1st XI - U13 COUNTY CUP
We were due to play Ranby house at 11-a-side, but since Ranby, The Samworth Academy and Grosvenor were the only Notts competitors for the County Cup this year, there was a late re-arrangement of fixtures. Instead of a slog over to Worksop College one evening to play under flood lights, since Ranby were here and Samworth Academy are quite close we played a two-part match – the first as part of the 7-a-side competition, the second as a friendly 8-a-side.
Grosvenor played Samworth Academy first and dominated the game. Unfortunately, only 3 of the 9 attempts at goal were on target and the keeper saved twice with 2 of the 6 misses hitting the post. Oliver Pavis did squeeze one through to record a frustrating 1-0 victory.
Ranby then played Samworth Academy. Despite Samworth’s playing well and having a much better game, Ranby scored on every shot to win 3-0. Grosvenor and Ranby came together to play the last game. Ranby made a very good start and quickly scored. However, Grosvenor levelled the score a minute later with another good goal from Oliver Pavis. After that it was end to end with some great defending and attacking from both sides. Ranby had some chances but were blocked. Then Grosvenor had some and with a minute to go, missed by a whisker. The game ended as a draw and thus Ranby were crowned County Champions on goal difference. They, and Grosvenor, go through to represent the County in the Midlands finals at Cannock in March.
Our compliments to The Samworth Academy, who have made huge strides in a year. They lost by 15+ goals last year and this year, things were very even at times.
After a short break, when we fed Samworth Academy and said our ‘Goodbyes’, Ranby and Grosvenor took to the field again. This time, Ranby dominated for large spells and won 5-0. Grosvenor had chances and played some good hockey but generally were too tentative, defensively minded and, as a result, defended too deeply giving Ranby the chance for shots on goal. There were however, good performances and Quan had the chance to show what an excellent keeper he is. Two saves stay in the mind – in one he came out to quickly intercept a forward who was about to shoot, taking the ball – and then the player! The other was a one-on-one, which Quan closed down to narrow the angle and then saved with some style.
The Men of the Match were therefore Quan, Jacob Latham, - for tackle after tackle – and Oliver Pavis for his hard work and two good goals.
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