PUBLISHED 10 September 2021
AKS Senior squad travelled to Merchant Taylors last Saturday in preparation for the season ahead. The day was aimed at development games and as such the teams played adapted laws, to ensure a safe return to rugby after such a long layoff.
In the first game, AKS were a little slow off the mark allow the big Merchant Taylors pack to gain momentum, scoring an early try after some passive defence. Conversion missed.
AKS soon realised the oppositions game plan with Toby M dishing out clear and effective instructions. He then caused chaos in the Merchant Taylors rucks slowing down ball and stopping the home sides momentum. This along with a greater urgency across the team and exceptional tackling from Harry C and Fraser B, saw the AKS boys to start to dominate position as the half went on and scored an excellent team try, finished in corner by Mark H. Conversion scored 5-7
In the second half Merchant Taylors scored another early try straight from the kick-off, with miscommunication, as combinations in the AKS backline get to know each other. Conversion scored.
AKS continued to battle showing glimpses of creative attack, but as the game neared the close, Merchants scored a third try through a bit of individual brilliance. Conversion scored
Final score: FT:19-7
In the second game, AKS faced St Anselms and from the kick-off, AKS cleared their lines superbly well firing deep into the opposition half. AKS followed this us with good line speed in defence, which led to an excellent turnover in St Anselms 22 and Nathan E hit an unstoppable line through the defence to score out wide. Conversion scored. St Anselms hit back immediately kicking deep into AKS territory and then crossing the whitewash with several pick and go’s from the breakdowns. 7-5 AKS
St Anselms started the 2nd half with real intensity and, after concerted pressure crossed the try line under the posts. Conversion scored. Despite a gutsy effort from the AKS players the power and pace of St Anselms was too much to contain, and with three further scores just before the final whistle, Anselms sealed a win. FT: 7-29
AKS can take many positives from the games and are going into the season with a greater understanding of their strengths and areas for development. This was also a fantastic opportunity for players new to the squad and saw 11 players making their senior debut.
AKS look forward to next week where we host Stonyhurst in the first competitive fixture of the season.