Our KGS 1st XV rugby boys did us proud!

1st XV National Cup Under 18s Cup Final at Twickenham

Kirkham Grammar School 1st XV travelled to Twickenham to participate in the National Schools U18s Cup Final, for the first time since 1997, to play Trinity School, Croydon. The atmosphere at Twickenham was electric; both schools had huge support and the teams started nervously. Trinity appeared less nervous and dominated KGS in the early exchanges which resulted in them eventually take a 5-0 lead. In typical Kirkham tradition, a response was immediate and the KGS forwards started to use their power. Both second rows, William Riley and Huw Davies, started to dominate the lineout and were forceful in the loose and they made inroads into the Trinty defence, which lead to an opportunity for prop, Patreece Bell, to crash over near the posts. Captain, Aaron Pope, converted for KGS to take a 7-5 lead which they kept until the half time break. 

The second half started with both teams trying to attack despite the poor weather conditions. The KGS forwards, again dominated by Harry Thompson and Yande Nkonge, started to influence play with some strong carriers. However, with around 16 minutes to go, a mistake was made by Kirkham, which lead to Trinity regaining the lead 10-5. KGS tried desperately to force the game and, with the weather getting worse, another mistake was made which Trinity capitalised on and increased their lead to 15-7. Despite this setback, the team dug deep and against the odds started on a comeback of giant proportion. As time started running out, Kirkham forced Trinity to concede a penalty at the breakdown and Captain, Aaron Pope, stepped up to calmly kick a penalty to close the gap to 15-10 with just 6 minutes left on the clock. Kirkham gave everything in these last few minutes and gained momentum with Josh Lynch, Huw Davies and William Riley gaining yards. Suddenly, the KGS crowd realised there was a chance as KGS reached the Trinity 5 metre line with just seconds left. A KGS lineout gave the team their last opportunity for glory. Unfortunately, a mistake was made and the ball bounced into the hands of a Trinity player who kicked the ball off the pitch. Trinity celebrated a famous win as the KGS boys sunk to their knees knowing their chance was over.

A sterling effort from this talented group of KGS players and an unforgettable experience. 

The photographs from the boys trip to Twickenham can be viewed on our KGS Flickr page at: 

Day 1 Training at Brunel University London: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kgsphotos/albums/72177720297379238

Day 2 Match Day: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kgsphotos/albums/72177720297403012