Heart-breaking end to Richmond C of E's Wembley dreams

RICHMOND C of E Primary School were denied the dream chance of playing at Wembley on Saturday morning after an unfortunate defeat in the final of the U11's North Yorkshire School Games at York Sports Village.

Having won the Swaledale Alliance League in December with 8 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, Richmond qualified for the regional finals at York, where victory would send them through to the northern finals at Chesterfield in March; one step from Wembley.



Richmond C of E School celebrate winning the Swaledale Alliance League title.
L-R; Uchenna Anyadaiegwu, Lewis Riggs, Harry Davies, Max Collins, Emerson Butler (capt.), Charlie Stephenson, Ben Dale, Sam Potter.

The competition was split into 2 groups; 1 of 5 teams and 1 of 4 - all winners of their area league titles. The two group winners would meet in the final to decide who would go to Chesterfield. Richmond were drawn in Group 2 alongside Hutton Rudby, Stakesby, Westfield and Breckenfield.

The squad of 8 that travelled to York, all year 5 and 6 pupils at Richmond C of E School, was as follows; captain Emerson Butler, goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, twins Max and Edward Collins, Ben Dale, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Sam Potter and Lewis Riggs. Meanwhile, Harry Davies, who had played in the Swaledale Alliance League success, was unable to play due to injury, although he came along to support his team-mates.

Richmond's first match was against Hutton Rudby where goals from Max and Edward Collins secured a 2-0 victory. Stakesby were next up and Edward Collins scored twice before Uchenna Anyadadiegwu sealed a 3-1 victory to put Richmond in charge of the group.

Game 3 against Westfield would prove crucial. Having just beaten favourites Breckenfield 3-2, another win for local side Westfield would have sent them through. It looked bad for Richmond when they went 1-0 down late on but Edward Collins scored a great equaliser to earn them a 1-1 draw, meaning that victory over Brakenfield would put them in the final.



The squad prepare for the regional finals at York
back row L-R; Ian Maculloch (head of PE), Sam Potter, Ben Dale, Emerson Butler (capt.),Edward Collins, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, James Newcombe (coach).
front row L-R; Max Collins, Charlie Stephenson, Lewis Riggs.

This proved to be a thrilling match. Breckenfield scored first but Edward Collins once again found the target to bring Richmond level. When Breckenfield led again it looked as though the final was going to be snatched away at the last moment, but Richmond showed tremendous spirit to turn it around.

Uchenna Anyadadiegwu made it 2-2 before Edward Collins brought the final within reach with his 6th goal of the tournament. Then, in the final few seconds, Uchenna sealed the 4-2 victory leading to great celebrations.

The final would pit Richmond against Robert Wilkinson School from York, a team of York City Academy lads. Looking tired after their tough group matches, Richmond were slow out of the blocks in the final and found themselves 2-0 at half time.

But the second half saw them revitalised and they dominated from the off. Chance after chance went begging until finally, with a minute to go, Ben Dale's deflected shot brought Richmond within one goal of extra time. But it was too late. Robert Wilkinson held on to lift the trophy.

The boys pose with their runners-up medals after a heart-breaking end to a great season.
L-R; Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Emerson Butler(capt.), Lewis Riggs, Ben Dale, Harry Davies, Charlie Stephenson, Sam Potter, Edward Collins, Max Collins.

Although the day ultimately ended in disappointment, Richmond should feel proud of their achievement after an excellent season. Finishing as the second best side in the whole of North Yorkshire is no mean feat. Their 15 matches over the season brought 11 wins, 3 draws and only that 1 unfortunate defeat in the final.

Edward Collins finished with 18 goals while Uchenna Anyadadiegwu scored 11. Captain Emerson Butler provided a solid barrier at the back in front of goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, while Ben Dale and Max Collins added grit and determination to the midfield. Meanwhile Lewis Riggs, Sam Potter and Harry Davies all played a big part in what a tremendous team effort.

If these boys continue to develop over the next few years then it will surely only be a matter of time before they get to fulfil their Wembley dreams.