PUBLISHED 17 January 2023
AKS rugby continued to thrive in November and December with games against Hutton Grammar, Scarisbrick and St David’s College. Although this saw the end of our principal season, AKS still have the 1st XV and the U16’s in the Quarter finals of the Lancashire Cup, and the U15’s in the 3rd round of the National Bowl. This will see an exciting start to January with those teams in action again.
U12s
Against Hutton the U12s continued in their good form. AKS showed their physicality from the start, with some effective rucking and quick handling to put in a couple of quick scores, with one fine individual effort from Will H. The early surge from AKS came to a halt with a loss of rhythm, which allowed Hutton back into the game late in the first half. The second half saw both teams gaining advantage and Hutton showing good rugby leading to a couple of scores. However, AKS were on fine form and with sustained pressure on their opponents, benefitted from a run of late tries. All in all, a fantastic display of team rugby from the U12’s. Final score 55 – 25.
Tries from Will H, Lucas, Monty, Thomas, Frankie, Ollie, and Harry.
U13s
U13s showed grit, courage, and resilience this week against a very physically imposing Hutton team. There were some brilliant passages of play, with impressive tackling and running into space, but unfortunately some decision making let AKS down, allowing Hutton to take advantage and several excellent opportunities going a miss.
Final Score 40-5 to Hutton and for his dogged determination Henry receives Player of the match.
U14s
The U14s played in their most physical performance of the year. AKS were forced to play the ball in to space and were able to gain some advantage in the wide channels. However, Hutton had a number of powerful ball carriers, who challenged the much-improved defensive shape of AKS. In a spirited performance AKS put a number of phases together in the second half, which challenged the resilient Hutton defence and resulted in a try.
Player of the match was Leo who continually found his space and scored the AKS try. Final score 5-28 to Hutton.
U15s
U15s won 43-24 in a fantastic display of open running rugby. AKS quickly took the lead with two very well constructed team tries scored out wide. In the early stages, the AKS defence was relentless, forcing mistakes and turnovers - hopefully a sign of things to come. Hutton gradually creeped their way back into the game scoring a number of short-range powerful tries of their own. In the second half, the handling skills of AKS proved too much as they were now able to attack at will.
Scoring opportunities were free flowing as they were able to keep the ball alive in and before contact, playing undoubtedly their best rugby of the season. The team should also be commended on their adaptability with many playing out of position!
1st XV
1st XV won 24-22. A slow start going 2 tries down. Managed to steady the ship and Dan went over for a try. Hutton scored again. AKS scored another through Dan and we were backing the game 14-15 to Hutton at half time. The squad were confident they could win the second half.
Second half AKS were strong and took control of the game, a try from Max S cutting a line through the middle. Then another from Dan to seal his hattrick. Hutton had a little flurry at the end to cross the line. 24.22 to AKS. A very pleasing morning with 24 squad members playing their part in the win, including Dan, Leo and Jasper. Mark H was outstanding.
Friday night lights
The 1st XV played Welsh touring team St David’s College, under flood lights at Fylde RFC. From the off AKS played at impressive speed and were able to exploit gaps in the visitor’s defence, despite strong tackling. This saw tries from Finn, Reece (x2), Mark (x2) and Joe in the first half. In the second half St David’s started to make some ground in attack and continued to battle in defence against an AKS team showing accuracy in their attack.
St David’s were able to get a try for their endeavours and deserved more from the game, but with their tails in the air AKS scored further tries from Sam Li and Cameron, with the try of the game going to Josh for a fantastic line hit in his one 22, to run the length to touch down.
U12s
On the Saturday the AKS U12s were back in action against Scarisbrick, topping off a fantastic first season for AKS, with a strong win on the road. Player of the match Harry M.
U13s
The U13s also travelled to Scarisbrick. With the hosts scoring first AKS were under pressure and managed to kept touch for most of the game, with some excellent passages of play leading to scoring opportunities throughout the game. Ben S crossed for an excellent try after a long run and David H crossed after another excellent run. Unfortunately, AKS did not capitalise enough, with handling errors taking away scoring opportunities and with inconsistency defensive line allowing Scarisbrick to core and pull away.
Final score 30-10. Player of the match Oliver C, who is really growing into the role of flyhalf.
U15s
AKS U15s were unable to back up on their previous performance against Hutton losing 44-26. Although extremely dangerous in attack, AKS gave away advantage at the breakdown and were unable to stop the strong runners from Scarisbrick from gaining key meters and creating scoring opportunities. They will take a well-earned rest now and look forward to playing in the third round of the National Bowl in January.
A huge thank you to the AKS parents, who have supported the student in their training and matches, cheering them on in all conditions.