A fantastic performance from the AKS U15 hockey team against Stockport Grammar School saw them secure a well-deserved victory and so progress in to the 4th round of the Independent Schools Cup.
The U15 girls secured an impressive 12–0 victory against Stockport Grammar School in the third round of the cup, showing incredible determination, teamwork, and effort throughout the match. From the very first whistle, the girls were on fire, with Freya W getting the scoring underway in the first minute. It was the perfect start, setting the tone for what was to be a dominant team performance.The goals continued to come throughout the match with Sophia T, Olivia C, Alyssa W, Eloise R, Penny A and Freya W all finding the back of the net. Every player contributed, whether it was attacking, defending, or working hard in midfield, and the girls showed fantastic teamwork from start to finish to earn this impressive score-line.
A special well done to Evie G who was named Player of the Match for her fantastic performance! The superb hockey on show led to our opposition and the umpire complementing the girls on a fantastic team performance played in a tremendous spirit and we now look forward to the fourth round of the cup!
The U18s 1st XI travelled to Cheadle Hulme for a highly competitive U18s Cup fixture, with two Year 11 pupils, Layla O and Emma W stepping up to join the squad due to unavailability of a number of key senior players.
From the first whistle, the girls demonstrated excellent communication across the pitch, with accurate passing allowing the ball to move seamlessly through the team. Our defence was particularly impressive, showing great composure, organisation and determination against a relentless Cheadle attack.
The second quarter saw Emily B, our goalkeeper playing outfield, produce a superb reverse-sweep finish to find the back of the net to take us in to the lead. A fantastic goal, demonstrating her technical ability and versatility within the squad. Cheadle responded with a goal of their own later in the quarter, bringing the score to 1–1 at half-time.
The third quarter saw both teams raise the intensity. The girls continued to work effectively as a unit, communicating well and linking up through some excellent passing play. Cheadle maintained significant attacking pressure, but our defence remained resolute. Fran M was particularly influential in the opposition's D, creating attacking opportunities and winning a well-deserved short corner following sustained pressure. Emily B stepped up once again, confidently converting the short corner to score her second goal of the match. Cheadle again responded with a goal of their own, bringing the score to 2–2 heading into the final quarter.
The final quarter was fiercely contested, with both teams determined to secure the win. Our defence continued to frustrate Cheadle's attacking efforts, while Sophie S was kept exceptionally busy in goal. Despite coming under considerable pressure, Sophie produced an outstanding performance, making crucial interventions throughout to keep us in the game. With just 30 seconds remaining, Cheadle unfortunately found the net to score the winning goal, bringing a heartbreaking end to an incredibly competitive fixture.
Although the result was not what we had hoped for, every player should be immensely proud of their contribution. The team's communication, accurate passing, defensive organisation and attacking quality were evident throughout the match. Well done to all the girls who stepped up to play.
Saturday saw the U13 & U12 teams face Sedbergh School at home and came away with some impressive results.
The U13 hockey team played an exciting match against Sedbergh School showing great determination, coming back from 0-2 down to winning 4-2. The whole team had a fantastic match, with Winne v R scoring two goals and Georgiana D-D scoring one. Our team also defended strongly and worked well together. Winnie got player’s player and the whole team got coach’s award which was well deserved.
The U12A teamplayed superbly against Sedbergh and won. Isla G, Beatrice C and Kayley N defended superbly and never gave up, tackling and distributing the ball away from danger. The team’s attackers were Alexa T, Cerys T, Libby J, Daisy A-D and Amelie H-S were all excellent and scored a lot of goals, some coming from open play and others from our well drilled short corner routines with accurate injections from Libby J. Sofia A-D had a quiet time in goal but maintained her concentration on the few occasions she was called into action. Overall a great attacking display with Cerys T for getting player of the match!
The U12B team were also in action and came away with a 2 – 2 draw.AKS started the first half very well with some good attacking movements and were rewarded with an early goal scored by Alana McC with an assist from Tabitha J.
AKS continued dominating the game with some good passing and tackling keeping Sedbergh in their own half. An excellent build up and an attacking play led to a super goal scored by Belle N. At the end of the half against the run of play Sedbergh scored a goal to make it 2 – 1 at half time.
The second half started with Sedbergh full of confidence and putting pressure on the AKS defence which eventually led to a second goal bringing it to 2 – 2.After the goal AKS took control of the game but were unlucky not to take the lead after having lots of shots on goal which were well saved by the Sedbergh goalkeeper.
On the rugby scene AKS faced St.Marys Crosby in three competitive fixtures and coming out on top in two.
It was a fantastic effort from our U14s as they secured a hard fought 12–10 victory over St Mary’s Crosby in a closely contested fixture.
The game was competitive throughout, with both sides working hard to gain the upper hand. AKS showed great determination in defence, working well as a team to put pressure on St Mary’s and limit their scoring opportunities.
In attack the boys moved the ball well, looking to play with width and create opportunities out wide. There were some really positive passages of play, with good ball movement and support play helping us to put St Mary’s under pressure.A strong all-round team performance, with plenty of positives to take away.
AKS U13 Rugby were defeated by St.Marys 10 - 45 despite tries from Charlie McK and Lucca H. Not our best day today as we let ourselves down in our effort to play organised rugby, especially defensively. But we will keep our heads up and work even harder at training to strengthen all areas and get back to our winning ways.
AKS U12’s Squad also recorded a close fought victory 6 – 4. Great effort from all 21players involved. We left it late, but with a couple of bits of individual brilliance we managed to pull off the win!