PUBLISHED 24 September 2021
After 18 months without school rugby fixtures, it was fantastic to see AKS boys take to the field once again!
In week 1 AKS had conditioned training fixtures at U12, U13 and U16 with Stonyhurst college.
U12
The U12 fabulous start to their AKS careers, with only 6 of the 18 having played a competitive fixture before, they grew from strength to strength. First 3rd AKS scored first with Oakley capitalising on a dropped ball. Stonyhurst dominated the rest of the 3rd, but AKS grew in confidence around the contact area. In 2nd AKS scored 2 tries through Oakley and Will. Stonyhurst, came back with 1 late try. In the last 3rd AKS showed fantastic tenacity holding the ball up over the line 3 times and 2 try-saving tackles. They came close to scoring through Freddie and Finley. Stonyhurst had a late surge scoring 2 tries. All in all a huge improvement for the Y7s, much to work on but they are game and not shy of contact. Notable performances from Isaac, Jack and Finlay, but Henry received man of the match for the biggest tackle ever seen on a Year 7 pitch.
U13
The U13s were in a similar position to the year 7’s with a number of players playing their first rugby fixture. AKS started well with Leo showing a touch of individual brilliance to score the first try. St Mary’s Hall were a well-drilled team and moved the ball well to challenge the AKS defence and allowing them to capitalise picking up a brace of tries. AKS fought hard to stay in the game through ferocious tackling from Xavier, Jacob, Ethan, Jack, Charlie F, and Henry to keep them in the game and with ball in hand AKS showed some wonderful touches and an ability to learn and adapt as the game progressed. In the final 20 minute spell this progress culminated in Xavier and Jacob crossing the white wash following great passing and teamplay. Although there were many great performances Leo and Xavier shared Man of the Match.
U16
The under 15/16s put up an excellent performance against a strong and quick Stonyhurst team. The performance was hallmarked by tenacious defence with Cameron, John, Toby, Noah and Stan all making key contributions. The entire squad should be very proud of the spirit they showed after going two tries down. A strong work ethic and sustained pressure allowed AKS to build a platform that allowed the backs to start to stretch the opposition. With George carrying the ball with gusto and Finn and Sam Lo making important contributions, the home side scored an excellent try with Tom and Rio combining for Rio to muscle his way over the whitewash in the corner. A superb conversion from Felix reduced the deficit to only three points, and whilst the home side pushed for a winner, a quick turnover ball allowed the visitors to score 2 late tries.
Man of the Match was Felix, who marked his debut with an excellent performance
Week 2 AKS played Altrincham Grammar School in their first competitive fixtures of the season.
U12
An incredibly positive morning for the under 12s as they took on a strong Altrincham side.
AKS grew in confidence as the game progressed with strong tackling by David and with Will becoming increasingly influential, scoring 2 excellent tries and Matt displayed great pace in scoring an excellent individual effort. With Aiden and Eddie also crossing the whitewash, the team can reflect on a most encouraging performance and significant improvement in the course of the game.
MOM Will
U13
AKS started well with Ethan and Xavier controlling the game, however, a break away try from Altrincham left the U13s scratching their heads after dominating the start of the match. However, Altrincham had found space out wide and exploited it 2 further times to leave the half firmly in front.
The second half saw AKS dominated from the start, and despite being helped up 3 times over the line, they struggled to turn pressure into points. Late on in the half Cody, the powerhouse, showed his intent as he crashed over the line to give AKS hope, but it was not to be, despite their best efforts. Final score 5-15 to Altrincham
MOM Jack
U14
Altrincham scored an early try, slipping through some of the AKS tackles. AKS hit back quickly with a couple of really well-taken scores from Tommy.
Strong tackling from Will and carrying from Robert and Lucas kept Altrincham under pressure, but they finished well with a try just before half time.
Altrincham started the second half well scoring again, but AKS replied with two tries from Will scored two brilliant tries Charlie, Daniel and Alfie L continued to tackle ferociously and AKS continued to challenge with strong running from Harry and Sammy. Despite their best efforts, the final score was 20-35 to Altrincham.
MOM Daniel
U15/16
AKS started well looking the stronger side, when they moved the ball into the wider channels. As the game progressed Altrincham used their powerful forward to batter the AKS defence, which held resolute for long periods of time. The pressure eventually told as Altrincham managed to turn pressure into points later in the game. This was a tenacious performance by AKS with all players showing their character and there is no doubt that they will have success this season. Final score 31-0
MOM John
Seniors
AKS 1st XV got off to a great start. From the KO AKS attacked with pace and intensity, Nathan breaking the line before shipping wide to Franklin, Altrincham making the tackle but Tristan crashed over in the corner from the resulting ruck. From the KO AKS continued to catch Altrincham defence napping and with inter-passing, through the backline Daniel dabbed down under the post. Converted by Nathan. Altrincham started to get a foothold in the game with powerful forward play, but strong defence and turnover ball from Toby denied the home team from converting. As the half progressed Altrincham had possession for large periods of time, but it was AKS that looked potent in attack converting 2 further tried through Daniel and Toby. In the second half, a much tighter affair with AKS giving soft penalties for offside and spent a large period of time defending. As the game started to break down AKS gained possession and again made great inroads with ball in hand. Eventually, AKS were able to convert against with a pinpoint pass from Nathan to Tristan who hit a fantastic line to go untouched under the posts. Converted by Nathan. AKS continued to attack with flair culminating in a fantastic piece of interplay and Matthew selling a dummy which caught both attack and defence out, as he cruised into the corner. Final Score 0.38.
Notably performances for Cameron in his first 1st XV start, MOM Tristan
In the Lancashire Cup AKS 1st XV managed to scrape a win in a close physical encounter with St Edwards College. From the start of the game, St Edwards were extremely physical in defence and in the ruck making it was difficult for AKS to build momentum in attack, however Nathan found some space in behind with a rubber kick for Owen to gather and dot down to the right of the posts. St Edwards were soon back into the game as they battled against the wind and with slick handling from right to left, they made the most of an overlap to score in the corner. With the score 5-5 at halftime, AKS had it all to do playing into a stiff wind. St Edwards soon made the most of the advantage pinning AKS back in their half and making the pressure tell, as they scored a converted try.
The young AKS trio of Jeremy, Noah and Tom continued to work tirelessly across the back and were able to secure the ball and deny the visitors a further advantage off the boot. AKS Also managed more continuity in the half with powerful running from Mark, Louis and Tristan and Theo and Cameron rucking with fears’ determination. AKS took the advantage from a penalty, driving from the resulting maul and Toby crashing over to finish off the move, converted by Nathan. In the late stages of the game, AKS grew from strength to strength finding space with forwards inter-passing and creating space for Nathan to cruise down the right-wing and convert his own try. This was a great challenge for AKS who were challenged all the way by a strong St Edwards team, there was a great deal of learning from the game and the two sides look forward to the return leg next week in the National Vase.
AKS look forward to hosting Ripley St Thomas this week.