Bedale Under-12s have finished off their best ever season with a cup win over Northallerton to seal the treble.

The Richmond and District Under-12s League Champions took cup honours two weekends in a row against Northallerton and did it in style in the opposition's own back yard.

Bedale lost only one league game throughout a hard-fought season and scored 84 goals, taking the title with one game still to play. The league's top scorer, Robert Elsworth, netted 25 (30 in all competitions) but that was only half the story with their defence keeping seven clean sheets and rarely conceding more than one goal in any game.

Coach Grahame Shepherd is full of praise for the whole squad and thanks them all for their hard work and effort throughout the season. Special mention goes to Nick Andrade who provided excellent cover for injured keeper Oliver Ward over the second half of the season. Both keepers have maintained an excellent attitude and it was great to see Oliver recovered enough to play the second half of the last cup game.

This team have also attracted the attention of professional clubs this season, including: Oliver Ward (GK) at Leeds, with Andy Shepherd (centre midfield), John Sunter (left midfield) and Alex Rogan (centre-forward), spending time at the Middlesbrough's development centre.

Manager Grahame also praised the parents, who've shown great support and always been encouraging towards both players and coaches.

Meanwhile, the Under-15s finished runners up in the Teeside League Division Five, pipped to the title by local rivals Northallerton. Manager Gary Paxton was particularly pleased with the team's performance in the North Riding County Cup where they managed to beat some very strong teams to reach the semi-finals. It took First Division Beechwood, in a strongly contested match, to stop them reaching the final. Special mention goes to Robert Durrans, top scorer with 42 League and Cup goals, John Clarke from Peterlee who has had an outstanding season at centre half, and Adam Croft (right back) and Gavin Paxton (centre half) for sheer hard work and effort.

Club Chairman Andy Dobson has seen major improvement in all of the teams within the club since he took over at the start of the 2001/2002 season and is hoping to reward all members with the acquisition of their own land for pitches and a pavilion within the next couple of years. The project is relying on the Football Foundation for the bulk of the funding but a lot of work remains to be done to raise the rest of the money. Though full of appreciation to all the volunteers who've helped over the years Andy would love to welcome more volunteers to help with the running of teams and fundraising. Andy can be contacted on 01677 426895.