Saturday was Groundhog Day, in a good way, for BSJFC’s U16 Boys. At Bedale JFC, venue for the 2025/26 Hambleton & Richmondshire Junior Football League Cup Final, they faced last year’s final opponents, Ripon City Panthers.

Last season, we beat the Panthers on penalties, but this year, the victory was a lot more convincing, smashing the opposition with a 7-0 win!

Manager Kevin Court and his coaching team had prepared and set up the lads well. “We were so dominant from the first whistle to be honest, with the first goal on the 5-minute mark and the second on 18, taking us to half-time”, enthused Kevin.

In the second half, a few tactical tweaks were the catalyst for 5 more goals, taking the tally to a dizzying 7-0 drubbing of the opposition.

Our U16 Boys have had some great performances throughout the season, but this one was the best. To do it in style, at this venue, with all the parents, friends and families watching was very special.

“We made a very good team, Ripon, look very average and didn’t give them any chances whatsoever to gain a foothold in the game. When we play like we did, we are truly unbeatable, which is unfortunate for any opposition.”

The team narrowly missed out on winning the league, finishing second (our best finish yet) by just 2 points. Winning the cup again was a great way for them to end their season and a massive reward for all the lads’ hard work, determination and dedication.

“I am super-proud of them all and couldn’t have wished for a better finish. They thoroughly deserved it. It’s their GCSE year, so we’ll have a break now so they can concentrate on that, then regroup and go again in the summer,” said Kevin.

Congratulations from everyone at BSJFC to the entire squad, coaching team and scorers: Lewis Court, Josh Gill x2, Luke Scholes, Olly Wright x2 and Olly Atkinson.

BSJFC U16 Boys are sponsored by West Yorkshire Steel and AHCL Solutions.