PUBLISHED 19 November 2021
Friday 5th November
AKS played host to Lancaster Royal Grammar School U12’s, with both A and B teams in action. In the A team AKS were slow off the mark allowing Lancaster to dominate the first half and run in a number of tries. In the second half the team showed great resolve as they put in a fantastic defensive effort and with a try from Tom the second half was a very close affair with Lancaster scoring 2 tries to 1. MOM Thomas K
In the B team, there was a spirited display from our fledgling rugby team, who stuck together and never gave up. Lots of fantastic signs to move forward with including improvements in structure, tackling and ball movement. Very proud of our boys who represented AKS very well. MOM & try scored by Oakley.
Saturday 6th November
AKS played a block fixture against Birkenhead
AKS U12A was a game of missed opportunities for AKS, giving Birkenhead possession for the vast majority of the match. AKS showed excellent skills and improvement in a number of areas over the course of the match, with some ferocious tackling being a standout. Final score 4-1 to Birkenhead, AKS try-scorer Thomas K.
AKS U12 B, played in a 22 try thriller against Birkenhead B team. The squad clearly growing from their game earlier in the week, put on a fine display of running rugby scoring a mammoth 11 tries. Equally, Birkenhead showed some brilliance in attack equalling the AKS scoreline. Both teams will look to develop their defensive alignment as they progress into the next match.
AKS U13s were in a scrappy, hard-fought game which saw Birkenhead just nudge ahead to win 15 points to 10. The game had excellent tackling and AKS moved the ball well, as well as strong rucking later in the game. Outstanding contributions came from Xavier and Ethan with notable performances from Jacob, Jack, Henry, Will, Leo, and Cody. On this day in recognition of his many piercing runs, never-say-die attitude and positive mindset the MOM is awarded to Xavier.
AKS U14s had a learning experience with a strong Birkenhead team determined to play tight rugby and play to their strengths. This saw AKS concede 6 tries through pick and go and there was much to learn about how to defend this tactic. With ball in hand, AKS looked start and moved the ball well to score 4 well-worked tries. Final score 45-20 to Birkenhead.
The AKS Senior squad was hit hard through injury and unavailability which saw 15 players available. Despite this AKS put in a heroic effort with strong defence and some exceptional touches in attack. In the first half, AKS took the early advantage with tries through Tristan and Daniel, but Birkenhead started to use the wind and pressuring the AKS line making and taking the lead 14 – 15 at halftime. In the second half, AKS took the lead once more with a try through Maurice and looked to be in control of the game with the wind at their backs. A further 2 penalties kicked by Daniel kept the lead despite a try from Birkenhead against the run of play. As AKS bodies started to tire, Birkenhead used their substitutions well and grew from strength to strength playing into the wind, eventually scoring the try to seal the win 21.25. This was a very close game with the AKS 15 never giving up and fighting to the last second of the game. Well done to all involved.
Thursday 11th November
AKS U14’s were in action in the Lancashire Cup travelling to Standish High School.
From the early exchanges, AKS had the advantage in the scrum with the strongest pushing from Toks and Lucas this season which set up a great platform for Charlie and Tommy to run hard off Sammy who controlled the game early on from fly half. AKS had a couple of phases of play halted by a mistake or not being aggressive enough at the breakdown. Standish then broke through a lot of tackles to run the length of the pitch and score a try against the run of play. After the team regrouped under the posts, AKS then managed to get back on top and kept the pressure on the Standish try line. Before long Tommy burst through for AKS’s first try.
AKS scored a couple more tries through Tommy again and Alfie. But Standish were always a threat from AKS mistakes and missed tackles.
In the second half, AKS found it a lot harder playing up the hill and Standish scored again. Stronger rucking and defence from Dan and Robert M combined with more contributions from Jonny and Jack with hard running meant that space was there for Will to take advantage of with a great score to seal the victory.
Final Score 20-10 to AKS. Man of the match - Tommy for strong tackling, hard running and some excellent kicks.
Saturday 13th November
This week saw AKS Prep School in action travelling to St Mary’s Hall (Stonyhurst)
The Year 3 & 4 team won 2 games, drew 1, and lost 1 in a fantastic display of evasive running and passing. Whilst the Year 5’s had two great games winning the first game and losing the second, they showed great teamwork and attitude throughout the morning and with this much improvement across the team.
In the senior school AKS faced St Mary's Crosby.
The U12’s played in a game that was littered with opportunities for learning, the boys grew throughout and were unrecognisable from the squad that started the game both with their style of play and overall attitude. Credit to the ref Oliver, who took every opportunity to coach both sets of lads through the game and highlighting what he was looking for. This was a fantastic learning opportunity for both boys and staff. In the end AKS were pipped at the post as St Mary’s ran out winners with 4 tries to 3.
AKS U13s had a slow start to the game, but built in confidence as the game progressed. This saw a try through Leo, following a great tackle from M.O.M. Charlie F. AKS showed lots of heart and never gave up which was very pleasing to see. Still much to work on but much to be proud of.
The U14s played a strong St Marys and from the start were unable to match the home teams physicality conceding a number of tries. The team showed tenacity and character as they continued to get a foothold in the game and build on the positives. The final score was 45-10 to St Marys and MOM Charlie K with Alfie k as the try scorer.
The 1st XV had a bad day at the office suffering a 43-12 loss to St Mary’s Crosby. St Marys showed their strong strike runners from the start of the game and punished AKS for poor kick chase. AKS improved as the first half progressed scoring a try through Toby and going into half time 19-3 down. In the second half, AKS looked like they were going to play their way back into the game, but the last pass just didn’t stick and saw a number of chances go begging. A try from Daniel kept AKS in the race, but St Mary’s capitalised on tired bodies as the game broke up running out deserved winner. The 1st XV will regroup in training this week and look forward to the next challenge, playing our old friends at Bolton school.