5 December 2016
KGS U15 Girls Hockey v Kings Chester
On Saturday 3rd December, Kirkham Grammar School U15 girls faced King Chester. Kirkham knew it was going to be a tough game but they were ready for the challenge. The girls got off to a slow start and were punished early in the first half and went 1-0 down. However, they responded well and started to get in the game. The game was end to end but KGS struggled to find the back of the net and went in 1-0 down at half time. The second half was much the same, end to end and highly competitive. The defence were disciplined and solid. The midfield counter attacked at speed and kept their shape all over the pitch. Up front Kirkham kept working to create chance after chance. Kirkham got an equaliser with a fantastic individual goal from Hannah Mears. The girls continued to take the game to Kings and in the last 30 second Hannah Mears scored a second goal to put us 2-1 up. A super game and a great result!
U14 vs Kings Chester
The U14s came up against a strong Kings Chester side whose midfield skilfully kept hold of the ball for long periods of the first half. The KGS midfield and defence initially struggled to contain the Kings side who passed the ball well and moved into space cleverly. KGS threatened at times in attack as both Lizzie Coulston and Caity Preddy offered good attacking outlets down both wings and were able to win short corners. Jemima Towers was composed at the back as the KGS defence saw off several Kings attacks to go into half time at 0-0.
The second half started badly with 2 goals conceded in quick succession – both, unfortunately from KGS mistakes at the back. Despite this, the KGS girls rallied well and spent much of the second half on the front foot as they started to take better care of the ball when in possession. Lily Butcher, Hannah Doyle and Lucy Treaddell worked hard in midfield to ensure that the ball was retained. Despite an improved performance after conceding the 2 goals, the KGS girls were unable to bypass the Kings defence and the game finished with a 2-0 defeat.
This performance showed signs of rustiness that was to be expected after 2 weeks without Saturday fixtures but the girls resolve to fight back when 2-0 down was commendable.
KGS U13 XI Hockey v U14/U13 XI Kings Chester
This was a tough game for the Kirkham Grammar School U13s Hockey team, against an older, more experienced team and having had two weekends off due to ‘weather’ postponements, didn’t make it any easier!
Despite this, Kirkham U13 side showed determination against an experienced Kings Chester side. In the first half, the opposition’s team were mainly made up of U13 girls and KGS dominated. They made several attacking runs and were unlucky not to score. KGS met the ball quickly ahead of their opponents but two weeks of not playing showed and they were a little slow to respond from attacking to defensive play and vice versa. However, it was a solid start.
In the second half, the Kings team were predominantly made up of U14 players. The KGS slow response switching from attacking to defensive play was more obvious and the opposition were more skilful. Getting too close when defending meant Kings were able to get round us and the ball was taken quicker at ‘hit ons’ and free hits. A mistake by the KGS defence in the ‘D’ led to a penalty corner being awarded. Kings executed a well-practised straight strike from top ‘D’ taking them into the lead.
KGS continued to play with determination. Izzy Kane took quick hits outs from top ‘D’ which Kirkham were able to utilise and set up some strong attacking runs either to Molly Hodge on the left or Beth Dowbiggin in the centre. Agatha Barker-Mills, and Emma Savidge worked hard at left and right mid respectively, and Libby Baxter worked tirelessly at CD, often regaining possession with her reading of the game and strong tackling skills. Emily Cooper in goal also made some good saves when it mattered, keeping the score to 1-0. The effort of all KGS players was commendable.
KGS U12 v Kings Chester
Kirkham’s U12 A and B teams put on a show on Saturday against a strong Kings Chester side. Movement around the pitch, support play and individual skill all came together highlighting that the training the side are doing is really paying off!
KGS A team opened the score line early on with a great goal from Bo Madden. The Kirkham girls continued to move the ball around quickly using space around the outsides of the pitch. A second goal came from Natasha Hartley-Smith which demonstrated confidence and composure on the ball. The goals just kept coming with Hattie and Bo Madden converting a further six goals. At the final whistle the score stood at 8-0.
On the B team pitch the Kirkham girls were quick to settle and worked well together in both attack and defence. The first goal came before the half time break with a great shot from Eve Gooderham. In the second half the team just got stronger! Talia Armstead chipped the goalkeeper to make it 2-0, followed by a super strike from Eliza Booth making it 3-0. The side hadn't finished at that, Maddison Gallagher made some excellent runs through from the midfield to set Tilly through on goal to convert. As well as setting up some great opportunities on goal, Maddison Gallagher was also able to bag herself the final goal leaving the score at 5-0 at the final whistle. A very positive performance all round. The side will take on a Grammar School in Leeds for their final game before the Christmas break.