Rugby Results v Old Swinford Hospital School

Saturday 8 January 2011

1st XI

KGS 15 Old Swinford 12

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV faced strong opposition from Stourbridge in Old Swinford Hospital School (who have reached the later rounds of the Daily Mail Cup again this season ). Playing only their second game in seven weeks and also weakened by a number of late cry offs through illness this was always going to be difficult encounter for KGS. Old Swinford started well and were very physical in the contact area. KGS defended well and flankers Elliot Crowe and Bobby Garlington were in fine form and were involved in everything. No. 8 Phil Cringle made a number of fine runs and kept KGS going forward. Eventually KGS got on top and the front row lead the way, prop Jon Evans was immense in the scrum whilst hooker Adam Whalley took two very important strikes against the head at crucial times and prop John Windle carried very well. Scrum half Charlie Swarbrick made some nice breaks and it was he who scored the opening try. However after KGS had scored they then gifted Old Swinford 12 points and a half time lead of 12-5.

The second half was all about character and KGS rose to the challenge. Fly half Tom Hurst and centre Michael Simmonds started to make a number of breaks whilst KGS's defence improved. Old Swinford were pushed back and gave away a penalty which Tom Hurst converted but KGS were still behind. A massive effort was required and all players worked hard to gain the try needed to take the lead. Centre Ben Jones scored a try which typified his outstanding support work, forcing himself over the line after a Hurst break. Hurst then converted for a 15-12 lead with 6 minutes left. Old Swinford responded and one of their players seemed to be clear and heading for the line when KGS second row Matthew Ellis came from nowhere and made a crucial try saving tackle with seconds left. KGS ground out the remaining time and completed a very pleasing victory.

Over the Christmas holidays KGS 1st XV players Jon Evans and Michael Simmonds were selected for the North U18 squad and Matthew Beaty for the North U16 squad.

2^nd XV

KGS 10 Old Swinford Hospital 24

A slow start to the after Christmas season led to KGS losing this match in the first half. Two basic errors in the first ten minutes led to the opposition taking a 14-0 lead. However some excellent play by Marcus Mollinga, Adam Galley and Mickey Papangelis led to a long period of dominance and with Jack Ingham scoring an excellent mauling try, KGS had ten minutes to overturn a 14-10 deficit. However two defensive errors led to a 24-10 defeat and some reflection needed before the last home game against Arnold next Saturday.