Month: September 2022

Worthing vs 1st XV

WORTHING V CANTERBURY PREVIEW

Posted on | by David Haigh

From Head Coach Matt Corker.

Last Saturday was a tough day. I said after the game on the live stream that we must be humble, and I stand by that. Blackheath were ruthless in their attack, and we paid for our mistakes. The thing that I was saddest about is that we didn’t fire a shot. We have an exciting and high energy attack. I can back that up with the tries we have scored this season, twice having periods of scoring three tries in quick succession, but we didn’t see any of that last weekend. The other obvious shortcoming on our stat sheet was the number of missed tackles. This isn’t a feature of our defence, something that we take great pride in. We know it is not possible to win a game against the best team in the league and miss that number of tackles. This will be an area we will be looking for a big turn around on Saturday.
The lads are driven to create an environment to be proud of and turned up on Tuesday ready to work and right the wrongs of the weekend. Worthing away has always been a tough fixture and this season will not be any different. We have focused on some clear targets that will get us back to using our strengths and the way we want to play. I have made some changes to the team as I believe that with the strength we have throughout the squad it is important to give other players their opportunity to show what they are capable of. Our unbeaten away record will be tested, and it is just what we need after the result against Blackheath.

The changes to last week’s squad see scrum half Will Calder make his first start and wing Max Halliday switch to full back. Cameron Murray will be at open side flanker and skipper Jamie Stephens wears the Number 6 shirt. Lock Royce Cadman makes his first appearance of the season as a bench replacement.after recovering from injury.

CANTERBURY TALES

Old Boys Club

Last week’s all Kent clash with Blackheath saw a continuation of the strong links with Canterbury over many seasons. The front rows needed no introduction as the Canterbury three, Billy Young, Nathan Morris and Danny Herriott, are all recent wearers of the Blackheath shirt. The exchange of players with Blackheath has always been a two way street with Matty Stewart leaving Canterbury and heading to South East London before winning over 30 international caps for Scotland. Highly rated back row players Ken Aseme and Leon White played great rugby for both clubs and Baden Meeu was a hooker who swapped Merton Lane for the Recreation Ground, Blackheath’s old headquarters. Before them it was Nick Kingsman, father of Charlie, who represented both clubs with distinction Let’s not forget, also, that Aiden Moss started his senior rugby journey at Blackheath but it was Canterbury who moved him to full back where he found his natural home. As well as the playing side we benefited from the coaching skills of Mark Hanslip when his playing career at Blackheath was cut shot by injury while Danny Vaughan and Matty Stewart coached at both clubs.. The connections run deep but the rivalry goes on.

Looking For A Career?

The club is extending its already wide community reach next month when we host a Careers Fair. The event, on October 28th, is aimed at all age groups who wish to meet and talk to locally based professionals from a wide range of career paths. Among the fifteen local employers providing advice and guidance will be the Construction Industry Training Board, Christchurch University & Canterbury College. Leading motor sales group Barretts, one of the company’s welcoming the initiative, said: “As a family run business that has been operating for 120 years in the heart of Canterbury and Ashford, Barretts are delighted to be supporting Canterbury Rugby Club Careers Fair. As a group that operates with 450 staff across 7 franchises, including Sales, Service and Parts we have widespread opportunity for people at any stage in their life to start their new and fulfilling career.”
The fair will run from 10.00 to 14.00 with welcome talks at 11.0 and113.00 For further information contact Kirsty Walder: admin@cantrugby.co.uk Or pre-register at:https://bit.ly/cfc-oct-careers-fair

Match Report - Bromley RFC Colts vs Canterbury Colts 1stXV

Match Report – Bromley RFC Colts vs Canterbury Colts 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Colts started their National Cup campaign strongly winning away 57-7 against Bromley RFC Colts.

An outstanding performance from the squad on their opening match of the season.

The boys definitely picked up where the season finished. They have worked incredibly hard in pre-season and their structure, fitness and discipline kept the scoreboard ticking in our favour.

Three tries a piece from Max Campbell and Stan Bull topped off a dominant game from the pair.

The Colts 2nd team narrowly lost in a hard-fought friendly against Aylesford Colts 1st team at home.
Their Kent league campaign opens up this coming Sunday away to Blackheath.
Click the image to enlarge
Match Report - Dover vs Pilgrims

Match report – Dover vs Pilgrims

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Pilgrims travelled to Dover for an early season local derby. The visitors started well, but within two minutes, lost possession missed tackles, and allowed the home side to break through and score an unconverted try, 5-0. Canterbury exerted more pressure, they won a line out 5 yards out but were harshly penalised for a throw that was not straight. Dover broke free, Martyn Beaumont, ex-first team captain, created an easy try which was converted, the lead was now 12-0 to the home side.

More good play and possession followed by the Pilgrims, but they lacked the final pass and were making errors and giving the ball away.  A penalty saw them go 15-0 down within 20 minutes. Then Dan Gill received a yellow card for stamping, Pilgrims lost their cool and Dover walked through for another 7 points. Half-time could not come sooner, 22-0 down and needing a very good second half to get back into the game!

Within minutes of the restart Canterbury messed up again and allowed Dover in for an easy try under the posts, 29-0.

The pilgrims started to get things going, good pressure on the Dover defensive line saw Beaumont transgress and get a yellow. Eoin O’Donoghue did a quick touch and go to score, Ollie Ashley-Jones converted, 29-7. A number of the pilgrims were having a good game individually, but still needed to gel as a team. More possession, but no points. Still errors when in good position, excellent defending by Dover, and the game got scrappy.

The home Partisan crowd played its part, the pilgrims got rattled playing away from home, they could not get the ball wide enough, quick enough, and the home side did not miss any tackles!

Then Eoin O’Donoghue, who had a good afternoon, scored again, Ollie did his bit and it was 29-14. At least Pilgrims won the second half! This new, young side still has much to learn, but there were many positives to take away from the game. Dover travel to Merton lane for the Christmas return game on December 17th, let us hope they do not play so well and Canterbury improve.

Pilgrims now have two games at home on the trot. This Saturday v Gilligham Anchorians, and the following week v Maidstone. Book into lunch and come along and watch two exciting games.

Match Report 1st XV vs Blackheath

Blackheath Class Tells

Posted on | by David Haigh

Canterbury 12 Blackheath 57

by David Haigh

The score line does not lie and the gulf between these two sides in this Kent derby was plain to see. Blackheath took the city club apart with display of of pace, skill and organisation which brought them eight tries and confirmed them as unbeaten leaders of National 2 East. With players of the calibre of centre Jake Hennessey and wing Alex Harris they rarely let an opportunity go to waste. Between them the pair claimed five of Blackheath’s tries, Hennessey getting a hat trick and the elusive Harris grabbing a couple and making another for Freddie Owen. The real shocks to Canterbury’s system dd not surface for half an hour despite the visitors dominating possession. A kick and chase try for Harris plus a penalty goal and conversion from Tom Ffitch had Canterbury eyeing a manageable first half. That optimism was then shattered in a devastating six minute window which saw Harris, Owen and Hennessey, with tremendous footwork, exploit the city club’s defensive frailties. Ffitch converted all three tries, it was 31-0 at the break and the match had ebbed away from the home side. At the start of the second half and with the wind now in their favour, Canterbury raised faint hopes by making the first score. A yellow card for Blackheath’s Marcus Burcham brought a penalty and a catch and drive opportunity and Alex Evans got the touchdown. That, however, was a minor blip for a side that revealed its class with another four tries. Canterbury’s best efforts were at the set pieces where the pack did a solid job but when ball was moved wide it was a different story. Clever off loading and support work, with players always available either side of the ball carriers, was in sharp contrast to a pedestrian and wilting Canterbury. Hennessey, twice, Steve Leonard and Jake Lloyd crowned all the good work and Ffitch slotted three conversions. An outplayed city club did make a defiant final statement through an 80th minute catch and drive score by Jamie Stephens which Frank Reynolds converted.

Canterbury: R.Howard, G.Hilton. W.Waddington. T.Best, (rep F.Morgan), M.Halliday, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (repl W.Calder), B.Young (repl A.Cooper), N.Morris, D.Herriott (repl E.Lusher), D.Irvine (repl J.De Vries), J.Stephens, C. Murray, A.Evans, T.Oliver

View match photos

v Blackheath 24 Sept 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
1st XV vs Blackheath

CANTERBURY v BLACKHEATH

Posted on | by David Haigh

“Another five points on the road means that we have equalled our away wins from last season, ” writes Head Coach Matt Corker. ” We have put an extra focus on when we are away, as we know to be a team at the top of the league our strong home form needs to travel with us. Westcliff was a case of job done, but the performance lacked the intensity that we displayed against Tonbridge, something we will be looking forward to putting right on Saturday afternoon.

“The new league gives us another exciting local derby with Blackheath visiting us for the first time since we played in National 1. The team remains very similar to last week. Jesse De Vries returns to give us second row cover off the bench and Max Halliday is brought into start on the wing with Frank Morgan dropping to the bench after struggling with illness this week. Harry Andrews and Tom Halliday will both be playing for the Pilgrims at Dover this weekend and they were both very difficult selection decisions. It reflects the strength of our squad and how competitive it has become this season.

“I look forward to seeing you at the Marine Travel Ground for another great afternoon of National league rugby.”

Pilgrims vs Southwark Lancers

Match Report Pilgrims v Southwark Lancers

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

17th Sept.

Pilgrims 55 v Southwark lancers 7 (H-T 24-7)

Within the first few minutes of the game, Ollie Ashley-Jones got the ball and Ran in a 90 metre try, alas he missed the conversion, 5-0 to the Pilgrims. Eight minutes later Nico Englbrecht, playing his last game before going to University, went on an unstoppable darting run to make it 10-0, this time Ollie converted, 12-0.

After 16 minutes, a poor box kick, which really just went straight up, was pounced on by the visiting Number ten, who proceeded to break through the home defence to score under the posts for a converted try, 12-7. The home side then proceeded to put a lot of pressure on the visitors. Taking control of nearly every scrum they pushed The Lancers back, and were thwarted on a number of occasions by resolute defending. The Canterbury pack were having a good day, and Jake Dengate, went on to have a very good day. James Everatt came on for Dan Gill, as part of the prop rotation, the props swopped sides and within minutes Jack Green was able to lose two tackles, make 40 yards, and used his pace to score, but again, due to a difficult cross wind, Ollie, just missed again, 17-7. The pilgrims were passing the ball quickly through their players, and it was just a matter of time before more points would be added!

From a scrum, and the ensuing 20 yard push, Ollie got the ball out to Max Halliday, whose weaving run deceived the visitors, and he scored a converted try to lead 24-7. On the stroke of half time Southwark Lancers pushed hard and were only stopped from scoring by good defensive work, the home side holding the ball up from what was going to be a certain try, half time arrived with the home side 24-7 up. 4 tries to 1.

The referee was having an excellent game, you hardly noticed him throughout the game. Royce Cadman was captaining the side after his return to rugby from his recent marriage, the squad benefitted from his experience and leadership.

Eoin O’Donoghue, came on immediately looked at home, and make some excellent runs and tackles. The team try of the day soon came. Excellent work from the combined forwards and backs resulted in Jack Green playing Adrian Geddes in for an unconverted try 29-7.

Vaughn Meredith went on a dazzling 25 yard solo run to score, Ollie converting 36-7. Within minutes after a scrum and another excellent push, Luke Webber, who won the supporters player of the day award, got the ball to Ollie Ashley-Jones to score an unconverted try 41-7.

Adam Malik latched into to a good drive by the home side, the ball was given to Meredith who dived and reached with one hand to score a converted try, 48-7. With time running out Meredith completed his hat trick with a superb solo run, Converted by Ollie, 55-7. Pilgrims secured their first league win of the season, scoring 9 tries, 5 converted.

The whole squad played their part, this was a very good team performance.

Their next game is against local rivals Dover at the Crabble on the 24th September, 3:00 kick off, and so it might! Don’t miss it.

Scorers:-Tries – Ashley-Jones, Nico Englebrecht, Jack Green, Max Halliday, Adrian Geddes, Vaughn Meredith, Ashley-Jones, Vaughn Meredith, Vaughn Meredith.

Conversions 5, by Ashley-Jones

Match report - Westcliff vs 1st XV

Another Maximum Return

Posted on | by David Haigh

WESTCLIFF 14 CANTERBURY 34

by David Haigh

Away days are proving profitable for Canterbury when, for the second time this season, they scooped up a maximum five league points which lifted them to second place in the National 2 East table. They were always in control of a scrappy affair against a limited Westcliff outfit and six tries was a decent return from a mixed performance.
Three of those scores came in a first half in which Westcliff’s indiscipline cost them three yellow cards and their failure to convert three penalty kicks stopped them getting any sort of foothold.
Guy Hilton celebrated his birthday with the opening score, a smart finish to some good handling as the wing slipped his markers. Tom Best converted. The forwards, controlled and efficient, took the credit for the next two with Nathan Morris peeling off a driving maul and Dave Irvine crashing over from a lineout. Unnecessary penalties stifled some of Canterbury’s momentum but a seventeen point lead at the break was comfortable enough and they nailed down a bonus point three minutes into the second half. Centre Will Waddington made the break and did the support work for the fourth try and the city side were soon looking for more. Instead, Westcliff grabbed an opportunity as Jimmy Rea intercepted near his own line and made the running for Jimmy Hogarth to touch down and Brad Robbins to convert. The last fifteen minutes of the match, full of errors and little structure, were forgettable but at least there were three late tries to keep supporters interested. Westcliff gifted one to Harry Andrews as they messed up a goal line drop out before Robbins gave the home side consolation with a score converted by Harry Mount. Two minutes from the end Waddington, in excellent form, ran on to Frank Reynolds’ delayed pass to complete Canterbury’s set and Reynolds converted with the last kick of an undistinguished game.
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Canterbury: R.Howard, G.Hilton, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan (repl T.Halliday), F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (rep W.Calder), B.Young (repl A.Cooper), N.Morris, D.Herriott (rel E.Lusher), D.Irvine, J.Stephens, C.Murray, A.Evans (repl H.Andrews), T.Oliver

Match photos
v Westcliff - 17 Sept 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Westcliff vs 1st XV

MATCH PREVIEW

Posted on | by David Haigh

Last week’s physical battle against Tonbridge Juddians took its toll with injuries dictating the make up of the squad travelling to Westcliff. Debuts are given to backs Ross Howard and Tom Halliday while Frank Reynolds and Tyler Oliver are fit again and named in the starting line-up. Head Coach Matt Corker says: “Local derbies are always highly charged affairs and last Saturday was no exception. After playing some great rugby in the opening thirty minutes, and giving ourselves over a twenty-point lead, to finish losing was hard to take. Tonbridge’s two scores before half time reduced the deficit and in the second half scoring first put us back in control. From that point, though, we struggled for territory and errors in the Tonbridge half prevented us from adding to our tally. I was really proud of the commitment the team showed. Players left the field with injuries but were willing to return to try and give all they had for the team. This is a great reflection of how much our performance means to the group. The lesson for us is, if we want to beat teams that are expecting to be at the top end of the table, we have to be able to play at a high intensity for 80 minutes and be able to win the territorial battle.

“After that physical encounter, both Aiden Moss and Charlie Kingsman will be unavailable to play at Westcliff due to injury. Frank Reynolds returns to fly half after a short injury lay off. He doesn’t like missing games and will be keen to get his hands on the ball again. It is also good to see the return of Tyler Oliver into the back row. Westcliff lost narrowly in their own local Derby against Rochford and will go into the weekend hunting for their first win. We know from our visit last season that we will have to start with intensity to come away with the result that we want.”

PILGRIMS AT HOME
There is league rugby at The Marine Travel Ground on Saturday where the Pilgrims play their first home match in Counties East 2 against Southwark Lancers with a 3pm kick-off.

Vigo vs Pilgrims

Pilgrims Miss Out

Posted on | by David Haigh

VIGO 20 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 19

Pilgrims first experience of the new Counties East league ended in the narrowest of defeats. Throughout the game there was little between the sides with the lead changing hands six times before Vigo took advantage of missed tackles to grab a converted try which proved decisive. Canterbury still had fourteen minutes to turn that round but failed to dent the home defence. Vigo took an early lead with a penalty goal before Ollie Finn crashed over for Pilgrims. It was silly penalties that hampered their first half progress and a yellow card for Luke Webber did not help. That handed the home side another three points before prop Will McColl powered over for a try converted by Dan Hills to recapture the lead. However, it was Vigo who went into half time one point ahead after another penalty gave them the chance to create a converted try. That slim advantage was quickly overtaken in the second half when Tom Halliday sent Ross Howard Howard in for Pilgrims third try, again converted by Hills, to leave them in a good position. Then came came those missed tackles which proved to be their undoing as Vigo nosed in front again with a converted try and the visitors had to be content with a losing bonus point.