Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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Medallion XV Rugby

Back Row (L-R): T Walsh, I Kaczmarek, L Black, Z Greenlees, S Ferguson, C Johnston, P Purdy, N Elliot Middle Row (L-R): Mr A Hamilton, Mr S Johnston, J Brown, H Spence, F Franaszczyk, Z McGuigan, E English, D McCabe, E Cullen, Dr F Vasey Front Row (L-R): T Catherwood, P Ward, C Koorts, I Orr, O Hobson (Captain), R Hargie, P McKittrick, H Lloyd, R Perais

The squad began the season with lots of hope and optimism. The team had worked hard as U14’s and looked to transition into Medallion rugby and make an impact. Pre-season was disrupted due to holidays and several players being involved in Ulster training. Injuries plagued the season, and the tone was set early on knowing that we would be without the team’s starting out half Peter Ward for much, if not all, of the season. The team’s first fixture entailed an away trip to Dalriada, where a slow start saw us trailing at half-time. However, in typical Grosvenor fashion, the boys responded with a strong second-half performance, narrowly missing out on a comeback. This was followed by a tough midweek defeat to Down High School. Injuries sustained during training and early fixtures led to a sparse schedule until just before half term. In their final game before the break, the team faced Campbell College B and delivered their best performance of the season, led by captain Ollie Hobson. The match ended in a 7-7 draw, providing a much-needed boost heading into the break. At times throughout the season the squad had 12 players out injured. Lots of new players needed to be integrated into the team with some learning rugby for the first time. Heart and desire to fight for each other was never in question.

After a much-needed half-term, the team faced several close and competitive matches but were unfortunate not to secure the wins that their efforts deserved. This led into a challenging cup draw away to Down High School, a team they had previously lost to heavily. Grosvenor started brightly, going 3-0 up through an early penalty. Although Down High responded with a try, Grosvenor hit back with a superb solo effort from Sam Ferguson. Despite Down High extending their lead, Grosvenor narrowed the gap with a well-worked team try, leaving the score at 19-15 at half-time. A slow start to the second half allowed Down High to pull away, eventually leading 38-15. Grosvenor continued to fight, with Reuben Hargie coming close to scoring late on. Although they didn’t progress to the next round, the boys can be proud of their performance against a well-drilled Down High side, who went on to win the Medallion Plate. Following the Christmas break, poor weather disrupted fixtures until the Medallion Bowl match away to Enniskillen. After a long journey and some late squad changes, the team started well with an early try from Sam Ferguson. However, lapses in discipline allowed Enniskillen back into the game, resulting in a couple

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