PUBLISHED 03 March 2023
It’s been a fantastic time to be part of the AKS Prep Sport programme with no time to stop for all our sporting stars.
In the last week of Spring Term 1, we had both our U11 Boys & Girls football squads in competitive action in AJIS competitions.
Our boys travelled to Cheadle Hulme to compete in the Plate Finals. Against some very tough opponents, our boys did extremely well and competed in all the games they played, with some fantastic saves from Rupert in goal and fine defensive displays from George C.
The girls travelled to Platt Lane Sports Complex in Manchester and played extremely well, scoring lots of goals (2 from corners by Katie W) and remaining unbeaten for the day against some very tough opposition. It was great to see the girls enjoying themselves and looking to play exciting football the AKS way. Thanks to our travelling supporters and special guest Tristan Woodman (England U20 International, Sales Sharks professional and ex-AKS student) who cheered the girls on.
After a short half-term break, both our U9 Girls Netballers and U11 Girls Hockey squad made the short trip to St Mary’s Hall (Stoneyhurst) on Tuesday 21st Feb, competing in the U9 Netball Festival & U11 Lancashire Girls Hockey Tournament.
In the U9 Netball Festival, after a narrow 2-0 loss in game 1, the girls re-grouped and went on to win their next 2 matches 1-0 and 4-1. with Evie grabbing a handful of goals. Some fine play and understanding from all the girls in their first taste of competitive action, Emily H was dominant in defence.
Our U11 Hockey squad gave a great account of themselves in this competition, narrowly losing out to St Mary’s Hall in their final game. With the game end to end, AKS created lots of chances but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be on this occasion.
On Monday 27th February, AKS hosted the U11 AJIS Cup and Plate Hockey Finals at Preston UCLAN Sports Arena. With the competition split over 2 sections, our U11A squad competed for the Cup and our B’s for the Plate.
In the Cup competition, AKS did extremely well and came runners up to Manchester High School for Girls, who narrowly defeated our girls with a 1-0 victory, with seconds to spare. After 7 games, the girls won 4, drew 2 and lost 1, keeping 6 clean sheets in total. A fine display from Leila B in goal and a defensive team performance when required. Sadie managed to score a hat-trick in one game.
In the Plate competition, the girls won 1, drew 3 and lost 2, in a strong field of teams. It was a great opportunity for the girls with a debut in goal for Lucy Parkes and many of the squad being a year younger than other schools. It was pleasing to see the girls enjoying their experience and further developing their hockey skills.
On Wednesday 1st March, it was the turn of our U11 Rugby squad who made the short trip to Rossall to compete in the 45th Annual Rugby 7’s Festival. In the emerging tier category, AKS faced some very big schools (SMH, Altrincham Prep, Bury Grammar & Rossall) and gave a great account of themselves.
In game 1 and with a slow start, the boys showed great resilience and tenacity, and with a 3-1 deficit at one stage, managed to secure a 4-4 draw against SMH, with tries from George S, Henry T, Archie B and Thomas H. In their final game, AKS grabbed their first victory of the afternoon with a 3-2 win, Archie was voted player of the game by the opposition, for his hard work rate and attacking play. It was a great team performance from all and fitting for the boys to win after all their hard work and endeavours.
On the evening of Wednesday 1st March, our Indoor Athletics Squad took to the arena at Blackpool Stanley Park, competing in the Wyre & Fylde Sports hall Athletics Finals. With 11 schools competing from across the area, AKS faced some very stiff competition, and after having being crowned LSA Champions in the previous stage, unfortunately, were not able to repeat this feat, finishing 8th overall and the 3rd best placed Fylde school, a fantastic achievement this season from all.
Looking ahead - and the action never stops! The children are competing in the following events in the next few days:
Saturday 4th March - U12 Jean Torrence Hockey Tournament - AKS Lytham
Tuesday 7th March - U10 Girls Hockey Tournament - St Mary’s Hall
Tuesday 7th March - U11 A & B LSA Football fixture - AKS Lytham
Wednesday 8th March - U11 Lancashire Boys Hockey Finals - AKS Lytham
Wednesday 8th March - Year 3/4 Rugby friendly fixtures - AKS Lytham
Friday 10th March - Year 3/4 Wyre & Fylde Football Festival - AKS Lytham
Another exciting opportunity for all and a busy week for the AKS Sports staff, thanks to everyone for all their hard work and dedication.
Mr Moretti