PUBLISHED 01 November 2022
AKS rugby club continued to flourish in the first half term, with great results against our old rivals Ripley St Thomas, the 18s in action in the National Vase and U15s in the National Bowl, as well as the U12’s annual tour (report to follow) to Llandudno.
U12B
The U12B’s faced a very big Ripley side. AKS elected to attempt to play the ball and attack the space with ball in hand, whilst keeping away from contact. This is always difficult as players are new to the game and still learning, and as such the first ten minutes saw a lot of knock-ons and scrums, which played very much into the opposition's hands. When the passes went to hand AKS looked very dangerous and ran with intent. Structure and shape followed time and as the game progressed AKS were able to score two excellent tries through Oliver. Half-time score 3-2 down. Ripley continued to run hard and straight and a few missed tackles from AKS led to a further 2 tries conceded. Oliver managed to claim his hat trick with some excellent work at the breakdown from Max K and waving the ball wide to Oliver in space who showed superb pace to outrun the covering defence. Strong mentions for Tarek who was a powerful ball carrier throughout, Max who tackled and ran hard Ben B who grew into the game with physicality and aggression. The final score was 25-15 in a well-contested game.
Player of the match: Oliver V-R for his three excellent tries, his tackling throughout and his willingness to move the ball wide.
U12A
The U12A continued in their run of good form, showing strong tackling and were particularly good around the ruck, regularly turning over the ball. With ball in hand, AKS were able to move the ball and find space to score a well-deserved 6 tries. Final Score 30 – 5 to AKS.
Player of the match: Monty for his strong tackling and aggressive running.
U13
AKS U13s continued to build on previous weeks with another strong performance. Playing into strong winds in the first half, the AKS team defence was tight, tough and took away space from the opposition. In attack AKS showed their creativity, using the full width of the field, attacking space and keeping the ball moving forward. The first try went to David with a powerful run taking the lead 5-0 heading into the 2nd half. Now with the wind behind them, AKS were keen to take advantage. This saw AKS cross twice through Tino and with some brilliant runs by Oakley and Aiden, they were able to put Ripley under pressure. In defence Freddie, William and Henry, set the tone with fearless tackling and rucking to round off a brilliant team performance and well-deserved win. Final Score 15-0.
Player of the match: Aiden
U14
The U14s continue to build their season with a good win against a spirited Ripley team. Playing against wind first half AKS were able to finish the half 10-5 up showing a much-improved defensive line. In the second half and with the wind behind, AKS were too much for Ripley, with AKS scoring 4 unanswered tries, of which Leo Matthew’s grabbing a brace.
Player of the match: Ethan who was the standout player on the day.
U16/17
The U16/17 combined in a fantastic display of rugby. From the start, AKS used the width of the pitch and caused Ripley problems. Ripley were not shy of work as they tackled tirelessly and continued to AKS issues at the breakdown. Tries from Jeremy x3 Josh x2, Maksim, Finn, Cameron and Sam Li. Stand out performances Jasper, Iestyn, Aki and Dan. The champagne moment was the Sam Li try, with superb, interesting from Finn R. Overall a very well-rounded performance for AKS.
U18
In the cup competitions, AKS U18 took on Scarisbrick in the Lancashire Cup winning 40 – 7 in terrible conditions and a game where the score does not reflect the effort from a tenacious opposition. Try scorers were Daniel x 3, Mark, Reece and Josh.
Player of the match: Daniel for his control of the game and picking up a hattrick.
U18 National Vase
The following week AKS U18s were in action again, this time in the National Vase against Erymsteds from Skipton. This was an extremely tight game from the start with both teams defending well. Ermysteds opened the scoring with a converted try and with the wind behind them, kept the pressure on AKS, but with outstanding tackling from Mark and Iestyn AKS kept them at bay. When in possession of the ball and despite the inclement weather, AKS spread the ball to find space out wide. This gave Finn the opportunity to beat his man with a chip and chase for a spectacular finish. Just before half time, Ermysteds broke free again to give themselves breathing space at half time, 14-5.
In the second half Daniel used the wind well and pinned Ermysteds into their half, this saw a number of opportunities for AKS, but a very resolute defence kept AKS from scoring despite Daniel being held up over the line. Final Score 14-5 to Ermysteds.
Player of the match: Finn R for his outstanding try and work rate in defence.
U15 National Bowl
In the National Bowl AKS U15s were in action again against Ermysteds at home. From the early interactions, it was clear that these teams had very different game plans. AKS spread the ball wide with every opportunity and Ermysteds used their powerful runners through the middle and were very strong around the ruck. AKS were able to exploit the space on the pitch and score a number of tries in the first half with the half time score 35-5. In the second half, Ermysteds battled hard to get back into the game and close down the deficit causing problems for the AKS defence and dominating the ruck area. However, AKS were too elusive in possession of the ball and were able to keep their noses ahead. Final score 45-31.
Player of the match: Tommy for his strong running and tackling.
AKS look forward to November and the next round of fixtures.
Mr A Holmes