lead.

Although Llandovery went further ahead (8-0), KGS suddenly started to grow in confidence. The platform from a strong scrum lead by vice-captain Phil Cringle, hooker Ryan Wilkinson and prop John Windle seemed to cause the Welsh school problems. Scrum half Charlie Swarbrick and captain and centre Tom Hurst started to control play allowing back row players Sam Peet and Jack Loxham to run into space and gain ground.

Eventually KGS gained a penalty converted by full back George Brookes. KGS continued to press until they scored through a Jack Loxham drive. The scores were now locked at 8-8 and Llandovery pushed forward. However, replacement prop Dominic O'Connor gained a vital turnover on the KGS line allowing Tom Hurst to clear.

In the last minute KGS nearly scored to win the game but unfortunately dropped a pass near the Llandovery line. This was Kirkham's best performance of the season as many boys played to their potential.