Congratulations to our March 300 Club Winners
148 x Mike Derbyshire
37 x. J M Edmondson
211 x Naz Kaliq
59 x Peter Hermitage
83 x Trevor Martin
Month: March 2024
Last Gasp Victory
BROMLEY 26 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 28
by John Mitchell
The newly crowned champions of Kent 1 left it to the last minute to save themselves from a second defeat of the season. Will Hilton’s penalty goal came to the rescue after Pilgrims saw a comfortable sixteen points half time lead whittled away by a resurgent Bromley. After falling behind to an early penalty goal Canterbury took charge of the first half and once they had worked some errors out of their system forged ahead when Gus Lister surged through for an excellent try. Hilton converted and quickly added a long range penalty goal. A second Bromley penalty goal cut into the lead but the last ten minutes of the half belonged to the visitors. A great individual try from scrum half Hector Valldares, converted by Hilton, was followed by the best score of the day from Sonny Trew-Neville. Bromley came out with all guns blazing in the second half. Within the first minute they had scored and converted before Hilton replied with another well taken penalty. Weak defending did not help as the home side struck again with an unconverted try and suddenly the score was 18-25. Then came the rain, sleet and wind and Bromley scored try number three. Again they missed the conversion but Pilgrims dug deep and should have scored at least two tries. But the home side defended well and with two minutes left they slotted a penalty to take the lead. It looked like Pilgrims had lost the game, but with 30 seconds left on the clock Hilton stepped up and, under immense pressure, made the winning kick.
On 6th April, Pilgrims go to Beccehamians for their last game of the season. The Canons, club’s 3rd XV, will travel with them looking for a victory which would make them Counties 5 Kent league champions
Poor Day At OA
OLD ALBANIAN 38 CANTERBURY 23
by David Haigh
This was a hugely disappointing performance from a Canterbury side that went into this game on the back of two convincing victories. After overturning an eleven point Albanian lead in the first half, discipline and focus deserted them and they lost to a team who scored six tries, were more assured and gave little away in defence. There were patches of good rugby from the city side but lack of ideas, handling errors and a failure of concentration raised serious questions about the way they approach their final three games of the season, all of them tough assignments. A Frank Reynolds penalty goal won an early lead but by the fifteenth minute they found themselves trailing. Albanian hooker Charlie Fleckney claimed two tries, both converted by Sam Jones, as the home side worked the phases for the first and exploited a catch and drive for the second. Canterbury’s response was to produce their best spell of the match before throwing all the good work away. Pressure built and points came from a second Reynolds penalty goal and his easy conversion when Alfie Orris finished off a series of close quarter drives. A knock on denied them another try but when Albanians Andrew Nurse was yellow carded Reynolds penalty nudged his side back into the lead. Faced with fourteen players it was a good time to strike again, but it was the hosts who did the damage. In a game littered with penalties Canterbury conceded two in quick succession which cost them tries. A clever lineout ploy left them flat footed as Haydn Barnes marched through a huge gap and back chat to the referee, a minute before half time, cost another seven points. Barnes, from a catch and drive, was the scorer again and Jones converted to make it 26-16 at the break. At the start of the second half the city side failed to come away with anything when camped on the Albanian line, kicked a ball out of their own scrum and conceded a fifth try. A missed tackle saw Nurse skate away for a score converted by Jones and it was back to playing catch up for Canterbury. They showed plenty of attacking intent but much of it was predictable and the home defence swallowed them up. Space was eventually made for Orris in the 66th minute and Reynolds kick from wide out was good. But a yellow card for Eoin O’Donohgue was another blow and Albanians finished their successful day with a late touchdown from Aaqil Attah. For Canterbury there were good contributions from Jesse De Vries and Cameron Murray but, as a team, they have plenty to reflect on if they are to retain their seventh place in National 2 East.
Canterbury: W.Waddington, G.Jones, F.Morgan, T.Best, A.Orris, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, E.Lusher, N/Morris, D.Herriott, S.Kerry, J.De Vries, C.Murray, E.O’Donoghue, J.Stephens, Replacements: C.Macmillan, B.Cooper, W.Hunt, B.Law, T.Mackenzie
View match photos
Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Let’s Make It Three
MATCH PREVIEW: OLD ALBANIAN
The big difference this season from the previous one is our ability to back up results and the momentum that allows us to build. The season that we were promoted by March we were a juggernaut rolling downhill and even on days where results shouldn’t have gone our way, we found a way to win. The best teams have an air of inevitability and this is a quality we have shown at different stages of the season, but is a tag that we want to wear constantly. For us to mix it with the top of the league we know losses have to be few and far between, to date Esher have only lost three times this season, and tomorrow we face Old Albanians who have been strong in this league for a long time. The last block of three games we were winless, this three game block we have the opportunity to win three from three but it will take a full 80 minute performance for us to achieve this.
The Pilgrims did it! The crowning glory for a fantastic season culminated in them winning the league at home on Saturday with two games to go. The pride in the players faces at the final whistle is a memory that I will cherish. They deserve all the credit for the commitment they have shown, and for me this was built on the results that they have churned out even when facing large personnel changes. Jon Foster, John Mitchell and Justin Loveridge have set the tone and created a team where lads develop as players and as men. Many players have progressed to represent the 1st XV and everyone who has pulled on a Pilgrims shirt this season has had a great rugby experience. Back to back league titles, what a year.o
Matt Corker, Head Coach
Around the Ground at the MTG
What a fantastic Super Saturday that was! All home games resulted in Canterbury victories with our 1st XV scoring 19 unanswered points in the first half, and building an unassailable lead to take the victory, despite Guernsey fighting back. Frank Reynolds remains this season’s highest points scorer in National 2 East. Canterbury Women stretched their winning streak to 4 games with an impressive victory over the Guernsey Raiders Ladies. The MTG rang with the strains of “We are the champions!”, winning Counties 1 Kent after their victory over Ashford 1st XV made all the sweeter as they achieved this with two games remaining. The Amber & Black were not finished there, Canons delivered our third home win, dominating over Ashford 2nd XV leaving them in touch and with a shot at the Counties 5 Kent league title. Our Mini & Youth continue to represent us well with 6 of our youths being selected to represent Kent U20’s versus Hampshire last week and running our 17 – 3 winners. Congratulations to Stan Bull, Max Campbell, Max McCormack, Hector Valldares, Brett Smith and Harrison Fermor on their selection. Mention also goes to Charlie Barker on his securing a 2-year contract with the Saracens. A fantastic achievement all round, showing the quality of our younger players coming through the ranks. Read more about their achievements on our News page.
Last weekend’s scores
Saturday
1st XV 33 – 19 Guernsey Raiders 1st XV
CRFC Women 41 – 5 Guernsey Raiders Ladies
Pilgrims 28 – 18 Ashford 1st XV
Ashford 2nd XV 7 – 62 Canons
Thanet 2nds HWO Deacons
Thanet 3rds 0 v 40 Zingari
Sunday
Colts B v Beckenham MATCH CANCELLED
U14’s 57 – 5 Dartfordians
GAS 26 – 15 U14’s Girls
U13’s 60 – 0 Bromley MATCH 1
U13’s 20 – 30 Bromley MATCH 2
U12’s 0 v 5 Ashford U12’s
Girls U12’s – Tournament winners
This weekend’s fixtures and training
Saturday
Old Albanian v Ist XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Bromley v Pilgrims – Away KO 3.00pm
Canons v Bromley 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Rye – Home KO 3.00pm
Zingari v Vigo 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Sunday
U12’s v Sevenoaks – Home Bottom Orchard
U13’s v Dover – Home Top Pitch
Cranbrook v U13’s – Away
U14’s v Westcliff – Home Langton Artificial Pitch
U16’s v Tunbridge Wells and Blackheath – Away
Mini & Youth Training
Mini’s Training 9.00am – 10:30am
U6’s – Grids
U7’s – Grids
U8’s and U9’s – Top Orchard
U10’s – Bottom Orchard
U11’s – Langton Artificial Pitch
Youth Training from 10:30am
U15’s – Top Orchard
Girl’s – Training Pitch
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting supporters, clubs, and teams
Varsity
It’s that time again! Friday 22nd March, Canterbury Christ Church University take on University of Kent for the Varsity honours. Entry is strictly ticket only and can be purchased from the Canterbury Varsity website.
Fantasy 6 Nations result
The dust has settled, and I suspect St Patrick’s Day was celebrated with some fervour. The result we are really interested in though is who won the Fantasy League? Well, it was me (Ed.) Much though I would love to join our Club President at his table for the Partners Lunch, I would like to offer the place to Joel who has placed second overall. Please contact me at communications@cantrugby.co.uk for details of how you can claim your prize.
Save the date!
24th May 2024 – The May Ball
It’s time to mark your calendars because the Canterbury Rugby Club May Ball is BACK! That’s right, it’s the event of the year, and you’re all invited to join in on the shenanigans.
We’ve got a night jam-packed with everything you could ever want: delicious grub, flowing drinks, the ultimate strike-a-pose photobooth, super-fast dodgems and enough laughter to shake the rafters. Whether you’re a dance floor diva or a social butterfly, there’s something for everyone at the May Ball.
Now, here’s the kicker: we’ve got tables up for grabs, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this action. Round up your squad, your teammates, your partners-in-crime, and snag yourselves a spot at the coolest table in town.
But wait, there’s more! By snagging a table, you’re not just ensuring a night of unforgettable fun – you’re also showing some serious love for our beloved Canterbury Rugby Club. It’s a win-win, folks!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, grab your tickets, and let’s paint the town black and amber together at the May Ball!
3-Course Dinner, Dancing, auction, Raffle, Dodgems, Games – £80 per head.
6.30pm for Dinner at 7.30pm – Black tie – Carriages at 1.00am
For table reservations or any burning questions, contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk.
Get ready to boogie, folks and we’ll see you on the dance floor!
We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!
From CRFC to Saracens
Great news for Canterbury Colts 2nd row Charlie Barker who has signed a two year professional contract with Saracens. He is the Colts 3rd second row and 4th player to sign a Sarries contract in three years. It speaks volumes for our youth players coming through the club.
we congratulate Charlie and look forward to watching his progression.
Our youth players show the way forward
Sunday, March 10th, saw Kent U20’s open their National Championship campaign with a pool match against last season’s finalists Hampshire at Tunbridge Wells RFC.
In difficult conditions, Kent ran out victors by 17-3.
Six Canterbury players were in the Kent reU20’s squad.
Max McCormack
Brett Smith
Max Campbell
Stan Bull
Harrison Fermor
Hector Valldares
We congratulate them all on their selection and subsequent win and look forward to watching them grow their senior rugby careers.
PILGRIMS ARE CHAMPIONS
CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 28 ASHFORD 18
by John Mitchell
Pilgrims crowned their outstanding season with a victory that sealed the Counties 1 Kent title with two games still to play. To achieve it they had to come from behind before seeing off a robust challenge from East Kent neighbours Ashford. After losing their first game of the campaign the previous week Canterbury had to regroup. They fielded a squad showing seven changes and a slow start saw them thirteen points down after the first half hour. By half time. however, they cut out earlier mistakes, moved into a one point lead and took charge after the break. The game did not start well for the home side. Within three minutes Ashford took the lead with a push over try while a scrappy Pilgrims could not get their moves going as knock-ons and penalties frustrated them. The visitors pushed further ahead with a second unconverted try and when they added a penalty goal to open that thirteen point gap Pilgrims needed a response. Then things started to change. Good attacking play saw Gus Lister score an excellent try converted by Will Hilton. Wing Max Campbell’s individual effort brought another score and with Hilton again on target it gave Pilgrims a slender lead. The champions elect survived a ten minute sin binning for Harvey Furneaux and then gradually stamped their authority on the match in the second half. A great try by Jordan Constant, converted by Hilton, made it 21-13 and Sonny Trew-Neville got the fourth, bonus point touch down. Hilton’s successful kick made his side even more comfortable and although a resilient Ashford managed a late try the title was by then firmly in Canterbury’s grasp as they maintained a 100 percent home record.
John Grewar, making his second appearance of the campaign, and Gus Lister shared the Man of the Match award. Awards, made possible by our sponsors, also went to Jon Foster the Coach, Ben Cassidy the Physio, and thirty-nine-year old stalwart Dan Gill, who played in nearly every game. And a special mention goes to Adrian Geddes, the only player not to miss a game all season. This week Pilgrims are away to Bromley who are in fourth in the table.
View match photos
Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
CANTERBURY IN CHARGE
CANTERBURY 33 GUERNSEY RAIDERS 19
by David Haigh
Having put their mark on the game with nineteen unanswered points in the first half Canterbury eased to a solid victory which keeps them in seventh place in the National 2 East table. A late rally by Raiders, which brought them two well worked tries, was never enough to trouble a city side who kept the islanders at comfortable arms length. In the process their five tries earned a bonus point but it wasn’t until the end of the first quarter that the scoreboard got a move on. Frank Morgan scored the first of his two tries after 23 minutes but it was Guernsey, with a stiff breeze in their favour, who dominated the early territory and asked questions of the home defence. Their failure to crack it, the intensity of the tackling forcing them into handling errors, was to prove costly. A lineout turnover led to Morgan’s opener and having got the taste the Canterbury backs split Raiders open again three minutes later. Lewis Hillier batted down a try scoring pass illegally and it cost him a yellow card and his side a penalty try. Prop Elliot Lusher was in support of flanker Eoin O’Donoghue’s run to claim a third before half time and Frank Reynolds conversion stretched the lead further. Guernsey finally found a way to the line twelve minutes into the second half with a catch and drive score by Tom Ceillam, converted by Ciaran McGann, but it was treated as a minor inconvenience. Some of the rugby was untidy but it was Canterbury who held a clear edge and the balance was restored when they worked an overlap for Presley Farrance and Reynolds converted from wide out. The last five minutes of the game saw a flurry of tries, two for Raiders wing Ethan Smith, the first converted by McGann, as the island side went through some excellent phases. Sandwiched between those scores, however, came Morgan again to snap up a converted try and underline Canterbury’s good work after Will Waddington forced a Guernsey error.
CANTERBURY: W.Waddington, G.Jones (repl B.Law), F.Morgan, T.Best (repl B.Cooper), A.Orris, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, E.Lusher, N.Morris (repl C.Macmillan), D.Herriott, S.Kerry (repl W.Hunt), C.Murray, A.Evans (repl T.Mackenzie), E.O’Donoghue, J.Stephens
View match photos
Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
GUERNSEY: 2 PM KICK-OFF
After a tight first 40 minutes last week we came out in the second half and controlled the game, scoring 31 points and, if not for a lapse in concentration in the last minute, would have kept North Walsham scoreless in the same period. Our focus was to control the ball better than we had in the last three games and this was much improved, allowing us to build pressure and return to scoring some really good tries. Our maul was back to producing points and Nathan Morris is now up to an impressive fifteen tries for the season, the 6th best in the league and Frank Reynolds remains the highest points scorer with 226.
I have been talking to the players about the importance of results at the “business end” of the season and we are poised to improve on last year’s 10th place finish, but in this league nothing is given and we will have to continue to collect results from the last five games. Guernsey have found their stride after a challenging start to the season, winning four from the last six and tomorrow will be a tough encounter with both sides on the hunt for points. It’ an earlier than usual kick-off at 2pm.
Jesse De Vries has again been called into the Netherlands squad for their rugby Europe Championship 5th place final, match at Stade Française stadium in Paris. They are facing Germany and we wish him all the best in the final game of this year’s tournament.
The Pilgrims unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday, spanning 18 games which is an incredible achievement. The team was disappointed with the performance they put in against a Crowborough team that has only lost once at home this season. There is no time for us to feel sorry for ourselves as there is still a league title on the line, with one more win all that is needed to get the job done. Ashford travel to the Marine travel ground on Saturday and they won’t want to give up the points we need, so the team will have to bounce back and return to the level of performance that has been on show all season
Matt Corker Head Coach