AKS 1st XV played St Andrew Scots, an Argentina touring team. It was a close fought game in the early exchange, with St Andrews playing a good territory game and AKS showing good power in the close exchanges. The first half went to the tourist scoring 2 late tries before half time. In the second half AKS used the wind well and took control, playing territory and carrying well off 10. After some powerful running from the two Jack's, released Zac to power through out wide. AKS then took the lead after a powerful run from Harry W crashing over the line converted by Xavier to make the score 14-12. St Andrews showed moments of excellence putting AKS under pressure. However with William H leading the way with bone crushing tackles, AKS stayed resolute their defence. AKS made good territory again following back to back penalties from the tourist. This saw AKS play their best rugby of the day, Carrying well and moving the ball to space, eventually slick hand across the backline, and Tom glided around his man to score the final try of the game. Despite a valiant effort from the visitors, and a penalty kick, AKS finished off a good performance. Final score 21.15.
Last Wednesday our U16’s took on Stockport away from home. 20 students took part in the fixture. The lads defended incredibly well in the first half to keep the hosts out whilst managing to score two screamers down the left edge. The second half was underway and the AKS boys were getting into the flow of the game building some nice phases and managed to score three more tries. Stockport managed to grab two of their own before the final whistle making the score 12-27 to the AKS men.
Aspirited AKS U15 team with only 15 men took on Scarisbrick Hall U15’s. The first half was a close battle with play swinging between the two halves. Stamford was the man that went over making the score 5-12 to the opposition. Just after halftime, Shep used the wind to his advantage and sent the ball downfield with Jackson racing after it. The ball bounced perfectly into his hands and touched down. The momentum was with the home side. Raff then followed up with two scores of his own in the left corner with some excellent ball movement. The game ended 27-19 to AKS
U12A Won 35 – 15 against Scarsbrick. It was a game of two halves for the boys today. The hill made all the difference in the game with AKS moving the ball well throughout, but pulling away in the second half due to the help from the slope. The boys played with too much width for their opposition. Mully came away with a well taken hat-trick but MVP was Barney G who’s tackling and ruck presence was exceptional throughout.
It was a great week of Cup action for AKS hockey teams with three teams progressing through to the next round of Cup competitions.
The U13s began their Cup campaign against local rivals Rossall with a fantastic 3–1 victory. In a close first quarter Winnie v R opened the scoring with a well-executed short corner but Rossall hit back with a goal of their own and at quarter time the scores were level at 1 - 1 . Rossall had scoring chances of their own but it was AKS who found the net again to make it 2 – 1 when Georgiana D- D finished off a lovely team goal to put the team in control at the half time break. The second half saw Rossall start well and only some great defending by Harriet F and some super saves by Mila N in goal kept us ahead. We then gained some breathing space when Winnie second again from another great short corner strike to make it 3 – 1. The final quarter saw both teams having scoring opportunities but at the final whistle the score remained 3 – 1. A brilliant team performance and a great start to the Cup campaign.The player of the match was Georgina D-D.
The next team in cup action was the U15s who started their Independent Schools Cup run in style with an emphatic 13–0 victory over a very young and inexperienced side from the Grange School from Cheshire. Dominant from the first whistle Sadie A scored a brace of goals in the first 5 minutes and that set the tone for the game and at the half time break we were 6 – 0 ahead. The second half started with Izzy H finding the net twice with two great strikes, one from a corner, and Olivia C was on hand to put the ball over the line before the final break.
A fantastic team performance was built on great teamwork, speed and attacking play, with goals coming across all four quarters. Scorers were Sadie A (5), Sophia (3), Izzy H (2) Alyssa W, Evie G and Olivia C. Excellent squad rotation throughout the game ensured everyone made a valuable contribution, with the team maintaining their intensity and quality from start to finish. A brilliant start to the competition! Opposition POM Sophia T, Coach POM Sadie A.
The hat-trick of cup wins came from AKS U16’s who produced a superb performance to secure a convincing 7-1 victory over Altrincham in the Preliminary Round of the England Hockey Cup, booking their place in Round 1 of the competition.
From the opening whistle, AKS played with confidence and attacking intent, creating numerous chances through excellent team play and quick ball movement. Leading the way was Camilla W who delivered an outstanding individual performance, finding the back of the net five times. The highlight of her impressive haul was a sensational reverse-stick strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Altrincham goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite the scoreline, Altrincham battled hard throughout the contest and never gave up. Their determination was rewarded in the second half when they converted a penalty corner to score a well-deserved goal. However, AKS remained firmly in control and continued to press forward, demonstrating both quality and composure across the pitch.The team worked tirelessly for one another, combining strong defensive play with clinical finishing to ensure a comfortable victory. It was an excellent all-round performance and a deserved result for the squad.The win sees AKS progress to Round 1 of the England Hockey Cup, where they will face local rivals Kirkham in what promises to be an exciting next fixture.
Away from Cup action AKS played a Saturday block fixture against Westholme and came away with 6 wins.
The AKS U15s secured a strong 6–0 victory over Westholme. It was a well-managed game, with the squad making the most of the opportunity to rotate players and maintain a high tempo throughout. A strong all-round team performance saw AKS control the game from start to finish with goals from Alyssa W(2) Sadie A(2) Sophia T and Evie G with Sadie A named as Player of the Match.
The U14 team did brilliantly after a taxing week on the school residential to defeat Westholme 4 – 1. We got off to the perfect start in only the first minute when a superb driving run and shot from Freya W found the net to give us an early lead. Lifted by this we raised our game and attacked at pace putting the Westholme defence under pressure to win a corner which Ella B duly converted to make it 2 – 0. Westholme did pose a threat going forwards but solid defending from Arabella C, Neve A, Poppy O and Quinn E plus a some great saves from Harriet B in goal maintained our two goal lead. We were always dangerous with Penny A dominant in the centre of the pitch and she added a third goal and a fourth from Ella B saw us go in to the break 4 – 0 ahead. After the break Westholme enjoyed more possession as the effects of the long residential week took it’s toll and legs tired and Westholme scored but we held on the well deserved 4 – 1 win. Freya W was voted the opposition player of the match with Neve A the coach’s player of the match.
Despite the dismal weather, the U13A team defence kept a clean sheet leading to a great victory, with Winnie v R, Georgie D-D, Lily W and Fifi D-D sharing the goals between them. Hettie L-C did some amazing runs down the right and Elsie M, Alice W and Harriet F were formidable in defence, whilst Mila N is doing an excellent job in goal having conceded only one goal in three matches.
The U13B hockey team secured a pleasing 3-1 victory over Westholme in an enjoyable and competitive match.The game started brightly, with both teams evenly matched and creating opportunities. AKS worked hard throughout the first half, showing determination and resilience against a well-organised Westholme side.An improved structure and greater composure in possession were evident after the break, allowing AKS to take control of the game. The team linked play well across the pitch and created several chances, gradually easing away from their opponents.
The U12A hockey team produced an excellent performance in a convincing victory over Westholme School with a number of different players getting on the scoresheet throughout the match.
Whilst the result was pleasing, what impressed most was the girls' ability to play with shape, discipline and composure for long periods of the game. At times, they moved the ball superbly and scored several well-worked team goals, showcasing the progress they have made over recent weeks.
A special mention must go to Sophia A-D, who generously stepped in to play in goal for Westholme during the second half, demonstrating great sportsmanship and helping to ensure that all involved enjoyed the fixture.The girls should be proud of another strong performance and will now look forward to next week's two fixtures as they aim to build on the success of the past two Saturdays.
What a fantastic start for the U12B girls! The team put in a brilliant dominant performance from start to finish, scoring plenty of goals while keeping a clean sheet. There was some excellent attacking play, great teamwork and lots of confidence on the ball throughout the game. Daisy A-D was named Player of the Match after an excellent display on the right wing. Her control on the ball and ability to drive forward created plenty of opportunities for the team. Belle N also had a fantastic game, scoring two goals. With many of the girls only just being introduced to hockey, this was a fantastic first performance and a huge confidence builder. A great start to what promises to be a really exciting season for the U12B team!