Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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SPORTS TEAMS

game was shortened to 15 overs per side, the key for Grosvenor was to take wickets on regular intervals to avoid Ballyclare gaining any momentum in their innings and with a couple of run outs thrown into the mix, Grosvenor did a wonderful job to keep Ballyclare to a score of 74 for 7. At a required run rate of five an over, the start was always going to be crucial and Josh Corbett, showed his composure and maturity to not only keep the score board ticking over but to hit a few key boundaries and release any pressure. In true Grosvenor style however, an inability to make strong decisions and bat time was making life more uncomfortable as batsmen came and went. It was left to Reuben Hall and young Peter McKittrick, batting for the first time for the 1st XI who blocked his first three balls before swivelling on a pull shot to guide it to the fine leg boundary and take Grosvenor into the semi-finals. A great moment for Peter who will be all the better for being in the middle under pressure. A semi final against Wallace High School awaited and on a sunny day at the Marina Arena, Wallace asked Grosvenor to bat first. A well-crafted partnership of 28 between captain Shields and Josh Corbett got Grosvenor off to an excellent start. Unfortunately, however, with Shields on 17 he went back to the leg spinner and played on. This was disappointing giving the quality of his stroke play. A useful 13 from Callum Wilson followed but the tempo had gone out of the Grosvenor innings and with no boundaries scored between the 3rd and 15th over, Grosvenor found themselves behind the 2nd XI Cricket The second season of our 2nd XI Cricket side began with a renewed sense of optimism and excitement for the season ahead. Our Head Boy, Reo McKnight, stepped into the captaincy role, and after planning and discussions with coaches Mr McDowell & Mr Nelson, Reo ensured the following policies were in place for the season ahead: 1. No defensive shots 2. A positive environment where fun and fast cricket exists Some may question the first rule, as cricket is often a game of patience and perseverance; however, the 2nd XI aimed to adopt a swashbuckling style that would be enjoyed by players, coaches and spectators alike. The team was a mixture of veterans and rookies, which created an exciting blend of players. Reo McKnight led from the front superbly, ably assisted by Vice Captain Kai Hamilton. Alfie Stone returned from retirement

game in terms of setting a challenging score. It took a wonderful innings of 23 not out from Ben Ewart to get Grosvenor up to a target they could consider defending. Ben showed some great innovation and demonstrated his capabilities at this level. Defending 94 was always going to be a tough ask, however it got off to the best start imaginable with Josh Corbett trapping their key batsman in front first ball of the innings. Credit to Wallace however, as they continued to rotate the strike and hit boundaries at key times. Grosvenor were still in the hunt at 10 and 15 overs respectively. It took a few lusty blows over the Comber Greenway by the Wallace No5 to get Wallace over the line with 7 balls to go. It was a gutting end to the game and ultimately to the season. So near to a final that this group of players would have deserved given the quality of cricket played across the summer term. Alas, it was not to be. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Year 14 leavers, Josh Corbett, Finn Cross, Reuben Hall and for their outstanding commitment to cricket during their time at Grosvenor Grammar School. Their dedication, leadership, and passion for the game have set a fantastic example for younger players and contributed greatly to the development and success of cricket within the school. Whether through their performances on the pitch or their encouragement off it, they leave behind a legacy and will be greatly missed. We wish them every success in their future endeavours, both on and off the field. Mr A White

to provide ballast in the middle of the batting order. Year 12 pupils: James Campbell, Mark Press and Jack Beacom, all made their mark and new players to the game like Rory Hobbs developed their skills. All players were a pleasure to work with throughout the season, and their enthusiasm was infectious to be around. The following players secured awards at the end of the season: Most Runs Scored: Alfie Stone

Best Fielder: Lewis Waters Best Bowler: Jack Beacom Surprise Package: Mark Press

Unfortunately, fixtures were not as easy to come by as we would have liked throughout the season, with many schools not able to accommodate 2nd XI matches. Our old friends and rivals Methodist College Belfast were regular opposition, and as in previous years, each

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25