Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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consistent level of output in the tight exchanges, rarely losing the ball in contact or missing a tackle; he is what we refer to as a ‘glue-player’, the type of player that does the hard work to ensure others can shine. Out first experience of tournament-style rugby arrived with the BRA tournament. This is always a tricky festival to negotiate, with several top sides in the draw for the group stages. Unfortunately we didn’t perform to our desired level on the day, and were well beaten by multiple sides. We knew going into the next few weeks of training that we had significant work to do. We entered our final tournament of the season, hosted by Down High School, determined to perform better than our previous one, and show what this team was capable of. Our first game of the group stages saw us dominate Down High School, yet somehow lose the game 5-0. We dominated all aspects of play, and a couple of breakaway scores ultimately cost us the game. Despite this, the players recognised how well they had performed and responded by defeating a strong Banbridge Academy side 2-1, with captain Harry Stone performing fantastically well. This result saw us progress to the semi final of the trophy competition, in which we defeated Royal School Armagh 5-2 in an epic encounter, with two tries apiece from Rueben Carson and Rudi Arkensparr-Jones.

The Trophy final was a memorable event for all involved, an end to end match with two equal sides. The game finished 2-2, our repeated late attempts to score were foiled by strong defence from Killicomaine Junior High School. As a result, the trophy was shared between the two schools, although our boys celebrated as if they had won! It was an excellent way to finish a long season, and the players should take full credit for how they performed on the day. Particular congratulations go to Joseph Ford, who was nominated as player of the day, and captain Harry Stone who led from the front during every moment. My thanks to the U12 coaching team of Mr Thompson, Mr Cowan and Mr White. Their enthusiasm every Friday afternoon translates to the players, and their expertise has ensured that each player in their charge has improved multiple aspects of their play. I wish this playing group all the best as they begin 15-a-side rugby next season, and I anticipate that they will relish the opportunity for more consistent fixtures every Saturday morning.

Mr M McDowell

Girls Rugby

Mollie Hewitt

Throughout the summer past Mollie trained with Ulster U16 in their summer series. This involved training twice per week in Portadown on a Wednesday and Saturday for 3 hours each day. At the end of June Mollie was selected to be a part of the under 16 team to play in a 3-match series. Mollie played against an American Rugby academy on 27 July, at Queens. She then played competitively against Connacht on 10 August in Portadown. Mollie unfortunately picked up an injury and couldn’t play the final match against Leinster. Mollie has been selected now to train with Ulster U17, travelling to Cookstown on Tuesday evenings throughout the Winter months. Mollie is an extremely worthy recipient of a green blazer as she shows excellent commitment to her sport. Mollie not only plays Rugby at a representative level but is also an extremely valuable member of the 1XI hockey team training twice a week after school and matches on a Saturday morning. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Mollie in her Sporting career and wish her all the best for this.

Mollie started playing rugby at age five for Malone Rugby Club and has played all junior age groups, playing at U14 level when she was 11. Her team won the U14 cup and last season made it to the final of the U16 cup, playing at the Kingspan back in May. Mollie has now progressed into the Ladies section of Senior Rugby.

Mollie was nominated by her club for Ulster trials in January 2024 and took part in a series of trials resulting in her selection for the Ulster Under 16 development squad. This has involved Mollie training each Wednesday night at the Kingspan stadium from 6.00 - 8:30pm. Mollie also continues to train for her club on a Wednesday night 6.00 - 8:30pm and play competitive fixtures on a Sunday. For her club team Mollie plays Inside and outside centre. When representing Ulster Mollie plays either Inside centre or on the Wing.

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25