FOLKESTONE 31 pts v SOUTH MOLTON 36 pts
Final of the Papa John Counties 2 Shield
18th May 2025

Founded in 1973, it has taken 52 years for Folkestone RFC to achieve national recognition—and they finally did so by reaching the final held at Shaftesbury Park Stadium in Bristol. Their journey to the final was no small feat, involving over 1,000 miles of travel in the past three weekends.
Despite their incredible run, silverware narrowly eluded them in a dramatic and hard-fought encounter against South Molton from north Devon. In a scrappy yet thrilling match where flowing rugby was scarce, both sides exchanged the lead multiple times, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Folkestone got off to a shaky start, conceding five penalties in the opening five minutes and falling behind 12–0 within the first 20 minutes—without even entering their opponents' 22-metre area. However, true to their resilient form, they responded in style. Alex Price opened their account with a sharp finish following quick ball movement. Minutes later, another incisive break from a maul allowed Charlie Watson to cross the line. Callum Palmieri converted both tries to give Folkestone a narrow 14–12 lead.
That lead was short-lived, as South Molton slotted a long-range penalty just before half time to edge ahead 14 – 15.
Early in the second half, the penalty count continued to rise. South Molton capitalised on a fortuitous bounce to score a converted try, extending their advantage to 14 - 22. But Folkestone were not to be intimidated, a fast-paced passage of play allowed Charlie Watson to finish a well-worked move on the wing, and the successful conversion brought the score to 21 - 22.
Folkestone's substitutions paid dividends gaining territory and swift passing gave Harry Dean the chance to burst through tackles on the left to score a superb try and reclaiming the lead 26 - 22. South Molton answered with a powerful pushover try following sustained pressure, retaking the lead at 26 – 29 after the conversion.
Yet again, Folkestone surged ahead. A sweeping move to the right wing ended with Charlie Watson finishing clinically. Another successful conversion meant Folkestone led 31–29 with 10 minutes remaining.
But in a dramatic finale, South Molton's forwards mounted a relentless assault, eventually breaching the Folkestone defence in the mid-field to score and convert, making it 36–31.
Folkestone pushed one last time, advancing to within metres of the try line with ball in hand and momentum on their side. However, the referee halted play for an injury and then blew the final whistle—ending Folkestone’s remarkable journey in the cruellest fashion.
Folkestone’s team is comprised of young players brought in from the very strong Junior section and experienced players and it is with sadness that the 1st XV is losing four stalwarts with Ben Stringer and Tom Snare retiring and Seyhan Fell with Jon Morton retiring from senior rugby. All four players have made an outstanding contribution to the squad and their skill and experience will be missed.

Scores: - Try, Price, 5 - 12, Conversion, Palmieri 7 – 12 (23 mins) ; Try, Watson C.12 – 12, Conv. Palmieri 14 – 12 Try; Watson C. 19 – 22 Conv. Palmieri 21 – 22. Try, Dean 26 – 22. Try, Watson C. 31 - 29

Team: Cameron Easby, James Cousens, Luke Dengate: Jack Baker, Ben Stringer; Jon Morton, Jake Dengate, Alex Price: Greg Wood, Kyle Deacon, Harry Dean, Callum Palmieri, Cairo Ellis, Charlie Watson, Seyhan Fell. Subs: - Jack Hobbs, Keiton Smith, James Stewart, Louis Watson, Jack Hines, Harry Newton, Ryen Morton, Tom Reina.