Match Report: Fran Colangelo

A lovely dry Boxing Day morning at St Marks welcomed this years teams made up of a variety of Wells players and guests including none other than former player, England and British Lion Martin Corry playing for the first time with his son Ned and for the last time in a Wells shirt at the place he started his rugby journey.

The script could not have been written any better as within 5 minutes of Referee Tim McCabe’s whistle a trademark Martin Corry offload to his son saw Ned cross the line to put the Presidentts 5-0 up. Despite this early setback The All Stars hit back with John Ridley of TJs playing alongside his 2 sons came up with the ball after a great team effort to get to the line. Soon after it was the younger sibling Patrick Ridley who sliced open the defence to put the All Stars in the lead with Ben Shirley adding the conversion.

This was an evenly matched contest with both sides playing open rugby and The Presidents scored next when Sam Crichton went over to reduce the gap to 10-12. The All Stars however were dominating the tackle area with skipper Tiggy Bartley and Kent Veteren Rob Harrison using all their experience to gain the advantage. Soon another score came with Lucas Scully playing alongside his brother Jesse found a gap to go over converted by Shirley. 10-19. Patrick Ridley sealed the half with his second try to put the All Stars 10-24 up at half time. 

The Presidents started the second half well with Jack Greig showing some silky skills and speed to run in from halfway converting his own try to make it a 1 score game at 17-24. There were moments of brilliance in the second half with Sam Crichtons charge from 50 meters out only to get hauled down by Ben Shirley with the line at his mercy. The old and the young were having fun. The All Stars just had the edge though and 2 quick tries from Hamish Towers and Oscar Davies put the All Stars 17-34 up with 5 to go. This was the green light for Fran Colangelo to enter the game for one last run with his son Harvey replacing his old friend Nick McDowell. Quick ball was one and Jack Grieg broke through making a try scoring pass to Fran Colangelo who dotted down in the corner. What a way to bow out!

Friendships renewed, memories made and a special mention for Andy Maynard for a full game at hooker in his 50th playing season at the club at the age of 65 – he made his first senior appearance at 15 in 1974 and still played regularly for the 3rd XV and Vets.

Martin Corry presented him with his British Lions shirt from the 2005 Lions Tour to New Zealand.

Finally a special mention for the fathers and sons that graced the pitch, Corry’s, Greig’s,  Childs, Bradley’s, Ridley’s, McCabe’s, and the brothers Scully. A day that won’t be forgotten in a long time.

EDITORS NOTE: A huge thankyou to Fran Colangelo who organised this and many other Boxing Day games. Fran’s continued efforts have made the Boxing Day a great club and community event which also helps raise funds for the club.