In a commanding display, Rihoy North secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Vale Recreation in the Corbet Shield Semi-final held at their home ground on 30 April 2025, kicking off at 6:30pm. The match showcased Rihoy North's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, leading them to progress to the final with a dominant performance.
Rihoy North adopted a 2-1-4-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a strong defensive base while providing ample support for their attacking players. Oliver Whitwam stood guard in goal, with Fin Cochrane and Max Ellis forming a robust central defensive partnership. Ezra Leaman played as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking midfield quartet comprised Connor Gardner on the left, Hugo Gouveia and Morgan Finn in the centre, and Jarvis Humphrey on the left, with Josh Garland leading the line as the striker. This setup was designed to exploit the width of the pitch and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
The substitutes for Rihoy North included Theo Smith, Bella Pacheco, Theo Ferbrache, Arthur Ward, William Sebire, and Daniel Bloomfield, providing depth and tactical flexibility for the manager.
The match began with an explosive start as Hugo Gouveia opened the scoring in just the fourth minute. Receiving a well-timed pass from Connor Gardner, Gouveia unleashed a stunning shot from outside the area, finding the back of the net with his right foot. This early goal set the tone for Rihoy North, who looked to dominate the proceedings.
However, the match took a slight turn when Connor Gardner was forced off due to injury in the 23rd minute, making way for Theo Smith. Despite this setback, Rihoy North continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off again in the 30th minute. Jarvis Humphrey scored a spectacular long-range effort, a true 'screamer' that left the Vale Recreation goalkeeper with no chance, doubling Rihoy North's lead just before half-time.
With the score at 2-0, the teams headed into the break, but Rihoy North's momentum was far from over. Just after the restart, in the 41st minute, Morgan Finn added a third goal to the tally. Finn capitalised on a corner delivered by Humphrey, rising above the defence to head the ball home, showcasing Rihoy North's aerial threat.
The substitutions continued to flow as Rihoy North made tactical changes to maintain their lead. In the 42nd minute, Bella Pacheco replaced Josh Garland, followed by Theo Ferbrache coming on for Connor Gardner in the 45th minute. The defensive line saw a change as Arthur Ward entered the fray for Max Ellis in the 49th minute, while William Sebire took over from Pacheco in the 52nd minute.
As the match progressed, Daniel Bloomfield was introduced in the 54th minute, replacing Jarvis Humphrey, who had already made a significant impact with a goal and an assist. In the 57th minute, Bella Pacheco returned to the pitch, this time for Hugo Gouveia, while Josh Garland re-entered the game, taking the place of Morgan Finn.
In the closing moments of the match, Theo Smith made his return to the pitch, replacing Theo Ferbrache in the 59th minute, ensuring Rihoy North maintained their stronghold as the final whistle approached.
Rihoy North's performance was a testament to their preparation and execution, with each player contributing to a well-rounded team effort. The victory not only secured a place in the Corbet Shield Final but also highlighted their potential for future successes in the competition.
