Brotherhood on display in Xavier Reidy Cup
The Xavier Reidy Cup, played in honour of the late Xavier Reidy, a St Patrick's College 1st XV and Marist St Pats Colts team member was played on Easter Monday, hosted by Marist St Pats this year. The game brings together the Marist St Pats Colts and the St Pats College 1st XV rugby teams in this hotly contested annual fixture. Players from both sides eagerly look forward to playing and the rivalry and respect between the two teams is easy to see.
The mild Wellington Autumn day started off with a quick cleanup and preparation of the field by St Pats College and Marist St Pats representatives. Rain the evening before had helped soften the dry summer hardened ground which was in good condition for the game. Players from both sides started to arrive around 11am to prepare for a 1pm kick off.
The players took to the field together and the referee blew his whistle for kick off a couple of minutes after 1:00pm with the game ending approximately 80 minutes later in Marist St Pats favour by 46-19 with many standout performances on both sides. It was also great to have the Reidy family represented on the field.
Friends and family members of players from both sides filled the sidelines and there were many members of the wider St Pats College and Marist St Pats rugby communities present. It was great to see the two rugby communities come together for this wonderful game.
There was also a great turn out at the after match function. The formalities included speeches from the two captains, as well as words from Brendan Reidy reminding players that they have a large community to support them and that they should never be afraid to turn to that community for help and support.
Players were treated to a meal and beverages with player of the day awards going to Taufaeteau Kaufononga from the Colts and Emilio Bell from St Pats College.
Photo: Andy McArthur
Xavier Reidy Cup record:
2024: Marist St Pats
2023: Marist St Pats
2022: Marist St Pats
2021: St Patrick's College
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