Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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of the match. A fine performance by Calum Anderson was accompanied by a goal to bring us back into the tie and, despite a monumental effort, we could not defeat a stunning performance by the opposition goalkeeper (or his goal frame), losing a goal in injury time as we were defeated 3-1. The devastation felt by all at the end of the game will hopefully be a motivation to their future endeavours in 2025-2026: losing to a team who were not better than you, and would eventually win the trophy at Windsor Park, should be a spur for us in the upcoming campaign. Such are the fine margins. In our second cup competition, the Belfast District Cup, the boys’ progress was similarly impressive. Victories against Lagan College (4-1, with a brace from Calum Anderson and goals from Saul Harvey and Sam McGinnis) and Methodist College (4-2, including a brace for returning Oliver Peoples and goals for Nathan Murray and Sam Ferguson) took us into a quarter-final at home against the Boys’ Model. On this day, the boys were brilliant for two-thirds of the match, racing into a two-goal lead and hitting both post and crossbar; unfortunately, a powerful fightback by our opponents left us chasing the game and, ultimately defeated, 4-2. Again, this was an important lesson: the best teams always put opponents away when they are in the ascendancy: further maturity and composure will help this group in a similar circumstance. And so, we ended our season unfulfilled. It would be remiss, though, not to shine a light on the large number

of boys who contributed to the season in various ways. Rhys Davidson and Ramy Buta developed in the goalkeeping position and provided a good basis for the defence’s security. A capable defensive unit of Max Morrow, Obi Symington, Harry Spence (Year 11), Matthew McBratney, alongside Joshua Akper and Micah Fulton, grew in stature and confidence. Our talented midfield group, containing Sam McGinnis, Joel Murray, Calum Anderson, Saul Harvey, Jack Beacom, Oliver Peoples, Joshua Allen, Finn Simpson, Joshua Olaluwoye, Peter Ogilvie and Noah Marrs offered persistence and quality at both ends of the pitch. Further forward, Sam Ferguson and Nathan Murray often ploughed a lone furrow, taking kicks and driving the team up the pitch, all while contributing goals and pressing opponents from the front. Good luck to all leavers in their future (footballing) lives and careers – hopefully, though, many boys in this squad will help to form the basis of future footballing success for Grosvenor Grammar School: I wish them well and look forward to cheering them towards silverware. Lastly, credit must go to Mr Winters, Mr Thompson and, most notably, ex-pupil Mr McAleer for their hard work, time and support in allowing the boys to participate so considerably, and positively, in Year 12 football. Mr D Tomkins

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