14 March 2024
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HOCKEY
DATE: Saturday 2 March 2024
TITLE: KGS U12B hockey v Cheadle Hulme
The U12B hockey team played at Cheadle Hulme on Saturday 2 March. With over 85% possession, bouncing in, out and around the ‘D’ we couldn’t capitalise on the dominance we had to get the ball past the GK. The Goalkeeper had an exceptional game. One stray ball sneaked through our defence and Cheadle scored, but we stayed strong. Airton equalised to make it a 1-1 draw.
DATE: Saturday 2 March 2024
TITLE: KGS U13B hockey v Cheadle Hulme
The U13B hockey team played at Cheadle Hulme on Saturday 2 March. The weather at Cheadle Hulme was the same as it has been pretty much all season when training at Kirkham - rain! So we were well versed for today's fixture. Captained by Mackenzie who created some great goal scoring opportunities. Thompson opened our tally, followed by Collins and Burrows. Our defence worked relentlessly to make sure that ‘if’ Cheadle entered our ‘D’ they were not welcome. The second half was equally as strong. Thompson and Collins scoring their second goals and a fantastic goal from Singleton to complete our 6-0 win. Again our defence was strong in the second half.
DATE: Wednesday 6 March 2024
Title: KGS 1st XI Hockey v The Kings School, Macclesfield
The 1st XI development squad took to the pitch in what was set to be a great game. The squad took time to settle, absorbing a lot of pressure in the first 15 minutes resulting in conceding a well worked penalty corner goal.
Once the squad started to play, they moved the ball around well with Cole and Schofield dominating the midfield. Great runs from Greenwood and Bunday created space up front allowing Cole to run into the D and pop the ball away at the far post.
End to end play throughout the match creating much excitement and lots of opportunities for both teams.
Another goal from Cole at a short corner saw the match finish at 2-2.
Date: Wednesday 6 March 2024
Title: KGS 2nd XI Hockey v The Kings School, Macclesfield
In a keenly contested friendly encounter away at Kings Macclesfield on Wednesday the 2 March the 2nd XI girls' hockey team experienced a challenging start. Despite the initial struggle to find their rhythm, the match unfolded into a display of teamwork and effective communication, especially noted within the defensive line up, which was under constant pressure.
The game was characterised by its dynamic pace, with the ball moving rapidly from one end of the pitch to the other. Both teams showcased determination, but found it difficult to convert their efforts into a significant number of goals. This was testament to the solid defensive strategies and the commendable efforts of the goalkeepers on either side.
Recognising the need to shake up their strategy, the 2nd XI made a tactical shift after the halftime break. By focusing their attacks down the right side and enhancing their ball-switching manoeuvres, they began to carve out more clear-cut scoring opportunities. This adjustment in gameplay hinted at a deeper understanding and adaptation by the team, showcasing their ability to analyse and respond to the match's demands.
Despite their improved performance and increased pressure on the Kings Macclesfield defence, the 2nd XI were unable to overturn the deficit fully. The match concluded with a narrow 2-1 victory for Kings Macclesfield. Although the result did not favour them, the 2nd XI can take pride in their resilience, teamwork, and the strategic shifts they implemented.
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
KGS 1st XI hockey vs Bradford Grammar School
The 1st XI development squad consisting of 19 players took to the pitch to take on Bradford 1st XI. This was an exciting fixture where we got to see potential players in different positions in preparation for next season.
The true 1st XI led the way and did not disappoint creating several chances on goal with some great build up play! Tomes and Tomlinson dominated the midfield with Schofield and Smith playing some excellent balls to forwards Cole and Margerison. The score line was opened part way through the first quarter with a well worked goal. The team continued to press hard resulting in goal number two.
In the third quarter Bradford hit back taking much of the possession. Gutt and Southern played some excellent hockey with Milligan controlling at the back. A great game to end the 11 aside season.
Well done to all players on their achievements this season - simply remarkable!
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Title: KGS U14 hockey vs Bradford U15
Despite the early setback of conceding a goal, the girls demonstrated remarkable resilience and a collective determination to turn the tide. As the game unfolded, their focus sharpened, and they seamlessly activated their strategic prowess, playing with a newfound intensity.
The team's cohesion became evident as they used the breaks in the opponent's defence and skilfully exploited, creating exciting opportunities for the girls to showcase their individual talents and collective teamwork. The atmosphere on the field reflected a team in sync, with players seamlessly connecting passes and executing plays with precision.
Notably, the girls' commitment to their own style of play became the defining factor. In what can be described as their best game of the season, each player contributed significantly to the team's success. From solid defensive plays to dynamic attacking manoeuvres, the girls displayed a well-rounded skill set that left their opponents struggling to keep up.
This performance stands as a testament to the girls' dedication, teamwork, and ability to rise above challenges on the field throughout the season. Finalising the score 7-1 win, with goals from Melling, Hartley-Smith, Miles and Bailey.
Swimming
DATE: Tuesday 5 March 2024
TITLE: QEGS quadrangular championships
The senior school swim squad took to the pool in their final gala of the season to compete in the annual QEGS quadrangular championships. The team started well picking up lots of point within the 4X25 IM events. Other swimmers followed suit with Boughen, Mackenzie, Faith and Tushingham winning their individual races. There was some tough competition from LRGS and Ripley St Thomas but KGS worked hard to achieve some outstanding results.
At the more senior end Gregson and Denn excelled in their respective events whilst the U13 and U14 relay teams were victorious at the latter stages of the gala.
KGS finished in 3rd place overall. A great gala and all round team performance to end the season with. A special thank you to all out senior swimmers who have competed for the school since U12 level – you have done the team proud!
1st Place – LRGS
2nd Place – Ripley St Thomas
3rd Place – KGS
4th Place – Hutton Grammar
5th Place – QEGS Blackburn
NETBALL
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Title: KGS U12A Netball v Westholme
In an exciting Saturday friendly match against Westholme the Kirkham U12A girls' team secured a commanding 14-4 victory. Starting strong but initially struggling against Westholme's tall defence, the team reflected and adjusted their strategy effectively. Improving quarter by quarter, they outmanoeuvred their opponents with superior teamwork and communication, applying constant pressure and showcasing remarkable improvement throughout the game. Their adaptive play and solid midfield and defence were key to turning opportunities into a significant lead. Well done to all the girls who played.
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Title: KGS U12B Netball v Westholme
The U12B netball team played Westholme Away on Saturday 9 March. It was a bitterly cold wind but they persevered. The team were well lead by Branthwaite who steared them well from the start. The defence was strong throughout and the last 2 quarters is where they really extended their lead. Our shooting was strong despite the challenging conditions. Kane Long playing as GA was voted player of the match. A well-deserved win 16-5.
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Title: KGS U13A Netball v Westholme
In a nail-bitingly close match that showcased the best of youth netball, the Kirkham U13A girls' team was edged out by a mere point against Westholme, with a final score of 38-37. This tense encounter kept spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams displayed exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
The match was a back-and-forth affair from the start, characterized by strong attacking play from both sides. Westholme's offence came out swinging, putting Kirkham's defence to the test throughout the game. However, Kirkham's defenders rose to the challenge, working tirelessly to thwart Westholme's advances.
Kirkham's team, not to be outdone, responded with powerful attacks of their own. The game was a showcase of excellent netball, with both teams demonstrating high levels of communication and teamwork. The fluid passing, strategic movements, and precision shooting from Kirkham were commendable and reflected the hard work put in during their training sessions.
Despite the intense effort and superb play from the Kirkham girls, the match concluded with Westholme narrowly securing the win. The final score of 38-37 underlines the closeness of the competition and the fact that the game could have tipped in either direction right until the final whistle.
Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Title: KGS U13B Netball v Westholme
The U13B netball team played Westholme Away on Saturday 9 March. It was a bitterly cold wind with challenging conditions. Both teams were well matched. Thompson as Captain worked hard to move the ball from defence to attack and was voted player of the match. They were unfortunate not to win as all the squad worked hard together. Final score 8-6