GRANGE SCHOOL REACH NATIONAL CUP FINAL

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.