Month: January 2025

ANOTHER ROAD TRIP

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW
Havant’s record over their previous five home games was something that we were very aware of going into last Saturday. Two wins and losing narrowly in the last five minutes to first, second, and seventh in the table highlights the challenge we were up against. The response by the players to that challenge is something that I am extremely proud of. Our ruthlessness in attack led to some fantastic tries and a total that hasn’t been scored against Havant on their home ground for over a decade. One other aspect that shows the positive growth in the group was during a period of sustained pressure from Havant, just after they had scored. The defensive effort to wrestle back control and territory turned the tide back in our favour and allowed us to finish strongly. Another good Saturday.

This weekend sees us travel the familiar path to Worthing after the cancellation of the game earlier in the month. Worthing have had a difficult start to 2025, playing Tonbridge Juddians followed by Dorking. We know that our second game on the road will be another tough fixture as we look to continue our run of good performances.
Fresh from their week off the Pilgrims host Bromley at the Marine Travel Ground. This is an important fixture as first plays second in an increasingly tight title race. We have a strong team out and they are raring to go. This will be one not to miss.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

15 teams sporting Black & Amber last weekend, and another fantastic display of rugby spirit all round. A fifth consecutive win for the 1st XV, the Canons maintaining the top spot despite a tough hard-fought draw, the Deacons relentlessly battling in the face of a strong top of the table Ashford Barbarians team, and Zingari’s win against a tough Gravesend side. Our youth teams represented well, with our Girls U16 continuing to make good progress, Boys U15 remaining undefeated this season, and again, we fielded three Colts teams.

Next weekend is going to be a cracker!

Weekend roundup

Havant 5 – 61 1st XV: Canterbury extended their winning run to five games with a commanding nine-try performance against Havant, closing the gap on third-placed Dorking to just two points. Despite injuries forcing a reshuffled squad, the team displayed efficiency and flair, storming to a 30-0 halftime lead. Frank Reynolds’ early penalty was followed by tries from Kurt Heatherley, Garry Jones, Eoin O’Donoghue, and Sam Rogers.

Havant briefly rallied in the second half but struggled against Canterbury’s relentless attack. Further tries from Tyler Oliver, Tom Best, Tom Williams, Harvey Furneaux, and a late score from O’Donoghue sealed an emphatic victory, highlighting Canterbury’s depth and dominance.

Old Colfeians 2nds 19 – 19 Canons: The Canons were given a reality check as they battled to a 19-19 draw against Old Colfeians, reminding them that top spot in Counties 4 is no guarantee. Colfes started strong, scoring twice to take a 12-0 lead before Canterbury responded with a driving maul try before halftime.

A missed tackle allowed Colfes to extend their lead early in the second half, but the Canons fought back with tries from Will Rayner and captain Harry Nicholson, with conversions from Josh Lamb and Henry Carruthers leveling the score. Despite late momentum, Canterbury couldn’t find a winner, settling for a frustrating draw. They now turn their focus to next week’s clash against Kings College Hospital.

Deacons 5 – 41 Ashford Barbarians: Facing the top-of-the-table Barbarians, the Deacons put up a fierce fight despite a 5-41 defeat. A strong defensive effort and aggressive counter-attacks kept the visitors at bay early on, but Barbarians broke through with two first-half tries to lead 12-5 at the break.

The second half saw Barbarians’ class shine through, with quick tries and fortunate bounces extending their lead. Despite two disallowed tries, the Deacons kept pushing, challenging their opponents in open play and at the scrum.

Player of the Match: Oli Turton
Standout Player: Jadyn Moore
Honourable Mentions: The entire team—progress continues!

Zingari 34 – 24 Gravesend 4ths: Canterbury Zingari avenged their earlier defeat to Gravesend with a determined 19-17 victory. Despite conceding an early try, their relentless tackling nullified Gravesend’s powerful pack, allowing their backs to capitalize with two tries for a 12-5 halftime lead.

A quick second-half score extended Canterbury’s advantage, but an injury left them with 14 men for the final 20 minutes. Gravesend fought back with two late tries, but the Zingari’s earlier dominance ensured a well-earned win in a fiercely contested match.

Boys U12’s v Cranbrook: A fantastic display of rugby from our 43-strong U12 squad! With two Canterbury teams taking on two Cranbrook sides in back-to-back matches, every player had the chance to shine, with a minimum of half a game each.

An incredible effort from all involved, showcasing skill, teamwork, and the depth of talent in our young players.

Boys U13 Spitfires 25 – 10 Sevenoaks
Boys U13 Hurricanes 30 – 10 Dartford Valley
Boys U14’s 60 – 0 Gravesend
Boys U14’s 0 – 36 Gillingham Anchorians
Boys U15’s 42 – 5 Dover
Boys U16’s 38 – 19 Westcombe Park

Girls U16’s 27 – 55 Tunbridge Wells: The team put in a strong second-half performance at home against Tunbridge Wells, showing resilience and determination. Despite a challenging start, they regrouped and won the second half with solid defense and powerful attacking runs. Contributions from the U16s made a big impact, helping the team gain momentum. A great team effort, highlighting their progress and fighting spirit.

Colts 1st XV 33 – 26 Dartford Valley Colts
Colts Dragons 27 – 10 Tonbridge Juddians
Colts Tigers 10 – 14 Westcombe Park

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!

Next fixtures

Saturday 1st February

Worthing v 1st XV Away – KO 3.00pm (Rearranged from 11th Jan)
Pilgrims v Bromley Home – KO 2.00pm
Kings College Hospital v Canons Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons v Thanet 3rds Home – KO 2.00pm
Gillingham v Zingari Away – KO 2.00pm

Sunday 2nd February

MINIS FIXTURES

Mixed U7’s and U8’s v Cranbrook Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s and U10’s v Cranbrook Top Orchard  – 9.00am to 10:30am
Mixed U11’s v Cranbrook Bottom Orchard –  9.00am to10.30am

YOUTH FIXTURES

Boys U12 Black v Old Elthamians U12 Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.30am
Baoys U12 Amber v Old Elthamians U12 Gold Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.30am
Boys U13 Spitfires – v Old Elthamians U13 Bottom Orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U14 v Old Alleynians U14 Vikings Away
Boys U15 Black v Sevenoaks U15 Away
Boys U15’s v Chelmsford Away
Colts v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – KO 12:00pm

MINI & YOUTH TRAINING

Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Boys U14’s Training Pitch – 10:30am
Boys U16’s Top Pitch – 10:30am

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game served at 1.15pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Pilgrims, currently sitting at the top of Counties 1 Kent – take on Bromley at the MTG at 2.00pm. This promises to be a thrilling clash!

After the game, come and watch Six Nations, clubhouse style – All games will be shown on our big screens. Gather near the log burner, enjoy a drink from the bar, and soak up the atmosphere as you cheer for your teams in comfort.

This Saturday is all about rugby, community, and connection.

Don’t miss out, and join us!

6 Nations is back at the Clubhouse

The competition kicks off again, and the clubhouse welcomes you all to come and watch every match, streamed to all screens. The bar will be open and look out on social media for any available food.

The fixtures are as following:

ROUND 1 – Friday 31st January

France v Wales: Stade de France – KO 8.15pm

Saturday 1st February

Scotland v Italy: Murrayfield – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v England: Aviva Stadium – KO 4.45pm

ROUND 2 – Saturday 8th February

Italy v Wales: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
England v France: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th February

Scotland v Ireland: Murrayfield – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 3 – Saturday 22nd February

Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 23rd February

Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 4 – Saturday 8th March

Ireland v France: Aviva Stadium – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v Wales: Murrayfield – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th March

England v Italy: Twickenham – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 5 – Saturday 15th March

Italy v Ireland: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
Wales – England: Principality – KO 4.45pm
France v Scotland: Stade de France – KO 8.00pm

Come cheer on your teams with other 6 Nations supporters!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

 

 

Deacons battle bravely but Babarians prove too strong in tough encounter

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Entertaining the top of the table side was always going to be a challenge. Babarians have only lost 1 game all season & their quality was never in question on Saturday.

However, the Deacons aren’t afraid of a challenge; the Babarians soon realised they weren’t going to have it all their own way as they struggled to break the deadlock in the midst of a ferocious home defensive effort and a string of intense counter attacks managed by the half backs around the pitch.

After 25 minutes Babarians managed to take the lead before scoring once more 10 minutes after.

Never deterred & buoyed by a disallowed try, the Deacons replied shortly before halftime ending 5-12 at the break.

The second half was a different game altogether. Babarians showed their class and strength in numbers & enjoyed a couple of lucky bounces. A pair of quick tries around the hour mark & a second disallowed try for us saw the visitors build a healthy lead.

Not content with letting them have it all their own way, we continued to stretch their defense with the ball in hand & challenge their pack at scrum time despite the Babarians significant front row size advantage.

FT 5-41
Player of the match Oli Turton
Jadyn Moore stand out player
Honourable mentions to the entire team – we keep building!

Canons stumble at the summit: Colfeians hold leaders to frustrating draw

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The Canons were given a wake up call against Old Colfeians on Saturday, being held to a 19-19 draw and reminded that life at the summit of Counties 4 should not be taken be taken for granted

Colfe’s came out of the blocks with intensity and pace, with strong carrying from their forwards creating quick ball for the next phases. The Canons’ defence held firm, however, and it was only a lucky bounce of the ball that allowed Colfe’s to get the ball wide and score in the corner. 5-0. Following the kick off, the Canons upped their own intensity, and after a sustained period in the opposition 22, it was only a silly penalty, of which there were plenty that afternoon, that released pressure and allowed OC’s to exit. Colfes capitalised on this and worked their way up field to eventually bundle over from a close range line out. In the final 5 minutes of the half, Canterbury finally woke up and scored from their own driving lineout to close the gap to 12-5 at the break.

Colfes started the second half with the same intensity, and missed tackles and a good line from their 6 allowed the opposition in under the posts to score their third.
After a talking to and wake up call, Canterbury finally turned on their game. Good play in the midfield allowed the ball to get wide to Will Rayner and score out wide. Josh Lamb slotted the touch line conversion. 19-12.

From kick off, Canterbury collected the ball and again built good phases, putting pressure on the Colfe’s defence. It was only a return of the silly penalties which stopped the Canons from breaking through, forcing them to start their attack again from their half as Colfes exited. Eventually, Canterbury got within 5m of the try line, and captain Harry Nicholson crashed over to score, the conversion scored by Henry Carruthers. 19-19. In the final 10, the momentum was with the Canons, and after Colfes collected the ball following a chip and chase by Canterbury in the final play, their 10 kicked the ball out. A frustrating end, but a fair result on the day. If only there were 5 minutes of the game, the scoreline may have been in the Canons’ favour.

With another away game next week against a Kings College Hospital side who have had mixed results throughout the season, the Canons will look to get back to winning ways and consolidate their position at the top of Counties 4

Canterbury Triumphs in Hard-Fought Battle Against Gravesend 4ths

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Zingari 34pts. Gravesend 4th 24pts.

The Zingari entered this contest as underdogs after losing out in an away match earlier in the season, and in the opening moments, it looked as if Gravesend was going to repeat their earlier success scoring in the opening minutes. Already five points down within the first four minutes after some sustained heavy forward pressure Canterbury took stock, and in what can only be described as a lesson in tackling put the heavy Gravesend pack on the back foot. This gave the city backs their opportunity to run the ball that paid off with a converted try, and again with ten minutes before half time spread the ball wide touching down in the corner for a 12-5 halftime lead.

The second half started this time with Canterbury coming out of the blocks securing an early try out wide extending their lead. Gravesend reply was again to use their forward power, but again the Zingari tackling was up to the task stopping the momentum often behind the gain line. Canterbury had the territorial advantage and with the game going into the last quarter broke free in midfield for a clear run under the posts for a converted try. The city side looked in control when they were struck with an injury reducing the side to fourteen with twenty minutes to go. Gravesend took full advantage throwing everything into attack securing a converted try. The Zingari held out until the last minute before the Gravesend forward managed to force their way over the line for a converted try, too late to alter the result but added a degree of respectability to the final score in this very hard-fought contest.

BEST OF THE SEASON

Posted on | by David Haigh

HAVANT 5 CANTERBURY 61

by David Haigh

The bare statistics of this Canterbury performance read as follows: nine tries scored, a winning run now standing at five games and the season’s biggest victory which closed the gap on third placed Dorking in the National 2 East league table to just two points. Equally impressive was the combination of efficiency and panache they displayed in achieving this win. The city side arrived with a reshuffled squad plagued by injury and illness but their flexibility and depth of talent banished any doubts as they produced a stunning display of attacking rugby. They were thirty points in front by half time, with a try bonus secured, and after a cautious start proved deadly with the ball in hand. An early Frank Reynolds penalty goal was the only score until the nineteenth minute when the fly half’s pin point cross kick was plucked out of the air by Kurt Heatherley for the opening try. The work in the loose of an aggressive pack now began to pay dividends, with back row trio of Chad Thomas, Sam Rogers and Tyler Oliver in prime form. Havant, vulnerable in defence and eclipsed at the line outs, had no answers as Canterbury used their domination of possession to maximum effect. Adventurous handling created a wonderful second try which started behind their own line, went the length of the field and Garry Jones finished off. A catch and drive from the pack was next with Eoin O’Donoghue touching down and the bonus point score went to Rogers who was on the end of more swift off loading. A second penalty goal and conversion from Reynolds completed the first half set and it took just two minutes of the new half for Havant to crack again, Jones’ powerful hand off making space for Oliver’s try. Havant rallied over the next twenty minutes as Canterbury’s ball retention went missing but they found the city defence a real stumbling block. The hosts came away with just a catch and drive try from Cam Boa but in the final quarter Canterbury overpowered them with four more tries, three of them converted. As the frequent line breaks came and Havant wilted there was one for Tom Best, back on first team duty, quickly followed by Tom Williams and Harvey Furneaux and another for that serial poacher O’Donoghue who rounded off Canterbury’s memorable afternoon with a score from a quick tap penalty in the final minute.
Canterbury: K.Heatherley, G.Jones, W.Waddington, T.Best, T.Williams, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E. Donoghue, D.Herriott, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, S.Rogers, T.Oliver. Replacements: A.Cooper, H.Furneaux, M.Campbell, O Frostick, D.Irvine

After the game Head Coach Matt Corker said:
“I am very happy with how clinical we were in attack. There were obviously a good number of tries but I don’t feel like we wasted many opportunities, which is pleasing. There was also a very important period early in the second half, after we had conceded, where our hard work in defence kept a physical Havant “team from adding to their tally. The way we wrestled back control from this pressure shows the progress we are making.” 

View match photos

v Havant - 25 Jan 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Canterbury Women’s Stunning 36-0 Revenge: Roses Wilt at Merton Lane

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Sunday 19th January saw Canterbury Women welcome, league leaders, Dartford Valley to Merton Lane. Earlier in the season Dartford Roses secured a dominant, try bonus point, home victory. But on a gloomy January afternoon the tables were turned with Canterbury securing a thrilling 36-0 victory.

Dartford Valley started the contest with a penetrating kick deep into the Canterbury twenty-two. A missed catch, awkward bounce, fumble, knock-on and the initial advantage went to Dartford Roses. However, a robust Canterbury scrum and flying defensive double tackle from flanker Lucy Relf and number eight Hannah Sandeman set the tone for the remainder of the match. Canterbury’s pack, under guidance of captain Daniella Charles, hit in perfect harmony and drove Dartford backwards.

Scrum-half Ella Jenkins and fly-half Kate Rutherford seized the momentum and engaged the running forward pods.

Dynamic carries from Anneka Willis and Sandeman created a clean platform for Jenkins to unleash the ever-lively Lily Adams , sprinting a well crafted switch line. Adams activated her deadly fend to cut through the Rose defensive line. High-speed rucking support from Emily Kent and Flori Nassir allowed Jenkins to make a darting break around the fringe. Jenkins executed a perfectly floated offload, to the supporting Janina Hassen. With an accurately planted fended and killer side-step Hassen broke the last line of the Roses defence to secure the opening try for Canterbury.

From the restart Canterbury looked to continue to assert themselves physically. Aggressive line speed in defence rocked the Roses and allowed opportunities for Inger Philpott, Amber Waitimas and Jo Cole-Biroth to carry hard and build the phases. Fullback Emily Moriarty was animated all afternoon, consistently mixing up her lines of attack and making countless metres to put Canterbury in control.

Synchronicity between forwards and back ensured Canterbury continued to build the territorial advantage. Rutherford took advantage of a disorganised defence, accelerating through a gap and beating the fullback to score under the posts. Converting her own try this saw Canterbury go into halftime with a 12-0 lead.

The squad were motivated to entertain the expectant crowd. Canterbury started the second half with the same grit and determination seen in the first half. Lily Philpott ran out to make her senior team debut alongside her mother, and Canterbury stalwart, Inger Philpott.

Prop Alex Mills created instant impact with her trade mark dominant carry, offloading to Rutherford who scored her second of the afternoon.

The ever-energetic Moriarty thrived on the relentless work of the centre partnership of Kent and Adams. All afternoon the trio consistently ran the ball over the gain line. Lily Philpott thrived on the pitch, immediately making an impression with her driving tackles which the whole squad has experienced during training sessions!

Jenkins utilised the dynamic forwards effectively to build territory. But when the time was right she took control with a quick tap penalty and scored to secure the bonus point. The roar of the crowd and Canterbury players could probably have been heard in her native Welsh Valleys.

Dartford Valley, by their own admission in the post-match speech, had expected to come to Merton Lane and dominate the encounter. They never gave up the fight, continuing to tackle hard and be disruptive at the breakdown. But with twenty minutes to go Canterbury had certainly left the Roses scrapping for possession and floundering in attack.

Following a turnover scrum in the twenty-two Sandeman rapidly attacked right wing driving hard into a wall of Roses players. Willis, always quick to react, picked the ball and headed for the try line. With solid driving support, from the pack, momentum took Willis over the whitewash.

With the clock counting down Canterbury were determined to hold the scoreboard and not let the Roses pick up a try.

A last ditch attack from the Roses, substitute Amber Shepherd once again made an impressive string of tackles. Wing Alice Hayward, as always, hit the ruck with persistent aggression and secured a quality turnover. From this point Canterbury attacked in glorious waves of play between forwards and backs. Forward of the match, Sandeman, unleashed her snake hips and sprinting thirty metres to score under the posts. As she jumped to her feet Sandeman was engulfed with congratulatory hugs knowing a victory was secured. Rutherford converted to close out the game. This is definitely a match which will live long in the memory.

The next fixture is Sunday 9th February, away to Heathfield.

CHALLENGING ROAD TRIPS

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW
We wanted to start our year on the right note and last Saturday’s performance was just what we were aiming for. Built on one of the best defensive displays of the season so far, we came out on top in a battle of 4th in the league versus fifth. Our second half try line defence and the way the forwards dealt with the Guernsey maul ultimately made the difference on the scoreboard. As a group, we have spoken about “what’s behind your try line”, what is the personal reason that the players put their bodies on the line for the team to succeed. They showed how strongly they believe in these reasons on Saturday. Although there was some rust, we also had some great moments with the ball in hand and earned another nomination for try of the week. This time not scored by Tom Williams, but he did give the final pass!
We now roll into three weeks on the road, something that I cannot remember doing as a player or coach. I have encouraged the players to adapt their mindset to this challenge. One, if we conquer it will set us up for the business end of the season. Havant have had some good wins and some very near misses in their last five home games and we are expecting a tough fixture, much like the game at the Marine Travel ground.
The Pilgrims enjoy a weekend off following their strong win against Deal and Betteshanger. They stormed to a 40-3 lead by half time, finishing at 54-14. Bromley travel to Merton Lane next week for a game that has been on the horizon for a while. They sit in second place on the same number of losses with a game in hand. One of the Pilgrim’s two defeats this season came at the hands of Bromley and this result will play a big part in deciding who will be top of the league in April.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last weekend we had an unprecedented Black & Amber 16 teams run out, with fantastic wins for all our senior teams. Our Mini and Youth Teams were out in number: two under 12’s teams, three U16s, and three Colts amongst others. The future of rugby at the club has never looked better when you look at the talent of the young players coming through the age groups.

This coming weekend we have even more games, with potentially 19 CRFC teams representing the club!

Weekend roundup

Saturday 18th January

1st XV 24 – 15 Guernsey Raiders: Canterbury silenced any doubts about their post-holiday form with a hard-fought win in a tough National 2 East battle against Guernsey Raiders. Twice coming from behind, the city side delivered a resilient performance marked by solid defense and key second-half tries, securing a 24-15 victory.

The match opened with Frank Reynolds putting Canterbury ahead with a penalty, but Guernsey’s powerful maul produced a try for James Burger. A Charlie Simmonds penalty extended the Raiders’ lead, but just before halftime, Reynolds set up Garry Jones with a clever grubber kick for a converted try, giving Canterbury a narrow 10-8 edge at the break.

Guernsey struck back early in the second half with a well-executed try by Sam Boyland, converted by Simmonds, and Tyler Oliver’s yellow card added pressure on Canterbury. However, a composed Canterbury side turned the tide with a Kurt Heatherley cross kick initiating a sequence that sent Harvey Furneaux over the line. Reynolds converted to reclaim the lead.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Jones, now at center, found a gap to score his second try, again converted by Reynolds. Despite a late surge from Guernsey, Canterbury’s tenacious defense held firm, securing the win and showcasing the team’s remarkable progress since their earlier season defeat to the Raiders.

Thank you to our sponsors Burgess Hodgson, CIO Investment Club, Maypole Marquees, On Architecture, and MMS 360 for your ongoing and invaluable support.

Deal & Betteshanger 15 – 54 Pilgrims: Canterbury Pilgrims claimed a commanding 50-15 win over local rivals Deal & Betteshanger in the “Battle of the Bests,” with Tom Best outshining his brother Ollie.

Pilgrims started strongly, with Al Evans, Max Campbell, and Gus Lister among the first-half try scorers, giving them a 40-3 halftime lead. Owain Collins orchestrated attacks with precision, adding conversions and exploiting gaps in the defense.

Deal responded in the second half with two tries, but further scores from Campbell and Henry Kenny sealed the Pilgrims’ dominant performance. They now prepare for a crucial match against Bromley on February 1st.

Canons 102 – 5 Footscray: The Canons delivered a masterclass in rugby with a commanding win over Footscray. From the outset, their dominance was clear, with clinical execution and unrelenting teamwork setting the tone.

The forwards laid a strong foundation, driving Footscray back and enabling the backline to exploit gaps with sharp offloads and precise passing. By halftime, the Canons had stormed to a 50-point lead, combining offensive brilliance with a resolute defense that left Footscray with limited opportunities.

The second half saw the Canons maintain their intensity, with bench players seamlessly adding to the attack. The backs dazzled, delivering multiple tries with pace and agility. Despite their struggles, Footscray showed commendable spirit, earning a score that was warmly applauded by the crowd.

This emphatic win solidifies the Canons’ top-of-the-table position, highlighting their dominance and teamwork.

Maidstone 2nds 12 – 35 Deacons: The Deacons claimed a hard-fought win against Maidstone in a spirited match that showcased their discipline and flair. Despite an early Maidstone error leading to Craig Fuller’s opening try, the home side responded quickly, keeping the score close. Finn MacCabe broke the deadlock with a try and conversion before halftime, leaving Maidstone a man down due to mounting penalties.

The second half saw Maidstone intercept for a try, leveling the scores at 12-12. However, the Deacons regained control with a rolling maul finished by Jadyn Moore and a string of well-executed running plays that led to two tries from Johnnie Gaylor and another from debutant Ano Masaka.

Player of the Match went to Johnnie Gaylor, with the entire team earning praise for their effort. The Deacons continue to grow their entertaining style of rugby—new players are always welcome to join the journey!

Sunday 19th January

Canterbury Women 36 – 0 Dartford Valley Ladies: An unbelievable effort from every single player! From the very first whistle, the team stepped up the physicality, hungry for the win and determined to dominate. Today, they played as one—and the scoreline says it all. To defeat the league leaders with a zero score is not just a victory, but a statement of intent from a team growing stronger and more confident with every game.

But this triumph wasn’t just about the players. Everyone played a part – the amazing supporters who cheered them on, the sideline family and friends bringing energy and love, the incredible Canterbury Girls match day squad, and of course, legendary photographer, Ken Matcham, capturing the magic.

Boys U12’s  Black 45 – 45 Sevenoaks
Boys U12’s Amber 45 – 15 Dartford
Boys Ash 25 – 45 Canterbury U13’s
Boys U14’s 7 – 35 Old Elthamians Kent
Boys U15’s 54 – 26 Beckenham
Boys U16’s Dev 38 – 21 Medway
Boys U16’s 36 – 29 Thanet
Girls U16’s 12 – 59 Ashford
Colts 2nd XV 50 – 0 Gravesend
Deal 50 – 5 Colts Dragons
Westcliff 24 – 36 Colts Tigers: Despite traveling with just 15 players, Canterbury Tigers pulled off a fantastic victory against Westcliffe. Facing early pressure, the team rallied brilliantly, showcasing intelligent play and dazzling offloads. Their spirited performance and open rugby style earned them a well-deserved win on the road.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!

Next fixtures

Saturday 25th January

1st XV v Havant – KO 3.00pm
Old Colfeians 2nds v Canons Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons – Ashford Barbarians Home – KO 2.00pm
Zingari v Gravesend 4ths Home – KO 2.00pm

Sunday 26th January

Minis

Mixed U6’s and U7’s Grids – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U9 and U10’s v Sevenoaks Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am – 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Sevenoaks Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.30am

Youth

Boys U12’s v Cranbrook Kent College – KO 10:40am
Boys U13 Spitfires v Sevenoaks Bottom Orchard – KO 11.30
Boys U13 Hurricanes v Dartford Valley Bottom Orchard – KO 10.30
Boys U14’s v Gravesend Top Orchard – From 10:30am
Boys U14’s v Gillingham – Away
Boys U15’s v Dover Top Pitch – KO 10:30am
Boys U16’s v Westcombe Park – Away
Girls U16’s v Tunbridge Wells Simon Langton 4G – KO 11:30
Colts 1st XV v Dartford Valley Colts Away – KO 10.30am
Colts Dragons v Tonbridge Juddians Simon Langton 4G – KO 11.30am
Colts Tigers v Westcombe Park – KO 11.00am

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Have you checked if your children are eligible for a Child Trust?

If you have a child born between September 1st 2002 and January 2nd 2011, are you aware that a tax free savings account (Child Trust Fund – CTF) was set up for your child with funds deposited into it, depending on the child’s date of birth, and their family’s income. The idea was the long-term tax-free savings pot would go up in value by their 18th birthdays. BBC News recently reported “New figures suggest £1.4bn belonging to 728,000 people is ready to be claimed now they have turned 18 – but many do not know the accounts exist.”

There are numerous resources to find out more information. There is a GOV.UK webpage – https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds that breaks down all aspects of the CTF including how to find a Child Trust Fun. The Share Foundation – https://www.sharefound.org/ also offers resources to track down Trusts within the CTF Register.

If you are not aware of the CTF and have children born within the designated date range, it may be worth you taking a look. One recipient discovered she had £955 in a fund she wasn’t aware of – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr82gejlxno

6 Nations is back at the Clubhouse

The competition kicks off again, and the clubhouse welcomes you all to come and watch every match, streamed to all screens. The bar will be open and look out on social media for any available food.

The fixtures are as following:

ROUND 1 – Friday 31st January

France v Wales: Stade de France – KO 8.15pm

Saturday 1st February

Scotland v Italy: Murrayfield – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v England: Aviva Stadium – KO 4.45pm

ROUND 2 – Saturday 8th February

Italy v Wales: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
England v France: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th February

Scotland v Ireland: Murrayfield – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 3 – Saturday 22nd February

Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 23rd February

Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 4 – Saturday 8th March

Ireland v France: Aviva Stadium – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v Wales: Murrayfield – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th March

England v Italy: Twickenham – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 5 – Saturday 15th March

Italy v Ireland: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
Wales – England: Principality – KO 4.45pm
France v Scotland: Stade de France – KO 8.00pm

Come cheer on your teams with other 6 Nations supporters!

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

We are now offering a pre-match Saucy Flo’s curry meal for the following Pilgrims home games. A fantastic way to fill up, and warm up before cheering the team on.

1st February v Bromley
1st March v Dover
5th April v Crowborough

The cost is £15 per head. Book your place now by emailing saucyflos@gmail.com

We wish you all the best of rugby!

 

Deacons Deliver a Spirited Victory with Grit, Flair, and Teamwork!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Maidstone II 12 – 35 Deacons

Another team with some new faces, some returning faces; some young at heart faces. Maidstone enjoyed the home advantage with a spirited start that had their supporters in full voice. Capitalising on a Maidstone error Craig Fuller pounced and took us into the lead early in the first half. Maidstone replied almost instantly with neither team able to convert. A very hard fought battle ensued before Finn MacCabe found some space, scored, and added the extras.

The Deacons discipline has been nothing but exemplary all season and as the home team became frustrated at their lack of scrum dominance the penalty count added up and Maidstone went into half time with 14 men.

The second half saw Maidstone score from an interception. With the scores at 12 a piece the Deacons started to apply pressure. The reply was a fantastically worked rolling maul from the forwards to put Jadyn Moore over the line. With solid work from the pack in the middle of the park, the backs went to work around the fringes.
Some brilliant running rugby saw 2 tries from Johnnie Gaylor & a further from debutant Ano Masaka.

Player of the Match – Johnnie Gaylor
Honourable mentions for the entire team.

The Deacons continue to build; our brand of enjoyable, fun, occasionally flamboyant rugby. Get involved!