2 April 2025
Kirkham Grammar School’s U15s rugby squad faced off against Lancaster RGS in a thrilling Lancashire Cup Final on Monday night. With both teams enjoying strong seasons and splitting their previous two encounters, anticipation was high for a tight contest—and the game didn’t disappoint.
Kirkham stormed out of the gate, racing to a 14-0 lead within the first 10 minutes. The dynamic Jack Gillett crossed the line twice, with Harry Lawson nailing both conversions. Lancaster, however, refused to roll over. Echoing their comeback in November’s National Plate clash, they seized control of possession and territory. Kirkham’s defense stood tall, with Johnny Wright, Midi Martins, and Maxim McKay delivering bone-rattling tackles to thwart Lancaster’s hefty forwards. Despite the resistance, Lancaster’s backs eventually clicked, slicing through to narrow the gap to 14-7. They kept the pressure on, pinning Kirkham back on their own line. Even after Karter Virdee’s yellow card, Kirkham dug deep, with Jack Kelso’s critical turnover securing a hard-fought halftime lead.
The second half picked up where the first left off, with Lancaster’s blue-and-blacks hammering Kirkham’s try line. A penalty try followed some questionable play from Kirkham, and a second yellow—this time to Harry Lawson—left them reeling at 14-14 with only 13 players. Yet, against the odds, Kirkham rallied. Johnny Wright powered over after a patient buildup, and McKay’s conversion restored their lead at 21-14.
A spell of tactical kicking followed, but Lancaster’s elusive No. 13 broke free, capitalizing on Kirkham’s depleted numbers to score and level the game at 21-21 with a well-taken conversion. With their full XV restored, Kirkham began to assert themselves. Slick interplay between Seb Clarke and captain Oliver Hartley-Pagnillo carved out space for Karter Virdee, who darted over for a pivotal try. Lawson’s extras pushed the score to 28-21. Moments later, Harry Walls conjured a moment of brilliance off the restart, weaving past two defenders and scorching 60 meters to beat the fullback, his converted try stretching Kirkham’s lead to 35-21.
Lancaster fought to the end, pulling one back with two minutes remaining as McKay picked up Kirkham’s third yellow card of the night. But in the final seconds, Kelso and Harry Rawlinson teamed up to force a Lancaster error, allowing Kirkham to clear their lines from the scrum and seal the victory.
It’s been a stellar season for Kirkham’s U15s, capped by a National Final appearance and now back-to-back Lancashire Cup triumphs. The Kirkham community beams with pride at this talented group, many of whom are tipped to shine in the senior ranks in the years ahead.