Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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This season, due mainly to the fact that the u15 group was lower in numbers, the 2nd XI featured boys who were working hard to make 1st XI selection alongside boys who would have been in the u15 squad if there were sufficient numbers. It meant that the team changed a lot from week to week and the boys should be commended for their adaptability and commitment. We lost more matches than we won at this level but everyone tried to keep an eye on the bigger picture – gaining experience that would serve all the boys well when playing for the 1st XI in the future. The season started with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Methodist College, with our goal being scored by Ben Ewart. We then lost 5-0 to Friends’ School Lisburn before playing them again and losing 3-1. There were signs of improvement and the remainder of the matches in the season were much closer affairs. There were narrow defeats by the odd goal to Sullivan Upper twice, Wallace High School and Campbell College. We had an encouraging victory against Methodist College by 3-0 in which we played some of our best hockey. The

main goal contributions over the course of the season were from Ben Ewart and Ollie Burns, with others such as Jacob Bell chipping in with his first goal for Grosvenor! The goalkeeper for the season was very often Nathan Lakota, who also played matches for the 1st XI. Nathan is a very accomplished goalkeeper and we would strongly encourage him to join a club when he leaves school, if not before. Our defence was made up of Adam Cullen, Tobin McSorley, Adam Worthington, James Ewart, Jan Bednarski and Jacob Bell. Each boy showed great tenacity and willingness to play in both central defence and in the wing back positions. Our midfield altered between Jack Fuller, Tom McMullan, Ben Ewart, Jack Bailie, Daniel Gamble and Euan Hanna, whilst our strikers consisted of Thomas Bailie, Ollie Burns, Lewis Waters, Ewan Girvan, Aidan Wilson, Noah Hollywood and Mark Harrison. I would like to encourage each of the boys to keep training and working hard. Some of the above boys managed to taste 1st XI hockey and enjoyed success in the Cup Competitions, whereas others remained on the 2nd XI all season. This does not mean that they will forever remain a 2nd XI player. Using the time in training and in representing the school on Saturdays will serve them well and give them invaluable experience in match scenarios that will eventually result in 1st XI selection. They were all a pleasure to coach and it is so pleasing to see their progress and willingness to learn. We look forward to watching them progress next season and in the season to come. Thank you to the many faithful parents who attended each week and supported from

the sidelines. Mr J Young

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25