KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL RUGBY RESULTS V RGS NEWCASTLE – SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2008

1^st XV:  Won 21-0

In difficult conditions, KGS 1^st XV played against the wind in the first half.  Even through they were forced back by some excellent kicking from the Newcastle outside half, the KGS pack led by Captain Jonathan Edwards gradually gained control.

A number of strong drives were set up, which eventually led outstanding prop forward James Hesketh to crash over for a try.  Scrum half Kieran Marmion and outside half Daniel Bibby continued to put the forwards into gaps, with good ball retention KGS denied the opposition any opportunities. 

Late on in the first half another excellent forward drive with Kieran Brookes and Tom Sanders prominent, led to Marmion releasing Bibby on a weaving run, which he finished off in spectacular fashion giving KGS a 14-0 lead.

The second half was disappointing with lots of stoppages, although KGS did score a very good try after excellent defence from centre Tommy Banks in which he turned over Newcastle ball and released vice-captain and hooker William Stover to score.  All three tries were converted by full back Callum Bennett.

2^ND XV - Won 36-12

A strong first half performance against strong opposition sealed the victory.  Strong running and close support kept the pressure on Newcastle.  KGS used the elements in their favour and pushed ahead to a 19-0 lead at half time.  Tries by Spencer, Woods and Chambers.

In the second half, KGS started well with two tries by Fulford-Brown.  Newcastle came back well and pushed the KGS defence.  Another try by Brown gave a comfortable cushion.  Overall a pleasing performance.

U16 -  Won 5-3

In windy and wet conditions, this was not a vintage KGS U16 performance.  After last year’s performance against this opposition and last week’s performance against Wirral GS, this was not as positive an outing as all were hoping for.  With a depleted squad through injury throughout the week an the loss of James Lau and Bobby Garlington to injury before kick-off, this was going to be a very difficult match.

Newcastle proved big and physical and was territorially dominant in the first half.  However they went into half time leading only through a penalty from their fly half.  As usual KGS’s defence was extremely solid and was led gallantly by Ryan Morton, George Naylor and Ben Jones.

KGS stepped up their performance in the second half and the pack dominated more through Alex Lo and Matthew Elis.  Basic errors in crucial areas saw points not scored, but the team never gave up and when a free kick was taken quickly with a minute to go, it saw three phases of play result in Adam Whalley diving over the line for the match winning score.

At the end both teams were disappointed for different reasons, with the home side now knowing that there is a crucial week for all ahead with Lancaster next weekend.

U15A -   Lost 20-6

The U15’s travelled away to Newcastle RGS.  The blustery weather made the task of winning even harder.  KGS had the strong wind with them in the first half and put tremendous amount of pressure on Newcastle.  However KGS could only score six points.  The second half was always going to be difficult with KGS playing against the wind.  The forwards battled hard up the field but were unable to convert pressure into points.  Unfortunately the lack of fitness at the end cost KGS.

U15B -   Lost 48-0

The U15B team played with great determination in the first half against a team who were much stronger.  Newcastle are unbeaten for the last two years at this level and eventually gained a comfortable victory.

U14A -   Won 17-7

Away to Newcastle Grammar is never going to be an easy fixture, but to come away with a victory is an excellent achievement. The team dominated very much of the forward play but the backs struggled to break through a very solid Newcastle defence.

Ryan Wilkinson opened the scoring in the first half but at half time KGS were 7-5 down.  The weather conditions worsened considerably and both sides struggled to maintain continuity.  With less than five minutes remaining Ben Rhodes-Powers scored an excellent try, converted by Matthew Beatty and in the final minute Henry Hothersall picked up the ball and drove over the try line to score an excellent individual try.  Tries Ryan Wilkinson (1), Ben Rhodes-Powers (1) and Henry Hothersall (1).

U14B -   Lost 10-34

In a challenging first half KGS were slow to get going, copying with the wind against a well organised opposition.  The score was 22-0 at half time, but would have been very close if tackles had not been missed.  The KGS lads came out determined in the second half and matched their opponents with two tries each.  Particularly pleasing was the aggression shown in the ruck and tackling. Notable performances were given from Callum Wilkinson and Ben Coplestone in the forwards and Callum Paley was excellent at fly half in the second half.

U13A -   Lost 7-24

Played in atrocious conditions, both teams tried to play open rugby.  KGS conceded a try in the first half, but came back at the beginning of the second period with an excellent effort from Lockhart to tie the scores at 7-7.  The game was closely contested until the last 10 minutes when Newcastle were physically stronger and ran in three tries to make the final score 24-7.

 U13B -   Lost 42-5

Once again the KGS boys were much smaller than their opponents and quickly conceded a couple of tries before Hanlon pulled one back to make the half time score 5-32. A spirited performance in the second half restricted Newcastle to only two more tries and the final score of 42-5 down was a credit to their determination in appalling conditions.

U12A -   Lost 12-7

The teams were evenly matched.  Newcastle were very strong at the breakdown but gradually KGS matched them and showed their potential.  Leading 7-5 until the final play of the game, the U12’s were good value for the win but a try at the death by talented opponents led to disappointment.  Nonetheless this was an outstanding game between two good teams.

U12B -   Lost 0-24

Hot on the heels of a commanding win away at Arnold on Friday the U12B side took to the field brimming with confidence.  However, a very organised Newcastle side started well, and the loss of two of KGS’s forwards before the game, and then the swift loss of the fly half through injury meant that the odds were stacked against this young side.  Having said this, the hardy supporters witnessed one of the best KGS displays of the season, and time and time again the forwards and backs put in tackle after tackle.  However, sheer hard work and enthusiasm wasn’t enough, and the impressive Newcastle side did run out easy winners.  To their credit, the team left the field in high spirits, and are looking forward to their next challenge.