AKS U15 girls proved themselves a force to be reckoned with on the golf scene as they took part in the Lancashire Schools U15 Invitational Competition at Grange Park Golf Club in St Helens.Year 10 Adrianna E and Year 9 Rowan H played superb golf throughout the day to finish 1st and 2nd place in the competition. Great play off the tee and fairway along with consistent putting saw Adrianna head the field with an impressive total of 72 with Rowan just two shots behind with 74.
Three boys Lewis A, Lukas M and Thomas H also took part in the competition with Lewis A finishing 8th with a score of 71 and Lukas scoring 79.
On the cricket scene the U13 Girls are also making waves both indoors and outdoors.
As Lancashire Champions the U13 Girls represented AKS superbly at the North of England Indoor Cricket Finals, competing against some very strong opposition and gaining valuable experience throughout the day.
A tough opening game against Barnard Castle School saw us struggle to build momentum with the bat against a strong bowling attack and we posted a low total for the bowlers to defend. Despite some tight bowling Barnard Castle batted out their overs to post an impressive 111.
The girls, however responded brilliantly in the second match against King’s Priory producing an excellent all-round performance. We fielded first and some superb bowling and tight fielding restrict King’s Priory to 71 runs. Chasing 72 we batted confidently, with two players retiring in a standout team display which saw us post 91 to record our first win.
The final game against Repton was a close and competitive contest. We batted first and posted a respectable 65 runs but knew we would have to bowl and field well against a strong Repton side. We started well restricting the Repton batters in the opening overs but as the game progress they got in to their stride and gradually chased down our score to end up with 82 runs.
Overall, a really positive day for the group. The girls demonstrated a fantastic attitude, continuing to show the strength of cricket at AKS and the opportunities to compete at a high level.
Moving outdoors AKS hosted the Inaugural U13 Girls NW Invitational U13 Girls Cricket Festival, bringing together the best girls cricket schools in the NW of England & our girls gave a great account of themselves remaining undefeated in their 3 games.
It was a chilly start, but AKS quickly warmed into the day with an impressive opening performance against Stonyhurst. Batting first, AKS set a strong tone, posting a commendable 247. In response, Stonyhurst faced a disciplined bowling attack, with Penny A and Winnie v R each taking three wickets to keep them under pressure, restricting them to 223 and securing a confident opening win.
The second match saw AKS take on a strong King’s Macclesfield side. Undeterred by the challenge, AKS delivered another excellent all-round performance, combining sharp fielding with assured batting. They finished on 246, while King’s Macclesfield were held to 232, giving AKS their second victory of the day.
The final game brought a thrilling contest against Cheadle Hulme School. It was a tightly fought match throughout, with both sides going neck and neck. Heading into the final overs, the tension built, but crucial wickets from Hetty L-C and Neve A in the last two overs proved decisive. AKS held their nerve to win by just 8 runs, finishing on 238 to Cheadle Hulme’s 230.
It was a fantastic day of cricket in a fun and supportive environment, full of valuable learning experiences. A performance to be proud of by all the girls.
On the boys side the 1st XI played in the National Cup Semi-Final against Clitheroe RGS which was a masterclass in top-order batting. AKS set a very competitive platform, finishing their 20 overs at 133/2. The innings was anchored by a superb Rory U, who remained unbeaten on 72, showing great composure and timing. He was ably supported by Alfie K, whose brisk 47 put the Clitheroe bowlers under immense pressure early on.
However, the Clitheroe RGS openers found the AKS 1 wicket much to their liking and they chased down the target with clinical efficiency scoring 134 for the loss on just one wicket. Despite the result, the game was played in a fantastic spirit on a surface that offered plenty for batsmen who were willing to apply themselves.
The 1st XI then played in the T10 playoff against Kirkham Grammar. AKS demonstrated great developmental progress, particularly in their disciplined bowling and aggressive chasing. Bowling first, AKS restricted Kirkham to 83/5. Sammy C was the pick of the bowlers, utilizing the pace and carry of the wicket to claim 2 for just 8 runs. AKS batted superbly and reached the target with overs to spare, losing only one wicket in the process. Rory U again led the way with a composed 30 not out, while Xavier D capped off a fine all-round performance with an unbeaten 20.
The victory highlighted the squad's depth and their ability to adapt to the shorter format on a deck that rewarded clean hitting.