PUBLISHED 16 January 2020
A brilliant way to finish our season
Coming off a season full of learning and growth, the U13s were fired up and keen to prove that they could put their lessons into action - and results. AKS played a fast running game, with many strong runs from Jasper, Stan, Sam Li. and Josh Sq. With defense improving as the festival progressed, with Finn, Harvey, Sam Lo. and Daniel ferocious at times and certainly pressing the oppositions back. The 'engine room' of Toby, James and Max drove creativity and culminated in an amazing cross-field kick from Toby to find Stan in for the try.
In the first game AKS were slow to find their feet and some loose defence allowed Cowley to capitalise in the mistakes and take to win. However AKS showed their flair in attack scoring two well worked tries.
In the second game against Birkdale, AKS were unable to break the deadlock, scoring twice, but conceding on the back of their tries. They know they would have to up their game for the final group match against the the unbeaten St Edwards College. AKS started well, defending against the powerful runners from St Edwards College. AKS score first and look to be the aggressors for much of the game. in the late stages of the game, St Edwards made a break through and with good inter passing, brought the game even. Knowing they was only one minute to play, AKS took a quick kick off and received a penalty at the break down. Quick reactions by Toby saw them move the ball down the line and as Stan broke down the wing, the referee has to stop the game for a head injury. AKS took the penalty again, but were denied the opportunity to score in the dying second of the game.
Despite the result this was a fantastic team performance and gave AKS confidence as they went in to their final play off game for 5 and 6th place in the festival. In the final game against West Hill, AKS continued where they had left off in their previous match. Playing some fantastic running rugby and finding space for their efforts. In defence they were resolute and worked hard to turn the ball over at the breakdown.
After the competition coach Mr Castellas said "It was wonderful to see our boys overcome adversity and to show resilience and pride in their performance . This was a day they will remember and a brilliant way to finish our season and I am extremely proud of their efforts".
Game 1: AKS - Cowley HS (Tries: Stan, Jasper)
Game 2: AKS - Birkdale School (Tries: Finn, Josh B)
Game 3: AKS - St Edwards College (Try: Stan)
Playoff: AKS - West Hall (Tries: Finn, Stan, Harvey, Sam Li)