St Mary's 3, King James' 1

(after extra-time)

MENSTON St Mary's RC School Under-13's beat King James' School, Huddersfield, in a thrilling West Yorkshire Cup final and now go into the last 32 of the English Schools' Trophy as West Yorkshire champions.

The final was played at Brighouse Town Football Club in front of a crowd of over 300 spectators who were treated to a very competitive and entertaining game.

The game began at a furious pace with St Mary's having to defend in depth. However, it was St Mary's who opened the scoring with a very well taken goal by Sam Jewell.

King James continued to press forward with the St Mary's back four of Joe Geldart, Chris McCarthy, Paul Whiteley and James Holland all putting in outstanding performances.

One up at half-time the game was far from over with King James keen to get back on terms. The St Mary's midfield of Andy Bowmar, Callum White and Charles Lumley, chased every ball from penalty area to penalty area but with less than ten minutes to go the Huddersfield team were rewarded with a goal to put the teams on level terms.

St Mary's worked hard to create shooting opportunities with Declan Forber and Jimmy Keinhorst both going close. At the end of normal time the score was 1-1 with 14 minutes of extra- time to be played.

An amazing 30 metre strike from Jimmy Keinhorst put St Mary's in the lead. This cushion seemed to settle St Mary's who then started to play their fluid passing game. Substitutes Philip Ward, Matthew Cavanagh and Craig Simmons gave St Mary's some fresh legs.

As the game went on goalkeeper Matt Convey looked particularly solid. A confident and determined St Mary's side continued to look for a third goal and were rewarded with a fine finish from Ben Bradley.

The game ended 3-1 to St Mary's with every member of the team playing a vital part in this victory.

St Mary's now go through to the last 32 in the English Schools Championships.