PUBLISHED 28 November 2022
It has been another busy half term for the AKS rugby programme, with the development of players and fixtures throughout the first 3 week. To start the half term, AKS U16s hit the ground running with a strong performance against Manchester GS in the Lancashire Cup. With glimpses of excellence in attack and very strong defence, AKS scored 6 tries to 1 in a scrappy encounter in the rain. Tries from Felix x 2, Josh, Stan, Sammy, & Tommy. Felix kicked 5 conversions. Player of the Match Daniel
Also in the Lancashire Cup. AKS U15s were in cup action in a nail-biting game against Hutton. AKS showed fantastic attacking skills from the start with Alfie L crossing the line after moving the ball from side to side to stretch the visitor's defence. A lapse in concentration from the kick off however allowed Hutton back into the game, this game of try tennis continued as the match progressed, but Hutton were kicking well from the T and by half time were in the lead 22-15.
In the second half AKS continued to build on their score and with lapses in concentration allow the strong runners of Hutton to score. With 5 minutes left in the game 27-34 to Hutton and AKS turned up the pressure with William cutting through the defensive line to score, bringing the teams equal in points and all to play for. In the exchanges of the final minutes AKS managed once again to stretch the Hutton defence with Aidyn scooting over in the left corner to seal the victory. 41-34.
The first block fixture of the half term was against Birkenhead, this saw another stunning victory for the 1st VX with Captain Dan scoring a hattrick, along with Finn and Cameron. AKS 1st VX continue to string together impressive performances with a large number of U16s, showing their ability to play 1st XV rugby. The final score 25-17, Player of the game Sam Lo.
Meanwhile, the U15s, continue to develop their defensive game and despite losing, played some impressive rugby. Whilst defending for large periods of the game, the U15s showed outstanding composure and resilience throughout, maintaining their discipline. Regardless of the final score they should be unbelievably proud of how they conducted themselves whilst still trying to play rugby.
The U14s, struggling with injuries, put together a spirited and gutsy performance going up the hill first half, going in 1 try all at half time. In the second half some decisions in attack to carry instead of move the ball proved to be costly, as AKS played into Birkenhead’s hands, sith Birkenhead scoring 2 late trys. Final score 17-7 to Birkenhead and Player of the Match Xavier.
AKS U13s played a strong Birkenhead team, they were strong direct runners and moved the ball in to space well. AKS defence, lost its shape under the pressure in the first half. In the second half the AKS team showed their composure under pressure and great tenacity to finish the match with a positive half. The team fought hard to earning the respect of their opponents, but were unable to cross the whitewash to score. Final Score 30-0, with Player of the Match William G
U12 A’s put in a really impressive performance in both play and attitude. Birkenhead were a good, physical side with a very powerful player, but AKS defended superbly, ruck and counter tucked with aggression and moved the ball really well, particularly in the 2nd half. Final Score 5-25 to Birkenhead, the try scorer William H
U12B’s were in an end to end, action packed game with both teams showing great attacking ability. AKS opened their account with one of the finest individual tries seen at this level, running almost the length of the pitch, Max beat 6 or 7 players, before scooting over the try line. This was followed by Isa and Coby, who both of whom scored incredible tries. Final Score 40-35. The entire team are worthy of high praise and what was a great performance. Player of the Match goes to Max.
The next block fixture saw AKS play the ever strong St Mary’s Crosby. The 1st XV, (missing captain Daniel) had a young and exciting AKS first team line up, looking to put out a strong performance, away from home. AKS kicked off through Felix and some good defence early on earned AKS a scrum, this allowed AKS to string together phases to stretch the St Mary’s defence, but this was halted by Crosby’s 8, who jackaled the ball brilliantly at the ruck throughout the game.
Despite a bright start with strong running from mark, who stepped through tackles to gain yards, AKS found themselves defending for large periods of time. Leading the charge in defence Felix was like a man possessed, smashing the St Mary’s attach back, ably supported by Cameron and Stan, putting in countless tackles to hold off the Crosby attack. St Mary’s drew first blood as the pressure started to mount and AKS gave away a number of penalties, and despite a monster hit from Toby, the home team back it up with another try coming from a driving maul.
The visitors were not about to lie down as they found themselves in the Crosby 22 with a lineout and this saw some fantastic attack, with Reece and Joe linking to pressure the defence and earn a penalty. A quick tap saw Mark power through the defensive line and dive over the whitewash for AKS’s first try of the match. The half time score 21-5.
In the second half AKS tightened up on key areas highlighted by Mr Mac, and scored a brilliant ball from a lineout, releasing Mark to run down the blind side, beating two defenders, diving over the line for his second try. AKS followed this up with Theo turning over the ball at Crosby's line out and with quick hand, Finn was released into space, to pressure the try line and picking up a penalty. Quick thinking from Reece saw him nudge the ball into space behind Crosby’s line, and with a superb chase by Aki, who won the ball back, released Finn in space once again and he played a sublime inside ball to Mark, who went over for his third try and he completes his hattrick. St Mary’s kicked a penalty and then in the final stages of the game Cameron chasing down a box kick, juggled with the ball before flopping over the line for a 4th AKS try. The final score 24-22 to St Marys Crosby. Player of the match was Mark and honourable mention to Felix with a stellar performance, leading by example with his defensive effort. And we wish him a speedy recovery with his injury.
Despite efforts the U15’s conceded early on following a run from one of St Mary’s strong athletic lads and unfortunately this set the tone for the game. AKS lost their shape in defence and despite a gutsy scramble defence, St Mary’s were able to attack with pace in the broken field. Just before half time, AKS scored the best try on the day from a line out going wide early and then stung back to score in the corner after two phases. In the second half AKS tightened up in defence to stem the strong runners from St Mary’s, but were unable to close the gap in score, created in the first half. Mr Jones was proud of their efforts and the team will look to tighten up their defence ready for Bolton School.
The U14’s played in a crunching encounter, showing great defensive shape about lapses in tackling were costly. AKS score 2 great tries and caused St Mary’s problems when they moved the ball, but were unable to make pressure into points. Final score 39-14 to St Mary’s, with Player of the Match Leo for his outstanding defence and attack all game.
The U13’s learned some valuable lessons in the previous weeks and with the main focus on defensive line integrity and ball management in attack. It was pleasing to see the team communicating and organising amongst themselves and working together towards their shared goals of success. A brilliant individual effort from Tino yielded 5 tries. Final Score 40-20 win and another excellent performance by the team this week, well done!
Tries: Valentino G P 5, Isaac B 2, Henry C 1. Player of the match: Valentino G P
AKS U12’s grew into the game, but found themselves outplayed in the first 20, shipping 3 tries to 1. As the game progressed, AKS improved markedly to get back into the game with strong running from Monty and passing from Harry, seeing Isa and Will H scoring a try a piece. Final Score 40-30 to St Mary’s. Player of the Match William.
Next up AKS hosted Bolton School, this saw the 1st XV bounce back from last week in a stunning performance in the winter sun. AKS played their fast expansive game stretching the Bolton defence, and resulting in 2 tries for Joe and Sam Lo who continues to impress with his lines of running. Bolton had their moments in the first half and found joy crashing the ball up with their strong forwards around the ruck. They were able to score to make the half time score 19-5. In the second half Cameron lead the charge in defenceably backed up by 2nd row duo Theo and Max. This gave AKS more ball in attack and they made the most of it with Finn, Daniel and Josh all getting on the end of well worked tries. Bolton had the last say with a try at the end of the game making the final score 34-10. Player of the Game Joe, who beat just about every defender on the pitch. Other notable performances, Iestyn and Max G, who worked tirelessly in defence.
The U15’s had a much improved performance both in attack challenging the Bolton defence and in defence, holding their shape. Despite their best efforts they lost 33-10 to a powerful Bolton team.
There were plenty of positives from the game, AKS scoring very impressive tries using slick handling and positive movement of the ball. Opposed to Bolton’s very direct style of play. AKS welcomed Flynn and Lewis who made their debuts and played their first competitive game of rugby, equipping themselves fantastically. Final Score 40-21 to Bolton, with Player of the Match William.
In a game that will be remembered not for the score, but for how AKS carried themselves. The AKS team were outplayed by a Bolton team with size, speed and ‘rugby smarts’. Whilst disappointed at the scoreboard, the boys collectively decided to continue the match in a quest to score and earn back some respect. The quote from the team was “we’re not leaving until we score!” Luckily it came late in the game, with the team not giving up, fighting for every inch of turf. A big celebration was had and the lads took away the respect of the opposition and pride in their own team character. The opposition coach commented on the courage and resilience of the players and they left the pitch with their heads held high. The AKS boys will learn from this experience and be better rugby players and young men for it. Proud of you lads! Mr Castellas
U12’s won 45-20 in a superb performance with strong game management. AKS showed their progress and adaptability where they worked out how to break the oppositions defence down successfully, moved the ball quickly and rucking to win quick ball. Player of the Match Harry.