What a weekend of cup finals for Rising Stars!

Huge congratulations to our U12s for their emphatic 4-0 win over title rivals Folkestone Invicta Youth at Baypoint on Sunday 28th April, in the East Kent Youth League Charles Ridge Memorial Cup. The boys worked hard for each other throughout, keeping up their excellent record of clean sheets and still only 9 goals conceded during the whole season! Alex was voted player of the match. The team are deserving champions, now chasing the double!

Huge congratulations too to our U12 Juniors, who beat Ramsgate Colts 2-1 in the Invitational Cup Final organised by the Faversham and District Youth Football League on Saturday 27th April hosted by Faversham Strike Force. Some fantastic attacking play in windy conditions, with Alonso voted player of the match! Well done all, and well done Alonso.

And hard luck to our U10 Colts, who played so well against a strong Dover Rangers team, losing 2-1 at the final whistle. The squad have made great progress throughout the season and should be proud of what they've achieved.

One more finals day, 11th May, for our U9s in the EKYFL Steve Ginger Memorial Cup...

Go Risers!!!

- Kathryn

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Match Report: U10 Colts v Schulz & Moore

On Saturday 2nd March our U10 Colts played in their very first semi final, in the EKYL plate competition. In a strange twist of fixtures, the boys played their opponents the week before in the league and triumphed, so the pressure was on to repeat the feat.

The game took place at the colts home ground at Blean School and the boys dominated the first half against Schulz and Moore. Holding most of the possession and regularly creating chances, the colts went into the break with a solid lead.

The second halve was a tense affair with regular reshuffling of the team as both sides tired on the big pitch. Tireless work however from Spencer, Alfie, Ollie and Max to defend, with calm control from George and Sid to hold onto the ball meant that the boys protected their lead. JP, Archie and Charlie also worked their socks off to bring the ball wide and make Schulz and Moore chase the ball.

As the game neared it’s end the lead could have been extended and the boys ran out winners progressing into the final in front of a jubilant crowd of over 50 supporters.

Finals day is on April 27th, venue TBC. Go Riser!

- Robin

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Match Report: U10 Colts v Schulz & Moore

With both teams meeting in the semi final of the plate next week, this was a great opportunity to play against each other. Schulz & Moore we knew are a strong side, having not lost a game for 6 months and winning against teams in the Cup competition from higher league's.

The team were up against it from the off and SMC whizzed in a cross which richosahed in off a rising star foot. The boys kept their shape well and didn't panic. JP and Spencer worked tirelessly throughout and defended very well. Midfield attacked the ball ensuring we began to win more possession and were growing in confidence. Final play of the half saw Sid hold the ball up, teeing up Archie with a back heel who scored with a great shot from the edge of the area.

We started well in the 2nd half and worked hard to press them in all areas of the pitch. SMC had some excellent chances to take the lead. Max stood firmly in goal and deservedly earned himself Man Of The Match as he lead by example as captain. Rising Stars continued to have opportunities and Dexters, cross come shot decieved both the SMC defenders and keeper and went in. Louis finished off a fantastic counter attack to complete the win. All sets up for a great semi final next week.

- Angus

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