1st XV v Stonyhurst College
AKS 1st XV broke a 13-year lull against the formidable Stonyhurst College. From the early exchange, both teams had clear intent to move the ball to space and play with pace. With the wind on their faces and some handing errors AKS spent most of the half in their own half defending. On 14 minutes AKS made their first entry into the Stonyhurst half from a penalty. At the lineout AKS drove forward with Leo breaking off and Harvey schooling up the ball to clash over.
AKS then succomb the pressure as Stonyhurst made the half time score.5.10.
In the second half, AKS used the wind to good effect, pushing the visitors back into their half. This resulted in 2 penalties slotted by Felix to make the score 11.10. Stonyhurst soon bounced back with a try into the wind and took the lead. 11.17. AKS soon fought back stringing phases together and putting the visitor's under much pressure in their 22. This resulted in a penalty try for AKS to take the lead. For the final 10 minutes of the game AKS defended with ferocity, led by Jasper and Felix to see out the game and pick up a well-deserved win. Well done to all involved.
On Wednesday AKS travelled to Wirral in the 1st Round of the national Cup. From the kick-off AKS showed their intent with powerful direct running from the AKS forwards. This saw AKS run in 3 quick tries from Stan, Will W and Will S, with Felix converting 2. Wirral then hit back with a try after using the wind to pin AKS in their 22. AKS returned the favour with another try in the corner, after a Will W break and feeding Charlie to scorch into the corner. As the Half went on Wirral built into the game scoring again before half time and strong finish to the half. Score 12.24
In the second half AKS again took the initiative using the wind from a penalty, from the resulting lineout Leo dabbed the ball down from the back of a driving maul. Converted by Felix. AKS continued to dominate with a highly effective defensive line and when with ball in hand were able to convert with 3 more tries. These came from Stan, Sammy and Felix, with Felix kicking 2 for the extra points. It was Wirral who had the last say, with a try into the wind after a breakthrough the middle after good hands. Final score 19-50 to AKS. A great win and AKS look.forward.to playing Stonyhurst in the next round.
U12
AKS U12s had their first taste of rugby with opposition, playing a series of development games with Stonyhurst. Mr Chadwick was extremely pleased with the progress and looks forward to the next challenge against Altrincham. Well done to all the boys involved.
U13
In what was undoubtedly a challenging fixture, the AKS U13 team demonstrated incredible resilience and unity as they faced a formidable Stonyhurst side. Despite a loss the AKS boys walked off the field with their heads held high, proud of their determination and relentless spirit.
Stonyhurst came out strong, applying early pressure creating opportunity and some well-executed tries. Despite a slow start for AKS, the team stayed calm, focused, and most importantly, supported each other allowing them to build in confidence as the game progressed. The second half was a testament to the character, of the AKS team as they began to take control of the attacking game, showing grit and determination in their pursuit of points.
Our lone try, scored by Harry S., was the reward for a sustained period of attacking pressure. The build-up was a showcase of teamwork, skill, and sheer persistence. When Harry crossed the line, the roar from the parents and supporters was electric, reflecting just how much the effort meant to everyone involved.
It was a game filled with learning opportunities, and the emergence of leadership on the field was particularly encouraging. Stanford N, our well-deserved Man of the Match.
U14
In a close fought game AKS played up the hill against a well motivated and resilient Stonyhurst team. AKS defended valiantly but found themselves 15.0 at half time. In the second half, AKS with the slop, managed to get more continuity in their play and astute kicking from Harry pinned Stonyhurst in their own half. This resulted in tried from Monty and Rico, then in the final 5 minutes, AKS pulled ahead with a hard line from Monty to cruise through for the winning try.
Man of Match Monty. Final score 26 – 24 to AKS
U15
With an injury struck team, the U15’s played 3 thirds of 20 minutes as a development tool for the students. In the first third, AKS started slowly allowing Stonyhurst to control much of the possession. From the resulting pressure, Stonyhurst were able to capitalise with tires on the board. In the 2nd Third, AKS grew in confidence and showed great resilience as they fought to get a foot in the game. In the final third, AKS managed to score 3 tries, showing great tenacity and development as the session progressed, never giving up. Player of the game, Finlay L. Tries from David H & Ray N.
Final Score 57 – 17 to Stonyhurst