Bedale Juniors Under 11s team will certainly have plenty to celebrate at their end-of-season presentations having won their league by 12 clear points, finishing runners up in the Peter Cole Cup, and winning the George Fawcett Cup (both in the Richmond and District Junior Football League).

Manager Tony Cooper was full of praise for both teams and their supporters at the cup finals. Northallerton Town provided the venue, and the marvellous reception given to the players by all the supporters set the mood for two very exciting and sporting matches. Played in beautiful weather conditions, both cup finals delivered excellent football, with lots of skill, a hatful of goals, and a fitting finale to the season.

Having already secured the league championship Bedale, full of confidence, faced Richmond in the first cup final. A thrilling end-to-end game ensued, with both teams looking capable of lifting the trophy with only five minutes to go and Richmond leading 3-2. Then Richmond turned on the style and put the result beyond Bedale with another two goals to finish 5-2 and worthy winners. The second cup final, also against Richmond, was just as thrilling, but Bedale had learned their lessons, and led 4-3 with five minutes to go. Scoring one more before the final whistle Bedale secured the league and cup double with a 5-3 win.

Most pleasing for Tony though has been the team's consistent level of performance throughout the season. Winning 11 of their 14 matches, with two draws and only one defeat has been an outstanding achievement, made even more special by the fact that Tony was able to play 23 of his of 24 registered players, giving almost every member of the squad a chance to contribute to their success in league competition.

Whilst thanking all the players for their hard work, Tony also paid tribute to his assistants Paul Vernon and John Blondell for their tremendous contributions in training, as well as Bedale Sports and Abbots of Leeming for their kit sponsorship. All can now look forward to a well earned break, with a view to continuing the success next season, and who knows, maybe doing the treble next time.