PUBLISHED 25 January 2024
AKS U16's played host to Stonyhurst in the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Cup.
AKS started well into the wind attacking with strong running through the centre from Tommy and Zac. However, with some poor discipline at the breakdown, Stonyhurst ticked a penalty to get the first points on the board. AKS soon bounced back through strong running from Lucas and Ted up front Sammy kicked the ball through for William to scoop up and take the lead in the game, Tommy added the extras. As the two sides jostled late in the half, the Stonyhurst 13 showed his class skipping through a gap in the defence to take the lead back. From the kick-off AKS hustles with strong tackling from both Jack's up front and a Jackle from Ted won AKS a penalty in front of the posts. Tommy did not need an invitation to slot the ball home and make the score 10-10 at half time.
In the second half, and with the wind in their favour AKS kicked well and pressurised the Stonyhurst line. The AKS team stretched the defence as they attacked right and then moved the ball left to release Jacob, who showed his acrobatic skills to touch down in the corner. Moments later AKS struck again with Lucas crashing through the defence and as he was tackled managed to stretch out his arm to take AKS to a 14-point lead, with Tommy kicking the conversion. At this point AKS were in the driving seat and looking comfortable, unfortunately, this was short-lived as Stonyhurst started to find some space, with strong carries up front and the backs finding space.
AKS gave away numerous penalties as the pressure mounted and Stonyhurst took the opportunities scoring 2 tries and bringing the game back to two points. AKS did not panic however, with strong leadership from Tommy and Sammy, they once again pressured the Stonyhurst line. A well-weighted kick from Sammy, saw William scoop up the ball for the second time and score to extend the lead. Not to be outdone Sammy showed his running game jinking through the defence to seal the win for AKS, conversion kicked by Tommy.
Defence wins games and this was evident in this game with notably strong tackling from Alfie, Robert and Ted up front and Sammy, Tommy and Charlie in the backs. However, Man of the Match went to Zac who was fantastic in organising the defence and came up with an epic try-saving tackle when the game was in the balance.
AKS look forward to playing Scarisbrick in the next round.