Boxing Day is always a special one at the club and this was no different as the players turned up, some a little jaded, after the Christmas festivities.

Te All Stars were made up of young Wells players and vets and the chairmans a mix of Wells players and guests with the Corry Family going one step further this year as Martin turned up to play with his son and both Nephews for the first time. The Ridley’s from TJs returned as did Ben Shirley back from his studies in America and it was good to see the return of Alex Maynard running out with his dad one more time.

Referee Tim McCabe blew his whistle and on a surprisingly good pitch 4 surface both sides showed in the first few minutes that this would be a competitive game. The Chairmans XV were first on the scoreboard with Louis Talbot going over 0-5. A slippery ball led to a few knock ons so it was a little stop start early on. The cohesion of the All Stars led to more possession and it was their captain Tiggy Bartley that levelled the scores after 10 minutes. Soon after the strong running Ollie Crees broke through only for Harvey Colangelo to put in a try saving tackle. The All Stars continued to pressure and Sam Crichton who was ever present went over to take the lead 10-5.

The Chairman’s XV mounted some good attacks with Ben Duftie showing some excellent skills on the wing but the All Stars defence was solid. Before half time they struck again with Oscar Davies sniping from 9 going over and taking a 17-5 lead. Ollie Crees had to leave the field just before half time and replaced by Nick Baldock.

A few half time changes saw Martin Corry (having done his job for the year) leave the pitch with Alex Padureanu coming on. It was a bit of a stalemate and the highlight of the first 10 minutes was our referee McCabe being tackled off the ball (the perpetrator will remain nameless!!) It was very much accidental and the game resumed. The Chairmans XV suddenly got some possession and caused some problems in the All Stars defence. Captain Milo leading the charge.
As the Chairmans XV edged closer it was Andy Maynard the oldest player on the pitch playing like a man 20 years younger who went over from short range. The gap was closed to 17-12. Soon after Ben Duftie ran a mazy line to outstrip the defence to score the try of the match. The Chairmans XV had the lead but it was a slender 17-19 one.

The Chairman XV had to withstand a barrage of attacks in the closing minutes and were so close to victory until Harry Child found space out wide to score. 22-19 was the final score and the crowd of around 200 walked to the bar having enjoyed a good game of rugby. So many great performances, friendships renewed and Christmas cheer shared in a packed clubhouse afterwards. It’s what Boxing Day is all about!