Rugby results

Match Reports

Yr 9 won 34-5 against Upton HS home March 11, 2010

After the disappointment of coming up against a strong St Ambrose team in the Qtr Finals of the county cup King's were determined to re-find their feet in this match against Upton.  Unavailability and injury had depleted both sides meaning that the game was played in the unusual format of 13-a-side, with no wing forwards.

King's started well and spent much of the first period, played up hill, in the Upton half.  Customarily intelligent play by James Hattersley and Matt Curtis set up the dangerous outside backs (Cam Hogg, Ash Murphy and the impressive newcomer from Shells, Scott Griffiths) on several occasions, but resolute defence and outstanding tackling saw Upton hold firm.  However, as happens at all levels of rugby, the pressure finally told when captain Adam Young jinked over from short range after a break-down right on the Upton line.

King's pressure continued, but some indifferent decision making and over lateral running in the backs meant that the pressure wasn't converted into points.  However, King's did settle down and the last 10 minutes of the first half saw them start to dominate, with Young doubling the lead with his run from a quick tap penalty from short range being unnoticed by the exhausted and stretched Upton defence.  Two further scores came in the next few minutes, great alignment in the backs allowing Cam Hogg to slash through the defensive line, then cruise past the remaining cover for a great score.  James Hattersley, after orchestrating the previous score, then picked a great angle and trundled over unopposed.

The second half saw Upton defend well and make KIng's graft for the two tries they scored, though King's didn't quite perform after losing their shape a little owing to players looking for a score after catching 'white-line fever'.  Both tries being scored by Big George Nott whose pace and sheer size flummoxed the Upton defence.

To their great credit Upton persevered and deservedly got the final score of the match after some powerful running.

Again, this was an impressive performance from the team, with all contributing.  Besides those mentioned above the front row of Kilner, Jones and Szerdy, with no cover, all did well, winning several against the head.  Jack Peake had a great game with George Nott at lock and the rotating back-row of Anthony and the indestructable Jack Barber worked really well as a lonely break-away forward.  Also in the forward Jack Jamieson played with his customary lack of concern for personal safety. George Dermott also showed his athleticism, as did 'Mr Dependable' Tom Okell.

1st XV won 19-17 against Christleton High School away March 03, 2010

King's travelled to Christleton looking positive after playing so well against Hulme last week. King's started nervously and struggled to impose any of the structure they have worked so hard at developing this season. The first half ended at 5 points all, two tried a piece.

The second saw King's much more aggressive, structured and thoughtful in their play. We managed to string together phases of play and with quick ball. Alex Caldwell fed brilliantly with this revitalised service despite being harassed by his opposite number. This meant we dominated for about 20 minutes at the start of this half and quickly developed a 19 points to 5 lead. Some excellent and physical tackling coupled with a dominant lineout and ruck (the forwards played the pod system to perfection for about 15 minutes) meant we were well on top.

Christleton fought their way back in as we stepped off the gas a little and they managed two scores via some poor defence. This meant a tight finish with all our subs on the field. They all did well though and we held on to the game. A well natured game which needed a little more structured play from us to have really been satisfied but a win and a positive afternoon nonetheless. The County 7s tournament awaits!

1st XV won 29-14 against Hulme Grammar School, Oldham home February 24, 2010

A superb effort by the squad to win a physical game full of niggle and passion. Hulme arrived in no mood to roll over and scored first after some muscular forward based attacks. A breakaway try by Ben Williams brought the score back to 7-5 but a further converted try for Hulme stretched their score to 14.

Thereafter King's upped their game in every phase of play. The forwards were aggresive in loose play, the lineout was completely dominant and the backs had the legs and skills on their opponents. The half backs were superb in controlling the game and they were the base for King's' next scores and a dominant second half. Several phases of attacking play saw Ben Lloyd score in the corner and a lovely mazy run and an audacious dummy by Ben Parton added some style as well as points. The second half saw us kick for position knowing that our lineout was having a good day, (Max Imfeld  threw very well at 2 and scored a great try after some sustained pressure) Charles Geary was jumping well at two and often stealing opposition ball. Hulme battled back at the end but King's showed they could graft as well as run in keeping them out.

The team showed discipline in the second half and should be very proud that their focus and motivation was playing good structured and physical rugby and that led to their victory. Well done boys.