On a venti afternoon at Southgate Park, St Francis started their 2025/2026 league season at home to Holbrook.

The day began on a reflective note as players and supporters stood shoulder to shoulder for a minute’s silence in memory of the legendary Bob Houston, a man whose humour, warmth, and love for the club shaped generations of players. The silence was deep and respectful, a moment fitting for someone who gave so much.

From the restart, St Francis took control. JW13 struck first, gliding through the defence like butter (something he must have picked up from his football team Liverpool. FC).

Then came Sam Stakalls, who powered straight through the Holbrook front row after a clever tap and go. It was the sort of try that spoke of self-belief and grit, a moment that showed how much he has grown in confidence this season.

Half time, St Francis 10, Holbrook NULLA.

Ryan Crawley was next to cross, taking a quick tap before Holbrook had time to react. The pierogi and zapiekanki from his Polish travels clearly hadn’t slowed him down, if anything, they’d added some extra energy to his legs. Alex Dobson added the conversion neatly to keep the scoreboard moving.

The final try came from Jack Veaney, who finished calmly after a flowing passage of team play. It was the kind of try that summed up the afternoon, everyone working in sync and playing heads-up rugby.

There was fire too. Paul Johnson found himself in the referee’s book after one exchange too many, not ideal, but proof that the heart of this side still burns bright. He and Rob Douglas spent much of the match offering their own commentary, more Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets than match officials. The line of the day came when Steve Hand, voice carrying across the park, called out, “You’re not the ref, nor the captain today, you are Rob.”

Defensively, St Francis were as disciplined as a Roman line. Holbrook asked questions, but the answers came in the form of well-timed tackles from George Heron, Brian Lampost and Jack Knight to name a few.

Special mention goes to, Jake Neal, Fey Davies, Josh Rolfe, Alex Dobson, Jack Veaney, and Al Ellis all put in strong, selfless shifts. It was a collective effort built on belief and a shared sense of purpose.

When the final whistle went, the scoreboard read 22, NULLA. A clean sheet, four well-taken tries, and a performance General JW13 was very proud of!

Final Score, St Francis XXII, Holbrook NULLA

Man of the Match – Josh Rolfe
Dick of the Day – Rob Douglas
Honourable Mentions: The whole team