The County Cup Plate finale on Wednesday, 7th May, delivered a spectacle worthy of the occasion, a thrilling back-and-forth encounter played with immense mutual RESPECT between Risedale and Stokesley School & Sixth Form College. This display of sportsmanship, along with the team's performance, serves as an exemplary illustration of Risedale School's new Vision and Values in action.

Risedale frequently dictated the tempo, and this control allowed them to start brightly. The strong RELATIONSHIPS in midfield were evident as William Bell's audacious early attempt tested the Stokesley keeper. The team's RESILIENCE shone through as they bounced back after the Stokesley keeper's heroic penalty save. The boys lifted their heads and went again with a ferocious strike from James Pollock, hitting the underside of the crossbar and landing to what looked like over the line, but goal or not, Kalen Jenkin took RESPONSIBILITY and lashed home the rebound with an acrobatic finish.

Stokesley, however, proved to be a tough opponent, levelling the score with an unlucky deflected set piece, sending the game to a tense penalty shootout. Once again, Risedale's RESILIENCE was on display. The penalty takers - Henley Nicholas, Aidan MacKintosh, James Pollock, Corey Hillman, and Omar Secka - stepped up, while Riley Filius looked confident in goal. The shootout reached sudden death, with both teams locked at 4-4.

Jayden Pew stepped up to take the first sudden death penalty and continued to show Risedale’s ‘BEST’, he calmly sent the keeper the wrong way, and the pressure switched to Stokesley. The personality and character of the Risedale keeper, Riley Filius, were on full show with an acrobatic stop, clinching the County Cup Plate for Risedale. Overwhelmed with joy, the team erupted in celebration before immediately showing their class and character by consoling the Stokesley players with a sportsmanlike handshake of mutual admiration.

Every member of the squad deserves immense credit for this victory, with Head of PE, Mr Lawson, stating:

"To witness the boys display such incredible RESILIENCE, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY throughout the entire match, culminating in that dramatic penalty shootout victory, was truly something special. The strong RELATIONSHIPS they've built as a team were evident in their cohesive play and unwavering support for each other. Every single one of them played their part, and the spirit they showed, both on and off the pitch, makes me immensely proud. Well done #TeamRisedale!"

Mr Lawson's sentiments were further echoed in his enthusiastic match ratings, with every player involved receiving a perfect 10/10 for their contribution to this memorable triumph.

Riley Filius 10/10! Jay-Ron Browne 10/10! Omar Secka 10/10! Jacob Gardner 10/10! Henley Nicholas 10/10! Corey Hillman 10/10! James Pollock 10/10! Jayden Pew 10/10! Aidan MacKintosh 10/10! William Bell 10/10! Kalen Jenkin 10/10! Christopher Allan 10/10! Jay Newman 10/10! Matthew Senivota 10/10! Martin Jack 10/10!

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS