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Two England under 16s plotted Kirkham's third successive win over northern rivals Sedbergh in the Daily Mail Schools Trophy.
Fly half Kieran Wilkinson and No 8 Sam Dugdale, both in the lower sixth, have led the way this autumn for the Lancashire school.
Dugdale scored Kirkham's second-half try which put his team 15-6 up following a first-half score for centre Aaron Reed made by Wilkinson's break.
Two England under 16s plotted Kirkham's third successive win over northern rivals Sedbergh in the Daily Mail Schools Trophy.
Fly half Kieran Wilkinson and No 8 Sam Dugdale, both in the lower sixth, have led the way this autumn for the Lancashire school.
Dugdale scored Kirkham's second-half try which put his team 15-6 up following a first-half score for centre Aaron Reed made by Wilkinson's break.
Wing Josh Hodge kicked three penalties for a Sedbergh team who had plenty of late pressure but could not break through some strong Kirkham defence .
Simon Mulholland, Sedbergh's director of rugby, had no complaints. 'Kirkham defended very well in the final stages and we did not take our chances,' he said.
Sedbergh, who were suffering a first defeat of the season, may yet have a bearing on the title as they meet champions Wellington in the annual floodlit contest next Wednesday at the Broad Street club near Coventry.
Kirkham feared they would not repeat of last season when they started out in September.
But the young team has gained confidence in recent weeks helped by wins over previously unbeaten Abingdon (32-12) and Sir Thomas Rich's (45-3).
Next up for Kirkham on Saturday is a tough trip to improving Woodhouse Grove who beat Durham, 19-5, last weekend helped by tries from Kieran Wilyman, Louis Fraser and James Whitcombe.
Wellington warmed up for the trip to second-placed Harrow by beating Cranleigh 31-8. Ben Loader scored two of the five tries.
Brighton College, who beat Eastbourne 36-0, and St Peter's of York, 22-0 winners over Barnard Castle, remain unbeaten in the chasing pack.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-3967710/Kirkham-beat-Sedbergh-stay-hot-heels-leaders-Wellington-Harrow-Daily-Mail-Schools-Trophy.html#ixzz4ROaphw8w
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