KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL V MILLFIELD SCHOOL, 20 OCTOBER 2010

KGS 17 Millfield 23

Over half term Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV travelled to play one of England's top rugby playing schools at the famous Millfield School (Somerset). It was the first time the schools have ever met at the fifteen-a-side game although they have met numerous times at sevens. Despite having made the long journey KGS started brightly and were able to put pressure on a speedy Millfield side. Millfield soon responded and after testing the KGS defence with sweeping backs movements, they created a small overlap which they took to take a 7-0 lead.

Kirkham could have frozen, but responded immediately with fly half Michael Simmonds leading the way with some clever kicking. The KGS forwards also started to get to grips with the Millfield pack with the front row of Jon Evans, John Windle and Josh Woods in good form. After a fine break from second row Sam Peet, it was hooker Woods who was up in support to crash over for a splendid try converted by captain David Egelstaff. KGS continued to force the game and gained the lead when Egelstaff kicked a penalty, however, KGS then relaxed too much and allowed Millfield straight back into the game. KGS infringed and gave away a penalty, which Millfield converted to leave the score at 10-10 at half time.

KGS started the second half in dominant way and should have scored a number of tries, but Millfield's defence was excellent. David Egelstaff was in very good form and lead his players with passion. Eventually the pressure told and Michael Simmonds scored a fine try after a number of forward drives and again Egelstaff converted from the touchline to take a 17-10 lead.

KGS should have learnt from the first half experience and expected Millfield to respond, but again they sat back and allowed Millfield an easy score (17-17). The real turning point of the game came with 12 minutes to go, when KGS captain David Egelstaff was stretchered off with a bad leg injury. His presence and experience was vital if KGS were going to complete a famous victory. Lacking leadership KGS gave away two penalties late on which gave a 23-17 victory to Millfield.

Hopefully KGS will learn from this experience and understand that top side always come back when teams score against them.