3 October 2021
Saturday 2 October 2021
1st XV v Denstone College
Kirkham Grammar School 1st xv produced their best performance of the season so far against a talented Denstone College. Despite going 5-0 down early on, KGS showed real composure and were well led by Captain Aaron Pope. Kirkham’s forwards started to control the game after the early set back and Pope was able to dictate the play as he kicked a penalty to close the score. Huw Davies (vice-captain) managed to get a driving maul going which was dropped by Denstone and led to a penalty try which took KGS into a 10-5 lead. Further pressure and strong runs from William Riley, Wils Austin and Yande Ngonge were rewarded when Aaron Pope kicked another penalty and took Kirkham into a 13-5 half time lead. Kirkham maintained their control and increased their lead with an individual try from prop Rhys Fray who had been highly influential in all areas. Although Denstone tried hard to fight back, KGS continued to pile up the points with further tries from Huw Davies and Osian Roberts which took them out to a 33-5 victory.
KIRKHAM 19 DENSTONE COLLEGE 14
The 2nd XV came out on top in a very tight affair against Denstone having fallen behind to an earlier try by the visitors. Jed Snell hit back after a lovely catch and drive from a lineout, Snell forcing his way over from close range. Kwesi Boateng put Kirkham ahead after Kirkham had maintained possession for a sustained period, Tom Hoad converting. As the second half wore on, the game became a little disjointed with several stop/starts for injury. However, Kirkham managed a third try from the outstanding Oliver Corkish. Once again the Kirkham replacements made their mark, taking over from the starting players and continuing the momentum through the second half.
Denstone scored to give themselves a chance of winning the game but the score remained 19-12 with Kirkham hanging on to just about deserve the win.
U16s v Denstone College
Won 32-6
In wet and windy conditions, Kirkham faced a well-drilled Denstone side who were fierce in the tackle and competitive in the breakdown. Ollie Greenwood had plenty of work at full back and he dealt with the high balls well. The first half was low scoring finishing 12-6 to Kirkham. The Kirkham front five players Alex Greenhalf, Jack Austin, Jack Chapman, Finlay Shawcross-Clough and Henry Whitton fronted up well. Kirkham’s first try was scored by Seb Kelly following a number of short range efforts from the Kirkham pack. Kelly also scored the second try picking up from the base of the scrum and powering through the Denstone defensive line late on in the first half.
In the second half, Kirkham made a few changes bringing on Sam Medhurst, Fin Mclachlan and Luca Mihell who continued the good work from the first half. Callum Hill continued to keep the score board ticking over kicking three points. Next, Harry Reay was rampaging down the wing but just held up short; Henry Whitton supported well and dived over the line from close range. Kirkham scored two further tries through Monty Loggenberg and Kelly who completed his hat trick.
Final score 32-6 to Kirkham.
KGS U13As vs Denstone College U13As
The U13s travelled to Denstone College for their fourth away day on the trot. The boys made the best of the weather running in 9 tries throughout the game and only conceding 1 try. Brodie Black opened the scoring with a solid run where he used his quick feet to get round the opposition. The next two tries came from long distance. One was a great team effort where the ball got passed to the wing to find Ryan Shaw in space from inside the Kirkham half; the second also from Ryan Shaw came from a kick return where Ryan found space in the middle of the pitch before making his way under the sticks. After some solid defence Denstone put their foot on the gas and ran in a try just before half time. The second half brought the Kirkham boys 6 more tries through Ethan Davies, James Ball (3), Oliver Parkinson & Ryan Shaw to complete his hat-trick. Considering the conditions, the U13’s played very well as a team and brought into the game what they had worked on in practice mid-week. Well done to all those involved on Saturday.
U12s
The Under 12 squads travelled down to Denstone and despite the long drive were still in high spirits and ready for a tough encounter. Both teams showed high skill levels and some strong defence, however Kirkham were too strong in attack and began to dominate both games.
Special mentions go to Jonty Faith, Oliver Hartley-Pagnillo and Sebastian Clarke who were the stand out players for Kirkham. The squad is starting to develop promisingly and are excited for their games ahead.