Sports College News

Unfortunately The Grange School and Sports College were defeated 1-0 by Archbishop Beck Catholic College on Tuesday 18^th May in the ESFA U13’s National Cup Final, played at Goodison Park.

Cheered on by over 250 students, staff, family and friends who made the long journey from Bristol to Goodison Park, Everton, plus good luck messages from Bristol City Manager Steve Coppell and Bristol Rovers Manager Paul Trollope, the Grange were looking forward to this historic occasion.

The match was an extremely competitive affair with two excellent footballing sides cancelling each other out.  Archbishop took the initiative and started well putting Grange under pressure straight from the kick off.  Whether it was a bit of stage fright by The Grange, but more than likely the fact that Archbishop were playing in their second consecutive national final and at the same ground might have had something to do with it!

Slowly The Grange began to exert their authority and Laurent Davis-Wilson was always a threat every time he received the ball.  His close control and mazy runs meant the Archbishop defence had to be on their toes.  The Grange created a great chance towards the end of the first half, a fine ball inside the full back by Liam Crewe allowed Liam Oswin to cross to the near post for Laurent to turn and shoot, however the ball bounced unkindly for Laurent striking his hand.  Chances were few and far between in a tight first half and it was looking like a one goal victory would settle the tie.

After a few words of advice and encouragement from the management team of James Evans and Louise Harvey, the Grange were sent out to try and push further forward and create more chances by using the width of a huge Goodison Park pitch to greater effect.

The second half was played at a slightly faster pace with both sides realising that one goal would seal the trophy as both sides were playing excellent football.  Such were their strengths both sides were still unable to find a way through and test either goalkeeper.  As the match went on, in an absorbing encounter, one or two players were soon suffering with cramp.  Laurent Davis-Wilson was substituted and replaced by Louis Rostron as Laurent was one of those suffering.  This seemed to lift Archbishop as Laurent had been a constant thorn in Archbishop’s side. 

Due to these injuries, the referee added four extra minutes.  Two minutes of the four had elapsed and as the game was heading for extra time Grange conceded a corner.  Following a good delivery and a fine header by their centre forward Ryan Ellison, Matthew Fudge cleared off the line.  The ball was never really cleared and was soon crossed into the box again and whilst ‘keeper Nick Croucher saved the first attempt he couldn’t quite reach Ellison, who as he lay on the floor, flicked the ball into the empty net. 

With only two minutes remaining, Laurent was put back on up front for Liam Oswin as Grange went in search of the equaliser.  However, this never came and as the final whistle went the Grange players dropped to their knees in despair.

Archbishop have now become the first ever side to win the ESFA national cup for two consecutive years, therefore Grange should be extremely proud of their achievements in reaching the final as 873 schools began the competition in September.  All the players would especially like to thank the excellent support they received throughout the match and hope to go one better next year!

Following the fantastic achievement by our Year 8 students to reach the finals of the English Schools Football Association national competition, the team’s Manager, Mr Evans, secured a visit from Bristol Rovers player, Steve Elliott and the Head of the Bristol Rovers Centre of Excellence, Stuart Naughton, to ensure that our team received top quality coaching from the very best professionals within the local area.

This was organised as part of the build-up to the finals which are taking place on Tuesday, 18^th May at Goodison Park, home of Premier League, Everton, in which we are due to play Archbishop Beck Catholic College from Liverpool

After the players had been introduced to Steve Elliott and Stuart Naughton, Stuart began a fun-packed skills based session working on the key components of the game.  This session included a lot of ball work, shooting practices and small-sided games.  The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the session and the coaching points from Stuart provided the boys with a lot to think about ahead of their appearance in the Final.  Steve also shared his own experiences of playing in high profile matches with the squad, including the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final, so his input was very valuable.

At the end of the session, Stuart Naughton is quoted as saying that he is absolutely delighted at the success of this team, not only as they are representing Bristol and their local area, but also as five members of the team are Bristol Rovers signed Centre of Excellence players – Nick Croucher, Camen Harvey, Matt Fudge, Liam Crewe and Laurent Davis-Wilson.  It is unusual that so many of their players represent one school.  Bristol Rovers added that they would like to wish the boys every success at Goodison Park, they have the ability and spirit to be able to win!

This is the first time in Grange School history that any team has reached a national final and the excitement in school is overwhelming.  Since reaching the final, The Grange has received several sponsorship deals from local businesses, including some from ex-students.   Grange would like to take this opportunity to thank their sponsors, AXA, Harris Sports, Uhlsport, John Green.   For further information or to sponsor the team, please contact Mr Evans via email on jamese@thegrangeschool.net.

Following our victory in the semi-final of the English Schools National Cup, we are due to play Archbishop Beck Catholic College, from Liverpool on Tuesday 18th May, at Goodison Park, home of Premier League side Everton, kick off 2.00pm.

The Grange School & Sports College Year 8 boys Football Team reached the English Schools National Cup Final by beating St Bonnaventures School, Essex 3-1 last Friday.  It is the first time in Grange School history that any side have reached a football national cup final.

The Grange began the semi-final sporting their new yellow and black strip, courtesy of new sponsors Fresh Workspace, plus training tops from Harris’s Sports.  We are very grateful to them for their kind generosity.

A brace from Laurent Davis-Wilson, including a spectacular free kick from 25 yards out, put Grange on their way to the final.  Liam Crewe added a third before St Bonnaventures scored a consolation with two minutes remaining.

Playing at a rain sodden Axa Sports Ground in Henbury, the ESFA requested a neutral venue, the opening exchanges between the two sides were very tentative, neither side giving each other any space to play in.

Chances were very few and far between, with both sides struggling to settle, probably a little nervous due to the occasion.  Grange had an early chance with Liam Crewe having a free kick blocked midway through the half.  Five minutes later, The Grange was awarded another free kick in a similar position, after a foul on striker Billy Arnold.  This time Laurent Davis-Wilson stepped up and curled a beautiful free kick into the top corner from 25 yards out giving the goal keeper and two defenders on the line no chance.  St Bonnaventures were restricted to long range efforts, notably due to the excellent defending by the back four of Stuart Harmer, Matt Fudge, Aaron Sutton, Jacob Wherry-Alimo, meaning goalkeeper Nick Croucher had little to do.  The score remained 1-0 at half time.

In the second half Grange were put under immediate pressure during the first 10-15 minutes as St Bonnaventures were throwing more players forward in search of the equaliser.  The Grange were made to work hard, closing down the opposition, but as the half wore on, more space was becoming available.  As a result, Camen Harvey won the ball in midfield and released Liam Oswin who played a great though ball to Laurent Davis-Wilson who coolly slipped it past the advancing keeper.

Grange were soon establishing themselves again taking complete control, and it was no surprise that following good work by Khius England and Camen Harvey in midfield, Liam Crewe volleyed home after being played through by Laurent Davis-Wilson.  St Bonnaventures scored a late consolation but it was too little too late.  On the final whistle The Grange players celebrated wildly on being the first ever Grange team to reach a national football final.

Throughout the game the boys played some excellent football showing great skill, physical endeavour, undoubted commitment and an unbelievable team ethic.

The Grange now await the result of the other semi-final between John Port School, Derby and current holders Archbishop Beck Catholic College, Liverpool which is to be played on Thursday 25th March.  Following that the venue for the final, normally a Premier League or Championship ground, will be announced at 9.00am on Monday 29th March.

Squad: Nick Croucher, Stuart Harmer, Matt Fudge, Aaron Sutton, Jacob Wherry-Alimo, Liam Crewe (c), Camen Harvey, Liam Oswin, Khius England, Billy Arnold, Laurent Davis-Wilson, Toby Clifton, Toby Watson, Dan Nash and Bradley Wilson.

Following the success of the Year 8 football team in the English Schools National Cup Competition, I am pleased to announce that we have secured new sponsorship. Fresh Workspace have supplied The Grange School & Sports College with a new football kit which the Year 8 football team will wear in the semi-final this Friday 19th March, kick off 2.00pm.

Fresh Workspace are a design company specialising in high tech offices. They have designed and project managed many high end developments across the UK. Fresh take an alternative approach to the office by creating environments that energise the workforce. For further information on Fresh Workspace please contact 0845 094 1255 or visit their website www.freshworkspace.com

The Grange School and Sports College DanceFEST takes place next Tuesday 16th March at The Hexagon Theatre, Kingsfield School.

Tickets for this event are now on sell from Mrs Stone at break time and lunchtime outside her office. Prices are £3.00 and £2.00 for concessions, doors open at 7.15pm and the show starts at 7.30pm prompt.

Please come along and support this event, and see the superb talent that The Grange has to offer, look forward to seeing you all there next Tuesday evening.

The Year 8 Boys Football Team have reached the semi-finals of the English Schools National Cup! In a pulsating cup tie The Grange emerged victorious after winning a penalty shoot-out 3-1.

In a nerve jangling hour and a half the game ebbed and flowed keeping everyone on the edge of their seats! Northampton reached the quarter finals last year and were always going to be strong opposition, they have 220 boys in every year group to choose from!

The first half was a tight affair with Laurent Davis-Wilson putting Grange ahead with a sublime finish lobbing the keeper from 25 yards out. Northampton soon equalised after some slack defending. The rest of the half was a tight affair and Grange could have easily found themselves further behind, but thanks to lady luck and some poor finishing, it remained 1-1 at half time.

Into the 2nd half, Grange found themselves 2-1 down early on . This was until Billy Arnold was moved up front in a tactical switch, with Liam Crewe dropping back to centre midfield. Within minutes Billy scored after beating the last defender, following a terrific through ball by Liam Crewe. The Grange then found a new lease of life and were soon creating more chances.  Finally good work down the right hand side by Toby Clifton, found Laurent in space and he hit a superb half volley past the Northampton goal keeper putting Grange 3-2 in front.

The last 10 minutes was backs to the wall stuff as Northampton pushed players forward, creating several chances. Nick Croucher in goal was simply outstanding some of the saves, one in particular was out of this world – even the referee, Andrew Woolmer, a current Championship League referee, thought it was amazing! However, with two minutes remaining they scored an equaliser following a goal mouth scramble to dash Grange hopes of winning in normal time.

Extra time followed with no further goals so penalty shoot-out time! Nick Croucher was again the hero as he saved Northampton’s first two penalties, Aaron Sutton and Laurent scoring for The Grange. Liam Crewe made it 3-0, Northampton then pulled one back, then we missed our fourth. 3-1 up Northampton had to score to remain in the tie, however their striker pulled his effort wide, leaving Grange to celebrate their victory. Nick Croucher was named man of the match as without his expert goal keeping we may not be celebrating our victory.

Overall, an outstanding game in which we rode our luck at times but the attitude and commitment shown by the boys was excellent! Big thanks to Mr Allister for his support and helping out with the driving! Special mention to those hardy supporters who also made the trip – it was worth every minute!

Squad: Nick Croucher, Toby Watson, Matt Fudge, Aaron Sutton, Jacob Wherry-Alimo, Liam Oswin, Liam Crewe, Camen Harvey, Billy Arnold, Khius England, Laurent Davis-Wilson, Toby Clifton and Dan Nash.

For more news on our next opponents watch this space as the draw should be made early next week.

Friday period 6 has become alot more than just ‘Going home time” for the Grange female dancers!! 70 plus year 7-9 students all make their way down to the sports centre to prepare and learn new dances. Students have the opportunity to learn lots of different dance genres; street, contemporary, and cheerleading to name but a few!
The female PE staff are thrilled to have so many dancers and are really excited about the talent that will be involved in the 2010 Dancefest.
There is still opportunity to come and join us at dance club, we are very lucky and have upper school students helping us to choreograph and manage the enthusiasm on a friday afternoon.