KGS 1st XV v Millfield School, Somerset

Kirkham GS 1st XV welcomed top rugby school Millfield School, Somerset, to their Ribby Road ground for the first time in what turned out to be a high level and well contested game. From the start Kirkham dominated play and young centre George Brookes made a terrific break which was supported by flanker Dalu January who opened the scoring.

Millfield then looked dangerous and forced KGS to give away a penatly which was converted. For the next 15 mins KGS completely dominated play with both forwards and backs interlinking well. Captain and fly-half Tom Hurst  scored a try after a neat break. This was quickly followed by a Jack Ingham try after a driven line-out which gave KGS a 15-3 lead.  Suddenly Millfield sparked into life and showed why they are one of the top UK rugby schools. Their backs showed skill and pace and turned round a 12 point deficit into a 20-15 half time lead. The pace of the game was extremely fast and both teams wanted to play high tempo rugby.

Kirkham regathered themselves at half time and worked hard on re-organising their defence. Kirkham forwards Eliiot Crowe, Sam Peet and Phil Cringle found the way to dominate upfront again and made Millfield give away penalties. Centre George Brookes kicked 2 penalties (one from half way), to regain the lead for Kirkham(21-20) and with 15 minutes to go prop Phil Cringle forced his way over for a try in the corner after the KGS backs had opened Millfield's midfield defence.

Even with a 26-20 lead Kirkham were not safe. Millfields backs were fast and exciting and continually counter attacked from deep. Millfield gained a penaltly near the KGS line which they kicked.  Kirkham then missed a drop goal with 6 mins left, which gave Millfield the ball back, again they counter attacked from their own line. Even though Kirkham managed to keep their defence in line, a missed tackle was forced allowing Millfield to regain the lead with a try and conversion, a lead which they would not loose despite desperate pressure.  Final score KGS 26 Millfield School 30. This was a fine advertisement for school boy rugby played in an excellent spirit.

Photograph by Simon Gardiner.

KGS Fullback Dominic Basley evades Millfield's tacklers.