Month: March 2024

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

What a weekend of rugby that was! Our 1st XV rediscovered their winning ways, whilst Canons and our Women were dominant in their games. Unfortunately, the Pilgrims unbeaten season came to an end, but they still sit comfortably at the top of Counties 1 Kent and look to their next opponents, Ashford 1st XV. Our juniors put in a fantastic shift, and even though our U16 Girls were overpowered by Bass, they fought hard and showed great future promise for a newly formed team.

Last weekend’s scores

Saturday
1st XV 41 – 12 North Walsham
Crowborough 27 – 7 Pilgrims
Canons 41 – 27 Sevenoaks 3rds

Sunday
Canterbury Women 22 – 7 Tonbridge Juddians Ladies
Colts 51 – 7 Aylesford
U16’s Girls 27 – 57 Bass
U15’s 35 – 5 Tonbridge Juddians
U14’s 38 – 0 Sevenoaks
U13’s v Old Allaynians – MATCH CALLED OFF

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday
Canterbury Women v Guernsey Ladies – Home Langton Grass Pitch KO 12.00pm
1st XV v Guernsey 1st XV – Home KO 2.00pm
Pilgrims v Ashford – Home KO 3.00pm
Ashford II v Canons – Away KO 3.00pm
Thanet 2nds v Deacons – Away KO 3.00pm
Thanet 3rds v Zingari – Away KO 3.00pm

Sunday
Colts B v Beckenham Langton Artificial Pitch – KO 10.30am till 1.00pm
U14’s v Dartfordians Top Pitch – KO 11:00am
U13’s v Bromley Bottom Orchard – 9.00am till 11.00am
Girls  – Away at Ashford
Minis away at mini festivals across Kent

Mini & Youth Training

U6’s grids – 9.00am till 10.00am
U12’s training Langton Artificial Pitch – 9.00am till 10.30am
U15’s Langton Artificial Pitch – 11:30am till 1.00pm
U16’s Top Pitch or Langton Artificial Pitch – 9.00am till 10.30am

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting supporters, clubs, and teams.

6 Nations round 5

It’s the 5th and final of the 6 Nations, and it’s all about who wins the title and who is awarded the wooden spoon. England denied Ireland their 3rd Grand Slam on the bounce whilst reviving their title shot hopes if they manage a bonus point victory over France. Ireland remain favourites, though they need to avoid defeat to Scotland. How will winless Wales fare in the wooden spoon battle against Italy who are fresh from their memorable win over Scotland?

It is certainly going to be an entertaining Super Saturday, especially as we have three home senior matches being played at the MTG. Cheer them in the field, then come and cheer your teams on in the clubhouse where we will be showing all the 6 Nations games on our screens. The bar will be open, food will be served and there is also talk of music! What more can you ask for?

If you are playing in our Fantasy 6 Nations league, don’t forget to set your team for the final round. It looks like your Around the Ground at the MTG Editor won the last round, but it’s all to play for. This is the big one, a seat at the President’s table at the Partners Lunch goes to the overall competition winner. Don’t let it be me, I’m on a diet (Ed.)!

Super Saturday

Wales v Italy – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v Scotland – KO 4.45pm
Wales v England KO 8.00pm

The clubhouse bar will be open from 11.00am

Saracens V Harlequins

We are taking a coach up to The Showdown 4 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Saracens take on Harlequins following their 36 – 24 win in last year’s clash. We do not have any match tickets available, but we do have 16 seats available for those who have and want to avoid a three change train journey. The cost is £16 return per person, leaving from the MTG at 10.25am 23rd March, returning 8.45pm – Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book your seats.

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

End Of The Run

Posted on | by David Haigh

CROWBOROUGH 27 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 7

by John Mitchell

The eighteen game winning run has come to an end as the Pilgrims were outplayed in all departments and beaten by a better side on the day. Despite this first defeat of the season the team are still twelve points clear at the top of Counties 1 Kent and a home victory over Ashford next Saturday would see them crowned as champions. At Crowborough they were without a number of regular players but that does not fully account for a laboured performance full of errors, poor tackling and wrong choices. A sound start was made by both sides but it was first blood to Crowborough, through a penalty goal, while a good move by the Pilgrims ended after a knock on. But it was the home side who were running the game and only a fine tackle from Jack Weaver denied them a certain try. Pilgrims could not get out of their own half and as the mistakes piled up Crowborough scored a converted try and then a lucky bounce brought them a second touchdown. Everything from Canterbury was too slow and their troubles were compounded when Tom Halliday was given a yellow card. The home side took advantage of their extra man to grab a third try, leaving Pilgrims twenty points behind at half time. Boosted by the introduction of replacements, Pilgrims controlled most of the first quarter of the second half. From a line out they got their rolling maul going and crossed the line, but were held up. Minutes later, from a scrum, Luke Webber went over for a try converted by Tom McMann. There was more Pilgrims pressure now and much more control with fly half McMann in charge, but while there were some good individual displays, notably by Jordan Constant and Cameron Macmillan returning from injury, there was still a lack of the normal understanding and continuity. With time running out and Pilgrims frustration showing, the home side scored try number four to earn them a bonus point

Back To Winning Ways

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 41 NORTH WALSHAM VIKINGS 12

by David Haigh

A muscular afternoon from the Canterbury pack brought to an end a run of three defeats as the city side served up a dominant second half. Four of their six tries were scored by the forwards and it was the collective power of the scrum that won them the fifth through a penalty try. After a tight first half Vikings, the basement side of National 2 East, got a mauling as they struggled with Canterbury’s catch and drive and domination of the set pieces. They got an early warning eight minutes into the game when Nathan Morris, that serial finisher of the catch and drive, registered the first of his two tries and Frank Reynolds converted. Walsham, however, came into this match with the confidence of a good victory over Henley the previous week and were soon testing the Canterbury defence with their all out attacking style. They worked a good try for scrum half Connor Dudley after finding space on the right and continued to keep everyone in a black and amber shirt on their toes. Reynolds slotted a penalty goal to give his side a five point lead at the break but only after Vikings full back Benjy Hewitt had been held up over the line. On the resumption the momentum shifted dramatically to Canterbury as the forwards, in strong arm mood, needed only two minutes to send lock Shay Kerry over. Any lingering doubts about where this game was going were then put to rest as they scored twice in as many minutes. With the Vikings in full retreat a collapsed scrum cost them the penalty try and, next, a fine break by Number Eight Jamie Stephens was capped with an athletic finish from Jessie De Vries. On the hour mark the productive driving maul provided Morris with his fifteenth try of the season, leaving Reynolds to kick his third conversion. The backs finally got among the scorers seven minutes from the end as wing Garry Jones put in a strong effort at the corner and for the out-muscled Vikings came the consolation of a last minute touch down by Tawanda Kandemwa and a good conversion from Ross Magnus.

Canterbury: W.Waddington, G.Jones, F.Morgan, T.Best (repl B.Law), A.Orris, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance (repl B.Cooper), E.Lusher (repl D.Huntley), N.Morris (repl T.Mackenzie), D.Herriott, S.Kerry, J.De Vries, C.Murray (rep A.Evans), E.O’Donoghue, J.Stephens.

View match photos

v North Walsham - 9 March 2024

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Under The Microscope

Posted on | by David Haigh

The swing in the level of our performance between the first and second half against Westcombe Park is something that we have had to process. The week off gave us the opportunity to put the game under the microscope and the senior players lead our review. We were well below what we expect of ourselves, and the disappointment was made acutely more painful as it was a fixture that we all wanted to show the best version of ourselves. The local rivalry means a lot to the players, coaches and the club as a whole and the error strewn second half is not the team we want to be.

The last two weeks training has been focused, and work on our ability to maintain possession and our execution at the lineout has quickly started to change our outcomes. This Saturday will be the real test of this and we are fully aware that North Walsham’s league position is not a reflection of the rugby they are playing. Everything is pointing to the sun being out at The Marine Travel ground and I am expecting a battle between two attacking minded teams.

The Pilgrims have another chance to play against Crowborough after last Saturday’s cancellation. Howfield Manor hosted the team last week for a nutritious pre-match breakfast only for the news the game was off to come in as the bus was arriving at Howfield. There was disappointment, but not enough to spoil the lads breakfast! So this week it is a case of Take 2, as the Pilgrims look to maintain their unbeaten run.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Muddy rugby girl

Celebrating Triumphs: A Joyful Journey in Girls’ Rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
Becky McCracken - Girls Section Manager
Becky McCracken – Girls Section Manager

Hello, everyone! As the Girls Section Manager at Canterbury Rugby Club, I’m excited to share the incredible strides we’ve made in girls’ rugby this International Women’s Day. Our focus has been on creating a vibrant and inclusive space, and the positivity and growth are truly something to celebrate.

Personal Perspective:

Being part of this journey has been immensely rewarding. Witnessing the enthusiasm and talent emerging from our girls is a joy. Personally, it’s heartening to see the positive impact we’re making. The passion and camaraderie among the players are infectious, fueling my commitment to cultivating a thriving environment for girls in rugby.

Club’s Vibrant Commitment:

Canterbury Rugby Club is buzzing with positivity and energy. Our commitment to girls’ rugby is not just about playing the game but fostering an environment where every girl feels valued and supported. The enthusiasm and spirit within the club are contagious, creating a vibrant community that transcends the boundaries of the pitch.

Embracing Cultural Shifts:

We’re not just changing the game; we’re changing the culture. Canterbury Rugby Club has become a hub of positivity, challenging norms and embracing inclusivity. It’s inspiring to witness the cultural shifts taking place within the club, where every girl is encouraged to thrive and showcase her unique talents.

Acknowledging Triumphs:

Let’s take a moment to celebrate our triumphs. The progress we’ve made in girls’ rugby has elevated the entire club’s atmosphere. We’re fostering a sense of empowerment, encouraging girls to pursue their passion for rugby with confidence. Each success, whether big or small, is a testament to the positive transformation happening at Canterbury Rugby Club.

Looking Forward:

As we bask in the joy of our achievements, we also look forward to an even brighter future. Our focus remains on creating a space where positivity flourishes, talent thrives, and every girl feels empowered. This International Women’s Day, let’s revel in the positivity we’ve cultivated and continue shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for girls in rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club. Cheers to more triumphs ahead!

Posted in IWD
Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
Last weekend turned into a washout, with all senior fixtures bar the Deacons being called off due to pitch conditions, and the Zingari having to call off their game because they couldn’t raise a team. Player recruitment into our 5ths team is becoming increasingly a challenge. An open invitation has gone out to all who have played and want to get back in the game, or those who are playing and want to get involved in some social games contact Colin Scurr at zingari@cantrugby.co.uk, and you may well get a run out with the team.

Last weekend’s scores

Saturday
Crowborough v Pilgrims – Match postponed
Canons (3rds) v Sevenoaks Match postponed
Aylesford 2 47 – 7 Deacons
Leigh 1 HWO Zingari
Colts A 27 – 17 Sidcup

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday
1st XV v North Walsham – Home KO 3.00pm
Crowborough v Pilgrims – Away KO 3.00pm
Canons v Sevenoaks 3rds – Home KO 3.00pm

Sunday
Canterbury Women v Tonbridge Juddians Ladies – Home KO 3.00pm
Colts v Aylesford – Home KO 11.00am Main Pitch
U16’s Girls v Bass – Home KO 11.00am Bottom Orchard
U15’s v TJ’s – Home KO 11.00am Langton Artificial Pitch
U14’s v Sevenoaks – Home KO 11.00am Top Pitch

Mini & Youth Training

U6’s and 7’s Grids
U8’s and 9’s Langton Artificial Pitch 9 till 10.30am
U10’s bottom Orchard 9 till 10.30am
U11’s Top Orchard, 9 till 10.30am
U12’s Training 9.00am till 10.30am Training Pitch.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting supporters, clubs, and teams.
 

6 Nations round 4

Its round 4 of the 6 Nations. As ever, we invite you all to come and watch the games with us at the clubhouse where we will be showing the games on all of our screens.
If you are playing in our Fantasy 6 Nations league, don’t forget to set your team. Can anyone knock Squeeky off his perch this round?
Saturday
Italy v Scotland – KO 2.15pm
England v Ireland – KO 4.45pm
Sunday
Wales v France KO 3.00pm

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

b&m

A partnership for the community

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Rugby Club is very lucky to have strong links with the business community, which allows us to grow our reach further than our home ground, taking sport to the wider community, giving an opportunity and access to those who do not have the means, thought sport wasn’t for them, did not think they could participate, or just didn’t know how to get involved.

Led by Nathan Morris, Head of Player Pathway, our Community Department has been working hard within East Kent taking sport to all. These activities have been made possible by the by the relationships that have been forged with companies like b&m, a leading construction consultancy company based in the South East of England. From our first meeting it was clear to see that our community vision aligned with theirs and that their involvement with Canterbury Rugby Club would turn into a partnership.

Paul Duffy, b&m Business Development Manager, remarked that “by increasing the accessibility of rugby to children, b&m and CRFC could inspire young athletes, promote active lifestyles and foster a lifelong love of rugby.  Playing rugby does not only have physical benefits for the children, but also educates them about teamwork and respect, which are values the b&m community strongly believe in.”

b&m are already looking to next year and at how they can continue to work with us, as the Community Department seeks to increase our presence, with satellite centres in Sandwich, Faversham, and Ashford, whilst also increasing their presence in primary schools in East Kent.

The continued expansion of the program has the goal of increasing the numbers of girls and children with special needs and disabilities to the sport, to develop future teams within the club.  Lead Coach, Alice Hayward, will help develop children’s emotional regulation and social understanding through the power of sport.

We are proud to have b&m on board with us on our community journey.