16 January 2017
U15 vs Hutton U15
Won 52-12
The U15s made a positive start to 2017 with a good team performance against Hutton Grammar School. Kirkham’s Angus Wheeler and Jonty Cope set the standard for others to follow with their tackling in what was an impressive defensive display.
Kirkham also enjoyed playing with the ball in hand and gave the supporters plenty to shout about as they ran in some attractive looking tries on the Kirkham first XV pitch.
Try scores on the day were Elliot Callow (2), Archie Cooper (2), Oliver Barnett (2), Chudi Ezigbo and Alex Carson. Carson also successfully kicked 6 out of eight conversions. Final score 52-12
U14 vs Hutton U14
Won 55-5
KGS U14 appeared to be slightly rusty as they warmed up for the fixture against a large Hutton team. However the team started the game well moving the ball with increasing fluidity which was rapidly rewarded with several scores, the game continued in this fashion with KGS using possession well. KGS managed to play twenty four players in this fixture which was very pleasing as this squad continues to develop.
U13A vs Hutton U13A
Lost 15-20
Kirkham hosted Hutton in their first fixture after the Christmas break and were faced with a sizable opposition. Kirkham defended well and were able to hold their own against the mismatch in size, but were unable to capitalise often enough with the ball when they had possession. The Kirkham pack started brightly and hooker James Thompson managed to ask questions of his opposite number, with the help of Harry Lee and Archie Rowlins. The hard work of the forwards created good ball for the backs to use, but difficult handling conditions made for a scrappy game in the loose.
As the game progressed, it was Tobias Parkinson who made the breakthrough for Kirkham, with a good line, delivered by Ethan Crompton. This was shortly followed by a second as Kirkham began to find their feet in the game. Hutton still delivered a threat and the tricky conditions were unable to prevent the visiting back line from responding with a try of their own in the corner.
Hutton began the second half well and were the beneficiaries of an accidental offside straight from kick off and with a quick tap from the Hutton fly half, the ball was quickly shipped to the corner and the scores were levelled. The second half continued to be a fragmented game, with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball in the wet conditions. Kirkham were ultimately the creators of the final try which they conceded, when they were caught in possession in their own 22 and turned over, after failing to clear their lines. Hutton capitalised on the possession and were able score what would become the winning try.
Kirkham responded well to the continual physical challenges presented by the Hutton side and tenacious defence from Anderson and Gut, as well as strong runs from Hoad, Medcalfe and Merrick brought the home side very close to drawing the scores level in the final minutes of the game, but ultimately it was to be Hutton who ended the game victors.
A very competitive game in which either side could have edged it. Kirkham will look to work harder on their retention of possession before their forthcoming fixture next week.
U13B vs Hutton U13B
Lost 5-35
Kirkham faced a strong Hutton side who were clearly a well drilled team. The game started pretty evenly but Hutton grew into the game and began taking control of possession. This continued throughout the game, despite KGS having some good periods of their own. Despite the score line KGS defended brilliantly and have plenty of positives to take forward into their upcoming games.
U12A vs Hutton U12A
Lost 25-20
U12B vs Hutton U12B
Draw 5-5
The u12 B team showed a gutsy performance against a strong, physical Hutton side. Both teams had a lot of possession but strong defence from both sides only saw two tries being scored all game. Ben Nicholls was the stand out performer with several potent runs and a try to his name.
