A season of successes through our younger age groups

What a season it has been across the club. From four U20s county call-ups to the National County Championship Final, both Colts teams combined only dropping a single game with their 1st XV running out Kent Cup League 1 winners and their 2nd XV finishing top in the Kent League 2. We have also seen international call-ups for two of our young players. This underlines the dedication of our players, the passion of our coaches, and the support from the wider club and its members and partners. It is our belief that this is the pipeline of talent that will drive us forward in the future.

To really see how these young rugby stars of the future are formed we must look to the Mini & Youth section of the club and observe the dedication shown by our U6 to U17 year groups who have celebrated their own milestone victories. Sunday 24th April saw our U14s playing in the Kent Rugby 7s Tournament, and what a roller coaster it ended up being! Canterbury got through to the final against Dartford Valley, scores were level at full-time meaning it came down to a nail-biting drop goal conclusion. Scores were also level after five attempts each but Canterbury emerged victorious in sudden death to become under 14s Cup winners. The day also provided the U14s with additional silverware with a second-team getting through to the plate final.

Our U15s will be seeing the season out by playing a Bury St Edmunds touring side on the main pitch at the Marine Travel Ground kick-off 5:30. It will be a fantastic endpoint to another successful year group season with our U15s running out as Kent League 5 winners, Tour 1 winners, Tour 2 winners, and Kent 7s Plate winners. Let’s get behind the lads and have as many of us cheering them on after the senior game also vs Bury.

We are going to have to get a bigger trophy cabinet! The future is indeed looking bright for the Black and Amber family at the Marine Travel Ground.

Match Report – Guernsey Ladies v Canterbury Ladies

GUERNSEY 11 CANTERBURY 60

By Claire Bernthal

Canterbury Ladies took to the Footes Lane fields in Guernsey, through a tunnel of rapturous applause from the Canterbury Men and travelling supporters.

Starting at great pace the dynamic fullback, Jemma-Jo Linkins, ran in a fantastic solo try side stepping her way down the pitch. Swiftly converting it herself.

Canterbury built a steady lead as they put on an impressive display of aggressive defence and well-structured attacking play. Adding to an already strong debut season for the City side, Jess Pettafor added 5 points with an impressive display of pace down the right wing, following a line out steal from flanker Lucy Relf. Anneka Willis then scored after Liz Spruin turned a Guernsey ball over in defence. Linkins converted both setting up a 21-0 lead.

Guernsey opened their account with a penalty in front of the posts.

Player of the match, fly-half Rachel Austerberry, opened her account with a dominant break. Following a slick pick and go from the base of a centre field scrum by no. 8 Mimi Montgomery, a cheeky offload from scrum half Charlotte Andrews.

Dominant scrummaging, inspired by the formidable front row of Daniella Charles, Inger Philpott, and Tasha Weir, opened up the field for the backs to attack. Linkins ran in her second of the afternoon which she converted.

A lapse in discipline in front of the Canterbury posts saw Guernsey secure a further 3 points from the tee.

The half concluded with centre Olivia Haywood intercepting a ball and quickly popping in the tackle to fly-half Austerberry. In a stunning break she ripped through the heart of the Guernsey defence with a series of incredible fends. Linkins converting once more.

Starting the second half with a 38-6 lead Canterbury were keen to kick on and enjoy the final 40 minutes of the season.

Kate Rutherford added a further 5 points following an impressive rolling maul. But with the wind against her Linkins failed to convert.

The next try saw winger Alice Hayward turn the ball over with one of her aggressive tackles. Centre Tilly Chilton pounced on the ball then popped to Pettafor who ran in the try.

Forward of the match Philpott made a bust through the centre and offloaded to Austerberry. She accelerated away from the tiring Guernsey players to secure her first hat trick in the amber and black jersey.

Guernsey never gave up the fight and their fly half scored out on the wing following and swift series of pick-and-go plays.

With the minutes slipping away Canterbury fought back from the kick off. Impact substitutes: Alexis Scarpulla, Chloe Oakley, Lauren Windsor, Amber Waitimas and Octavia Andall bought much needed energy into the attack.

Captain Andrews took advantage of a penalty and put Guernsey on the back foot. With the forwards storming up the centre of the pitch. Veteran member of the team Claire Bernthal made a break round the fringes of a ruck. A slick offload to flanker Alice Crabb, who came sprinting through at pace to score a final try of the season which Linkins converted.

The squad undoubtedly put on a fantastic display of passionate, energetic, attacking rugby which demonstrated to all watching why they ladies were crowned league champions.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

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Match Report – Guernsey RFC v Canterbury Mens 1st XV

GUERNSEY 33 CANTERBURY 33

In a terrific climax a penalty try in the last minute of this National 2 South game gave Canterbury a late share of the points after they had squandered a healthy lead.

They opened a 21-point gap in the first nineteen minutes but poor discipline, which cost them three yellow cards, handed Guernsey all the incentive they needed to dominate the second half.
It was the Channel Islander’s own indiscretions, however, that denied them victory as they came under sustained pressure in the dramatic closing minutes.

An impressive driving maul was stopped illegally, and referee Neil Sweeney had no hesitation in awarding the penalty try to Canterbury.

It was all so different in the early stages with Canterbury cruising ahead smoothly with tries from Ben Cooper, half back partner Frank Reynolds and Alex Evans, all converted by Tom Best.

Guernsey got their breath back with a converted try from Anthony Armstrong but despite temporarily losing Frank Morgan to the first of their yellow cards, the city side soon claimed a bonus point with a fourth touchdown when full back Aiden Moss delivered one of his scorching runs.

Guernsey made their extra man count just before half time through Callum Roberts’ try but Canterbury were still sitting in box seat with a fourteen point advantage.

It was a cushion that quickly became deflated in the second half which the home side dominated and as the yellow cards flew, first for Will McColl and then Sam Sterling, the city defences crumbled.

Going into the last quarter Guernsey had forged ahead with tries from Ciaran McGann, Owen Thomas, and Oscar Baird, with Thomas converting them all.

But when Canterbury found themselves in the last chance saloon they kicked down the doors in powerful fashion and it earned them three league points.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

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Neil MacKinnon

Neil MacKinnon 1946 – 2022

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Neil MacKinnon, player, supporter, businessman and a colourful character during his long association with the club. As a player, he was a strong and competitive scrum half who played at every level from first to fourth team. Which ever side he played for he set new standards in style usually arriving in a Porsche and dressed for the occasion. The scrum half tradition has been carried on by his family, son Miles and grandson Harrison who is a member of our successful Under 18 Colts team. Neil was also stepfather to Tony Allan, a leading supporter and sponsor of Canterbury rugby.

Neil, who was 75, died while visiting Cuba. Our sympathies for their loss go to Miles and his family, Tony and James.

Match Report – Canterbury Ladies v Guernsey

CANTERBURY LADIES 49 GUERNSEY LADIES 20

A final home fixture of the season saw a strong victory for Canterbury’s ladies, confirming themselves as champions.

Upon kick off some untidy catch-attempts from Guernsey saw Canterbury gain the upper hand with an early turnover penalty which was taken as a tap-and-go, only to be shortly turned back over by Guernsey who also opted to tap the ball, a commonly chosen route throughout the game.

Some well executed offloading, paired with a huge line-break by Mimi Montgomery which left Guernsey disorganised landed the ball in the hands of Jess Pettafor, who needed only to sidestep a player to score the first try of the game in the fifth minute. With her attempt at conversion being charged down by a Guernsey player.

Shortly after kicking back off, Mimi Montgomery once again made herself the centre of attention with a swift interception and 30 metre dash before being reached by the opposition, however the defence had already been opened for Canterbury to run the ball almost to the Guernsey 22 – only to be stopped by a well timed tackle into touch.

All was relatively quiet from then, until the 13th minute when Montgomery once more made a dash through the defensive line from 15 metres out to score the second try of the match.

A well placed box kick by Charlotte Andrews bounced almost perfectly in Canterbury’s favour, with Guernsey misplaced to collect it out the sky, and chasing Ella Jenkins was quick to strike a tackle, and Rachael Austerberry’s keen eyes made sure it played out perfectly by spotting the ball and scooping it up as it came loose from the ruck: enabling yet another pitch-long run for the team as they offloaded from player to player, however a knock-on scuppered their hopes of furthering their lead.

A high tackle in the 20th minute on Alice Hayward saw the referee show a red card, leaving Guernsey with only 14 players with an hour of play remaining.

Canterbury seized upon this opportunity by kicking to touch, playing a classic catch-and-drive which took advantage of the lacking backline and allowed Anneka Willis to dive for the line – giving Canterbury a lead of three tries to nought.

Guernsey were not to be taken so easily, however, finding a straight shot at the uprights after a penalty was given in their favour, ensuring they would not head home empty handed.

A quick retaliation from Canterbury on the back of a scrum was once again spearheaded by Mimi Montgomery being unstoppable in her pace, scoring the fourth try for Canterbury, her second.

A clean cross-field kick by Olivia Haywood paired with some good footballing by Jess Pettafor allowed the fullback to score her second try of the match, making the score 25 – 3 where it would remain until half time, despite the best efforts of both sides to improve their position further.

The second half became quite different, Guernsey took the time to assess what their weaknesses were, as well as figuring out where Canterbury were struggling, and despite having a player deficit came back stronger.

The assessment showed through, with Canterbury being held in their 22 for ten minutes, until a penalty went Canterbury’s way and despite the kick not finding touch, Montgomery continued their form chasing after the ball as quick as can be and ensuring Guernsey could make only a few metres back.

Willis’ boot became something of a staple in the second half, constantly kicking just right – earning Canterbury a lineout just within the opposing half – and once again Montgomery got the ball and was off, running 40 metres to score herself a third try, and being dutifully converted by Anneka Willis.

A try and conversion for Guernsey demonstrated a determination to keep fighting, and a strength to compete despite the early red.

The game continued to be a smooth blend of fast backs and physical forwards, with a series of pick-and-go’s on the Guernsey line to eventually open a gap for Elizabeth Spruin to dart through and score a try just off centre from the posts.

The visiting side took the initiative after resuming play, kicking the ball along until a penalty in front of the try line was taken with a quick tap to the surprise of Canterbury, scoring a second try and converting with 14 minutes remaining to play.

Quick hands after a scrum had the ball reach Olivia Haywood who capitalised on the weakened back line of Guernsey, running across the field to score herself a try,

Guernsey’s last score came with six minutes remaining, again scoring from a short burst through the line to touch the ball down immediately afterwards.

The final scoring moment of the game came when Canterbury, unwilling to rest on their laurels, reused the power of Mimi Montgomery to score a ninth try for the side, fourth for Montgomery.

Tries: Jess Pettafor (2), Mimi Montgomery (4), Anneka Willis (1), Elizabeth Spruin (1), Olivia Haywood (1).

Conversions: Anneka Willis (2)

Canterbury: D. Charles, I. Philpott, T. Weir, A. Willis, A. Crabb, L. Windsor, L. Relf, M. Montgomery, C. Andrews ©, R. Austerberry, A. Hayward, O. Haywood, T. Chilton, E. Jenkins, J. Pettafor. Replacements: B. Gayson, C. Bernthal, M. West, C. Oakley, E. Spruin

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Jack Lloyd

Canterbury Ladies v Guernsey Ladies [2022-04-17]

Match Report – Canterbury 1st XV v Esher RFC

CANTERBURY 11 ESHER 33

by David Haigh

High flying Esher were given a thorough Easter test before keeping their National 2 South title hopes on course with two late tries.

The scoreline probably flattered the visitors but here was a side that turned its chances into points while Canterbury, despite rattling the league leaders with their commitmmt and physicality, failed to make the most of theirs.

The city side’s first half effort was among the best of the season as they handled Esher’s kicking game with ease, created presure with some no nonsense rugby and took a six point lead through two Kyan Braithwaite penalty goals.

Adding tries to those points, however, eluded them and despite all the good work they found themselves behind at half time.

Esher scored twice in the final three minutes with Myles Rawstron-Rudd intercepting in Canterbury’s 22 metre area and Jack Lavin finding a gap after Danny Herriot had been yellow carded for pulling down a maul.

Sam Morley added the first of his four conversions.

A promising start to the second half again came to nothing for Canterbury but Esher approached their slightly uneasy situation with more determined forward power.

That earned a 56th minute try for prop Theo Skoumbourdis but they could make no further impression and as the game reached the last quarter it was Canterbury who found a way to the line.

A driving maul and a cut out pass sent Tristan King in at the corner to test Esher’s nerves.

They settled them but left it late with the bonus point try coming from Charlie Crawley in the 73rd minute from a powerful driving maul.

It was also enough to secure the win and in the last act of the game an individual breakaway score came from Phil Cokanasinga, a luxury replacement who usually plies his trade with Premiership London Irish.

Canterbury: A.Moss, G.Hilton, S.Sterling, K.Braithwaite, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper, A.Cooper, B.Young, D.Herriott, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, A.Evans, W.Waddington, T.Oliver.

Replacements: T.Best, E.Lusher, S.Churchyard, D.Heads. T.King.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

v Esher

Canterbury Representatives in Winning Kent Under-20s Team

Canterbury RFC are extremely proud to congratulate four of our young players, Harvey Furneaux, Tom Halliday, Will McColl, and Max Halliday, who represented Kent Under-20s.

Harvey Furneaux, Will McColl, and Max Halliday, were picked for the starting XV, with Tom Halliday being kept on the bench to provide impact later into the match.

The game played on 17 April 2022, at Charlton Park RFC, against Yorkshire was the semi-final of the Jason Leonard Under 20 County Championship Division 1 – with the final score being 34 – 13 to Kent.

Through this victory Kent move into the final against Cornwall on 1 May, which will take place at Sixways Stadium.

Match Report – Westcliff RFC vs Canterbury 1st XV

WESTCLIFF 19  CANTERBURY 33

by David Haigh

This was only the second away victory of the season for an inconsistent Canterbury side so the five points they took home from bottom of the table Westcliff were a welcome boost ahead of next Saturday’s meeting with league leaders Esher.

What the scoreline could not disguise, however, was the poor quality of a game in which both sides fed off unforced errors as much as their own skills.

Canterbury’s dominant scrummaging was the backbone of an untidy performance and three second half tries were enough to guarantee a result which should have been more convincing.

Playing into a chilly wind in the first half a patient build up brought a converted try for Dwayne Corcoran after 14 minutes but then the errors set in and Westcliff turned their gifts into points.

A turnover handed them the opportunity to make space for wing Sherif Olanrewaju and a second try followed after a horrible communication failure by the city backs.

Westcliff skipper Greg Bannister picked up, raced 50 metres to the line and added the goal points.

Relentless scrum pressure allowed Canterbury to square matters before half time.

Westcliff came under the cosh, James Scogings was yellow carded after repeated penalty offences and Canterbury finally broke them down with an overlap score from wing Frank Morgan.

After the break that same pack power pushed Canterbury clear with two tries in the space of seven minutes.

Steady pounding of the Westcliff line ended with prop Danny Herriott coming up with ball from under a pile of bodies and the lead was recaptured.

The second saw Westcliff  shunted back at a close range scrum and Number Eight Tyler Oliver made the touchdown.

Both were converted and at 26-12 the game was in the city side’s hands.

As the match went into its final quarter, however, a stubborn Westcliff fought back.

They forced penalties, won territory and lock George Maloney powered over for a try converted by Bannister.

It proved to be their last shot but as scruffy handling and poor control continued to plague both sides it was Canterbury who finished the stronger.

An attack down the left wing channel which at last had some poise about it sealed the game, bringing Morgan his second try and leaving Kyan Braithwaite to slot a fourth conversion.

Canterbury: D. Corcoran (repl A. Moss), G. Hilton, S. Sterling, K. Braithwaite, F. Morgan, B. Cooper (repl D. Heads), A. Cooper (repl J. Otto). B. Young, D. Herriott (repl E. Lusher), J. De Vries, J. Stephens (repl S. Churchyard), A. Evans, W. Waddington, T. Oliver

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Tim Browne / Westcliff RFC

Jamie Stephens Stays for 2022-23

Canterbury Rugby Club is proud to announce our first signing for the 2022-23 season is current club captain, Jamie Stephens.

Jamie Stephens has played through all levels of Canterbury Rugby Club: beginning as a young child in our Mini & Youth section, and then working his way up through the senior mens rugby teams at our club.

He first appeared for Canterbury’s 1st XV in 2017 at home against Clifton, becoming club captain in 2021.

Jamie has appeared for Canterbury’s 1st XV 76 times so far, with still more to give to the club.

On his continuing at Canterbury, Jamie Stephens said: ‘It’s great to be able to stay at the club for another season, as I feel I have so much more to offer the club’.

When asked about re-signing Jamie, head coach Matt Corker said: ‘Jamie has been an excellent ambassador for Canterbury on and off the field, I’m so glad he has chosen to stay with us for another season’.

 

v Barnes

Copyright – Phillipa Hilton / Canterbury Rugby Club



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Copyright – Phillipa Hilton / Canterbury Rugby Club

Match Report – Canterbury 3rd XV vs Cranbrook 2nd XV

Canterbury 3s sealed the league win with a hard fought victory over a fired up and skillful Cranbrook side.

Cranbrook had beaten Canterbury on the opening game of the season at their ground and were in the running to win the league if they could beat Canterbury and deny them a bonus point.
The home side found space on the outside early in the game, with Sam Merrell gliding over from fullback for the opening score. But ill discipline gave Cranbrook field position and the visitors capitalised with a converted try and a penalty to take them ahead.
Canterbury made the most of the possession they were able to get, however. Ollie Simpson made a half break down the left and put Barney Howard into space, and the centre was able to cut inside 3 defenders and score under the posts. An arcing run by Alex Williams after great hands from Harry Jackson didn’t quite result in a try, but soon after Ben Waite wriggled free and dotted down in the left corner giving the home side a 15-10 platform at half time.
After the break Canterbury put themselves under pressure with repeated penalties given away, but fierce defence and breakdown work by Dan Mills and Jack Waite kept Cranbrook at bay. The pace and handling of the city side gave them plenty of opportunities and paid dividends before long. Slick passing put Mark Stone in the corner, and a sneaky tap and go saw Alex Williams slip through. Cranbrook still threatened, but the game was finally put to bed when a break by Jake Upward led to Dan Gill putting his famous sidestep to good use and scoring by the posts on the final play of the game.
Final score 32-10.
Season record: Played 18, won 15, lost 3.