North of England Sevens at Birkenhead Park – 8 March 2009

KGS travelled to Birkenhead Park to try to defend the North of England Sevens they had won in 2008.  After winning the Birkenhead School Sevens the previous week KG were confident they could win their group.  This proved to be the case with wins over Austin Friar’s (22-5), Bromsgrove School (24-12), Rydal School (35-5) and St Edward’s, Liverpool (40-5).

In the quarter final KGS came across Wilmslow High School, in a tense affair KGS won when powerful centre Tommy Banks ran the length of the field on time for a 28-22 victory.  In the semi-final against Lymm High School, KGS controlled the match with both Kieran Marmion and Daniel Bib by in good form.  Lymm were beaten comfortably 33-5.

The final was a repeat of last year, against Hymers College from Hull.  Both teams played at a terrific pace, each scoring three tries apiece.  The score was 17-17 at the final whistle, which meant sudden death came into action.  KG with Jonathan Edwards leading from the front fought hard and gave fly-half Daniel Bibby a chance, which he took to give KGS the Bowring Trophy for the second year running.

Centre Tommy Banks was awarded player of the tournament.

Merchant Taylors’ Sevens – 7 March 2009

The Under 16 Sevens travelled to Merchant Taylors’ looking to grow in confidence from their previous outing at Sedbergh. The side settled into their stride and played some excellent rugby in the first half against Rydal from Wales. After leading 17-7 at the break, unforced errors allowed the opponents back into the match and the team sneaked through 24-19. Ben Jones and Jake Hodgkinson created gaps for others to score, but the match was marred by injuries picked up by our team. Wirral were also beaten 24-19 with Ben Jones scoring the try of the game, but injuries to Bobby Garlington and Josh Keay were putting a strain on the squad.

Merchant Taylors’ proved a handful in the penultimate game with the hosts racing into a half time lead of 12-0. However an early try by Ben Jones and a  “glue to the leg” try by Bobby Garlington with the final play of the game led to the team stealing the match 14-12. Against Giggleswick the side dominated for large periods of play and Rob Malings, Matthew Ellis and Alex Lo linked well to set up Ryan Morton for a crucial try. However a back injury ended Philip Brook’s tournament and even though the game was won 17-7, the fitness of the squad was a concern.

Having progressed through to the semi final, a depleted team took to the field against Arnold and played well below their potential. After Jonathan Taylor opened the scoring, the injuries took its toll on the squad and subsequently the team bowed out at a stage which we had hoped to progress from.

ARNOLD SCHOOL U15 SEVENS TOURNAMENT – 5 MARCH 2009

Having had more time to prepare for this tournament, KGS started well against Stonyhurst College, beating them 48-7.  KGS then had to play the host in a big rivalry match.  The U15’s started extremely well, scoring 15 points with no reply, and the second half was the same.  KGS were very organised in defence and eventually came out 35-5 as winners.

KGS progressed to the semi-final as runners-up in their group to play Merchant Taylors’ School.  Again KGS were more organised and determined and won the semi-final quite comfortably 35-12.

KGS now faced St Mary’s, Crosby in the final who they had lost to in the group stages.  In a thrilling close game Adam Whalley and Sam Hall scored two excellent individual tries and the U15’s eventually won 19-10 to become the winners of the Arnold Sevens.  Tom Hurst was awarded player of the tournament.

Group stages

KGS v Stonyhurst                    Won 48-7

KGS v Bury Grammar Won 31-19

KGS v Arnold                         Won 35-5

KGS v St Mary’s, Crosby       Lost 12-5

Semi

KGS v Merchant Taylors’       Won 35-12

Final

KGS v St Mary’s Crosby        Won 19-10