WELLS 27 pts. v FOLKESTONE 38 pts

Folkestone Battle Through to Papa John Cup Final After Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Wells

Having powered into the semi-final of the Papa John Cup with a commanding 64–24 win over Old Cranleighans at Thames Ditton, Folkestone travelled 200 miles to Wells brimming with confidence, bolstered by 25 tries in their previous three matches.

That confidence was tested early, however, as Wells came out firing. Organised and energetic, the home side dominated possession in the opening minutes and camped in the Folkestone 22. Their pressure paid off with a well-crafted converted try, followed soon after by another under the posts. Within 20 minutes, Wells had surged to a deserved 14–0 lead.

Folkestone attempted to respond but were hampered by unforced errors and a series of frustrating penalties. However, when given the chance to move the ball, their trademark fluid, running rugby came alive. A sweeping move that flowed from left wing to right saw Harry Dean finish superbly under the posts, giving Callum Palmieri a straightforward conversion to close the gap to 14–7.

Wells maintained their dominance and added a 35-metre penalty before half-time to extend their lead to 17–7.

Whatever head coach Rob Dengate said during the break sparked a shift in momentum. Folkestone returned to the field with renewed intensity and attacking intent. But despite a bright start, they fell further behind when Jon Morton was penalised for a late tackle, allowing Wells to convert another penalty and stretch the lead to 20–7.

Undeterred, Folkestone struck back. Ciaran Ellis broke two tackles with sheer determination and crashed over for a vital try, once again converted by Palmieri to bring the score to 20–14.

Now in the ascendency, Folkestone turned up the pressure against a tiring Wells side. Kyle Deakin produced a sensational solo effort, evading multiple defenders to score beneath the posts. Palmieri’s conversion edged Folkestone ahead for the first time, 20–21.

The front row trio of Cameron Easby, James Cousens, and Mason Colchester-Long outmuscled a physically larger Wells pack, consistently winning scrums and territory. With Ben Stringer and Jack Baker adding weight behind them, Folkestone gained the platform they needed. From the base, James Stewart and Jon Morton provided constant threats, but it was Alex Price who delivered next—bursting through the heart of the defence to score. Another Palmieri conversion took the score to 20–28.

As Folkestone’s superior fitness began to show, Wells struggled to keep pace. However, a yellow card for Jon Morton gave the hosts a late spark, and they capitalised with a swift try down the left wing, narrowing the deficit to 27–33 with just four minutes remaining.

The final minutes were tense, but Folkestone held their composure. Veteran leadership from Seyhan Fell and Greg Wood ensured the visitors controlled possession deep in Wells territory. Then, in a fitting finale, Charlie Watson latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Palmieri and sprinted in for the fifth try. Palmieri added the extras to seal a remarkable 38–27 victory.

It was a performance built on grit, fitness, and resilience—qualities that will be crucial in next week’s final against South Molton (Devon), to be held at Shaftesbury Park Stadium in Bristol.

Scores Try, Dean 14 – 5 ( 23 mins) Conv. Palmieri 14 – 7: Try Ellis ( 53) 20 – 12 Conv Palmieri 20 – 14, Try Deakin 20 – 19 (58) Conv Palmieri 20 – 21: Try Price 20 – 26 (72) Conv Palmieri 20 – 28; Penalty, Palmeri 27 – 31, Try, Watson ( C) 27 – 36. Conv. Palmieri 27 – 38.

Team: - Cameron Easby, James Cousens, Mason Colchester-Long: Jack Baker, Ben Stringer: James Stewart, Jon Morton, Alex Price: Greg Wood: Seyhan Fell, Harry Dean, Louis Watson, Callum Palmieri, Charlie Watson, Jack Hobbs
Subs: - Ciaran Ellis, Luke Dengate, Ryen Morton, Tom Reina, Kyle Deakin, Ryan Furlong, Kieron Smith.