Month: March 2025

Pilgrims set for season finale and promotion celebration

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

This Saturday, Pilgrims welcome Crowborough to the Marine Travel Ground for their final game of the Counties 1 season – a match that marks the end of a truly remarkable campaign.

Having secured promotion to Regional 2 South East (Level 6) for 2025/26, the Pilgrims have achieved a milestone few clubs can boast. In fact, Canterbury Rugby Club will be one of only 5 clubs in the RFU structure to have two teams in the top 284 – a testament to the strength and depth of the squad.

Join the Celebrations!

Make it a Super Saturday and celebrate with the team:

Start with a Curry Lunch from Saucy Flo’s at 1:45pm (£15 per head).
Book directly with Ted at saucyflos@gmail.com.

Kick-off at 3pm – enjoy the game, have a few beers, and cheer on the Pilgrims as they cap off their incredible season.

Stay for the Final Whistle – and await news from Medway, where the Canons are hoping to secure the Counties 4 title and achieve promotion to Counties 3. If they succeed, it will be another historic moment, further cementing Canterbury’s unique position within the RFU league structure.

Incoming Club Chair John Halliday looks forward to welcoming you all for what promises to be a memorable day at the club. Don’t miss it!

Pilgrims Win Title and Promotion

Posted on | by David Haigh

Heathfield & Waldron 7 Pilgrims 27

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims are champions of Counties Kent One after this clear cut victory and will be promoted to Regional South East 2 next season, Level 6 in the RFU league structure. It is a fine achievement for a side that has now won back to back titles. At Heathfield they quickly settled into their stride as the forwards imposed themselves with a number of strong drives. The backs almost capitalised with their first foray into the Heathfield 22 after a fine break by returning centre Jordan Constant was only stopped by some last ditch defending. Pilgrims were quick to reapply the pressure and drove deep into Heathfield territory before scrum half Hector Valladares found Owain Collins on the short side. His pace saw him dot down for the first score which he also converted. Pilgrims’ defence was once again excellent and their tenacity was forcing mistakes from the home side. A wayward Heathfield lineout was well recovered, the forwards made inroads and the backs moved the ball to wing Gus Lister who evaded the defence to score his 15th try of the season which kept him top of the league try scoring charts. Collins again converted to take the lead to 14-0. The home side were a danger with ball in hand and had pace on the wings, but the aggressive Pilgrims defence continued to keep them at bay and Guy Hilton’s and Collins’ effective running from deep put them on the front foot. Collins took advantage by adding a penalty goal when Heathfield illegally slowed down a ruck to give Pilgrims a 17-0 halftime lead. The home side started the second half brightly, moving the ball to their pacey wide men and only an over hit kick stopped them from scoring. But Pilgrims responded well and stretched the lead to 24 points midway through the half. Veterans Dan Gill and Nathan Morris did well to keep the ball alive before the backs spread the ball to Adrian Geddes who forced his way over in the corner and Collins expertly converted. The fly half then added another three penalty points before an injury to centre Tom Halliday led to Will Hunt stepping out of the back row and into the centre. Heathfield came back strongly but Pilgrims defence again remained resolute, even after Gill received a yellow card for an infringement. Henry Kenny, McCormack and captain Al Evans led the defensive resistance before the team returned to full strength and looked to add a bonus point try. Despite coming close on a number of occasions, it was Heathfield who got the game’s final score, dotting down under the posts in the last play. The day, however, and the title went to Pilgrims.

Pilgrims: Macmillan, Demery, Morris, Kenny, Hunt, McCormack, Divine, Evans, Valladares, Collins, Trew-Neville, Constant, Halliday, Lister, G Hilton, Gill, Everrat, Geddes.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

What a week it has been at the club! Three senior teams took to the field on Saturday, and all three returned victorious. The 1st XV still have work to do to retain their current 4th place position, but their confidence is high after two hard-fought wins.

The Pilgrims have done it again! This time, they are not sharing the top spot but have claimed it outright, securing promotion to Regional 2 South East.

The Canons’ game was cancelled, but just a week earlier, they cemented their place at the top of the table and secured promotion to Counties 3 Kent.

Deacons travelled to Ashford Barbarians with revenge in mind, still stinging from their previous defeat. This time, the story was different, as Zingari dominated the game and secured a well-deserved win.

City Lunch at the MTG

Last Thursday, we welcomed 190 guests to the MTG for our City Lunch. It was a fantastic event filled with great food, excellent company, and an inspiring talk from our special guest speaker, Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you at our next City Lunch event!

CRFC hosts inaugural Kent Girls’ 7s Tournament in true #OneClub Spirit

On Saturday, we hosted our first Kent Girls’ 7s Tournament at the MTG. A total of 27 teams competed at U12 and U14 levels, with 366 young players taking part. 7 Wells were the overall cup winners, while Beccs Valley claimed the U14 cup.

Each player received a bag and Jazz Apples, generously donated by our partners at World Wide Fruit. The day was a huge success, and congratulations must go to Becky McCracken and her team for organising such a fantastic event. It truly embodied our #OneClub spirit, with players from the Women’s, Men’s, and Colts teams stepping up to referee and oversee proceedings. Many volunteers from across the club also played a vital role in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to another brilliant week at Canterbury Rugby Club!

Scores roundup

1st XV 31 – 28 Henley Hawks: Canterbury have rediscovered their winning touch, digging deep to secure another tight victory after a recent dip in form. Coming from behind in the second half, the City side held firm under intense late pressure from Henley Hawks to claim a maximum five-point return, keeping them in fourth place in National 2 East.

They started brightly, dominating the early exchanges and racing into a two-try lead by the 18th minute. Eoin O’Donoghue’s break set up Frank Morgan for the opening score, following some slick handling from the backs. Frank Reynolds, making his 100th appearance, converted before O’Donoghue powered over from a driving maul to extend the lead.

At that stage, it looked like Canterbury might run away with it, but Henley refused to back down. A penalty from Max Titchener got them on the scoreboard before centre George Wood’s dazzling footwork cut the deficit. A classic catch-and-drive try from Rory Mason, converted by Titchener, put Hawks ahead briefly before Canterbury responded in kind, with O’Donoghue grabbing his second.

As the first half drew to a close, another Titchener penalty nudged Henley ahead, and they extended their lead soon after the restart, as Will Benning crossed to create an eight-point gap—a worrying sign given Canterbury’s recent second-half struggles.

But this time, they refused to falter. Reynolds’ pinpoint kick behind the defence was chased down by Morgan for his second try, closing the gap. They then took control with a powerful crash-ball finish from Harry Sloan, securing a vital bonus point.

Despite creating further opportunities, Canterbury couldn’t add to their tally, leaving the door slightly open for Henley. Titchener’s third penalty cut the lead to just three points, setting up a tense finish. But Canterbury’s defence held firm, restricting the Hawks to just a single losing bonus point—arguably less than they deserved.

A hard-fought five-point victory keeps Canterbury’s playoff hopes alive as they look to build on their return to winning ways.

Heathfield 7 – 27 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims travelled to Heathfield & Waldron knowing victory would secure them the league title—and they delivered in style with a dominant 27-7 win.

Despite early nerves, the Pilgrims quickly took control, with Owain Collins opening the scoring after strong forward play. Gus Lister added a second try, maintaining his spot as the league’s top try-scorer, and Collins’ accurate boot stretched the lead to 17-0 by half-time.

Heathfield looked to fight back after the break, but Pilgrims continued their dominance. Adrian Geddes powered over for another try, expertly converted by Collins, before a penalty pushed the lead to 27-0. A late Heathfield score was a mere consolation, as Pilgrims’ defence, led by captain Al Evans, held firm.

The victory sealed their third consecutive league title and confirmed their promotion to Level 6 next season—a fitting reward for an outstanding campaign.

Canons HWO Faversham: Faversham withdrew from the fixture, forfeiting the game.

Ashford Barbarians 15 – 22 Deacons: After over a month without a fixture, the Deacons travelled to face the league leaders, determined to avenge their January defeat.

The league leaders, Barbarians, having lost only twice all season, boasted a deep squad, home support, and confidence. Meanwhile, Deacons fielded a young, energetic team accustomed to the relentless pace of Colts rugby, supported by experienced regulars. The squad even featured a father-son duo and two brothers.

The opening half was a fierce battle, with Deacons’ defence proving impenetrable. Despite attacking uphill, they held firm for 35 minutes until Ashford broke the deadlock with a controversial try. However, Deacons struck back before the break, levelling the score at 5-5.

With fresh legs from the bench and the advantage of playing downhill in the second half, Deacons ramped up the pressure. Barbarians, rattled by the defensive resilience, opted for penalty kicks rather than challenging the defensive line.

At 8-5, Craig Fuller powered through for two stunning tries, with Josh Lamb adding the conversions to push Deacons ahead 8-22. Barbarians fought back with a late score, but it wasn’t enough. The final whistle blew at 15-22, handing them only their third defeat of the season and denying them a promotion-clinching win.

An incredible team effort, but Player of the Match went to Ruben Kalonji, who, in his first senior game at No. 8, caused havoc for the opposition.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 29th March
Zingari v Whitstable 2nds

Sunday 30th March
Minis

Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s Training Pitch – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am

U7s, U8’s, U9’s, U10’s will be hosting Thanet. Same pitches same times

Youth

Boys U12’s v TJ’s Top Orchard – KO 10.30am
Boys U13’s training, Simon Langton 4G – 10.30am
Boys U14’s v TJ’s, Bottom Orchard from 10.30am
Boys U15’s v Thanet, Langton Grass pitch – KO 10.00am
Boys U16’s no training
Colts Tigers v OE’s Main Pitch – KO Midday
Colts Dragons v Sevenoaks Top Pitch – KO Midday

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.

Canterbury Varsity: The ultimate rugby showdown!

It’s that time of year again! Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Kent go head-to-head in their annual Varsity Rugby Battle. A fantastic evening of sport awaits, with thrilling men’s and women’s rugby matches, plus food and bars to keep you refreshed as you cheer on your team.

Date: Friday 28 March 2025
Venue: Canterbury Rugby Club
Women’s 1st XV: KO 6.00pm
Men’s 1st XV: KO 8.00pm

Ticket-only entry for all (including CRFC members). Strictly no parking at the Marine Travel Ground.

For more details and to book your tickets, head over to the Varsity website.

We can’t wait to see you there and share in the excitement!

Celebrate the Pilgrims with a Saucy Flo’s curry meal!

Join us for a special pre-match dining experience and enjoy one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Treat your friends, family, or clients to delicious food, great company, and the perfect build-up to the game. Served at 1:15 PM, it’s an occasion not to be missed! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com.

This is the perfect way to celebrate the Pilgrims’ league victory and congratulate the team on their incredible season. It has been a fantastic two years under coach Jon ‘Fozzy’ Foster, and we’d love for you to be part of their final game!

3rd April – Pilgrims vs Crowborough (KO TBC)

Be there to show your support!

Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025

Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.

What’s Included:

  • Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
  • Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
  • Team & individual prizes up for grabs
  • A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
  • A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
  • Special guest comedian Adger Brown
  • An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
  • BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round

Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000

All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.

A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!

To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Parking at the MTG

We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.

Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.

To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Canterbury Resist Late Challenge

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 31 HENLEY HAWKS 28

by David Haigh

Another tight finish for Canterbury who, after their recent slump in form, have found ways to win again. They had to come from behind in the second half and then hold off a robust challenge from the Hawks in the closing stages. But a maximum five point return sees the city side hold on to fourth place in National 2 East. Canterbury dominated the early stages and were two tries to the good by the eighteenth minute. Eoin O’Donoghue’s break set the scene for the first touchdown by Frank Morgan, following excellent handling by the backs. Frank Reynolds, making his 100th appearance, celebrated with the first of his three conversions but was off target when O’Donoghue scored the second from a powerful driving maul. It was all Canterbury up that point but Henley are a side that do not lie down and by half time they had edged into a one point lead. Max Titchener got them on the score board with a penalty goal before great footwork by centre George Wood earned their first try. It was a Rory Mason catch and drive score, converted by Titchener, that took Hawks briefly into the lead but that sparked an immediate response from the city side who took a similar route for O’Donoghue’s second. In the final minute of the half Titchener’s penalty goal wounded Canterbury again and soon after the restart another penalty award gave Henley the territory and opportunity for Will Benning to cross. The conversion opened a slightly ominous eight point gap, given Canterbury’s recent second half woes. As the game went into the final quarter, however, they decided there would be no repeat. Reynolds’ threaded a kick behind the defence and Morgan won the chase for the try. They stayed on the front foot and in control when Harry Sloan’s crash ball score brought the bonus point. Other chances beckoned but failed to register points and it was Henley who produced a sting in the tail. Titchener’s third penalty goal cut the lead to three and the city defenders had to resist intense late pressure before restricting the Hawks to a miserly one point, arguably less than they deserved.

Canterbury: A.Moss, F.Morgan, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, H.Furneaux, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, T.Mackenzie, T.Oliver. Replacements: D.Herriott, T.Best, J.De Vries, T.Williams, S.Rogers

View match photos

v Henley - 22 March 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

WE AIM TO FNISH STRONGLY

Posted on | by David Haigh

PILGRIMS CLOSE TO TITLE WIN
Last Saturday we had another first half to be proud of and the defence in the opening minutes set the tone for the next forty. Going in at the break 7-31 is exactly what we knew we were capable of and our tries came from building pressure and clinical finishing. The lesson from the last few weeks has clearly been that we must play for the full eighty and we knew we hadn’t finished the job. Even though the scores narrowed to end with a two-point margin, earning five points on the road and getting back to winning ways was always top of the agenda.

Our set piece stuttered in the second half and this prevented us from capitalising on the positives we created. This ultimately gave a good Bury team too many chances but three penalties from Frank Reynolds were enough to keep us out of reach. The players showed great commitment, winning collisions and coming up with a big turnover to win the game. Not perfect but we worked hard and got the job done.

With Henley visiting the Marine Travel Ground on Saturday we know that we need to continue to show the improvements of last weekend and bring control for the whole duration of the game. Henley are always a strong side and seasoned National 2 campaigners. With only two home games left, we want to give everyone plenty to cheer about and finish the season strongly.

The Pilgrims are back in action and a victory tomorrow away at Heathfield and Waldron will be enough to win the league before the final round. The team know what is at stake and have worked so hard all season, this is their opportunity to be champions.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Scores roundup

Bury St Edmunds 38 – 40 1st XV:  After a string of narrow losses, Canterbury finally turned the tide, surviving a second-half onslaught to complete a league double over Bury St Edmunds.

At half-time, with a commanding 31-7 lead, it looked like a comfortable win was on the cards. The first 40 minutes saw some of Canterbury’s best rugby this season, with pace, precision, and flair delivering four tries and a bonus point.

But after the break, the game flipped on its head. Bury came out firing, scoring five second-half tries as Canterbury struggled to gain possession. Under relentless pressure, it was the unwavering accuracy of Frank Reynolds’ boot—slotting three crucial penalties—that ultimately sealed the win.

Reynolds opened the scoring before Canterbury ran riot. Harry Sloan, Frank Morgan, Harvey Furneaux, and Jessie De Vries all crossed the whitewash, with Reynolds adding the extras. Bury’s only first-half response came via James Harrison, hinting at what was to come.

After the restart, Bury launched their fightback, scoring through Finn McCartney (twice), Alex Earnshaw, George Grigg-Pettit, and George Loose. But just as momentum swung, Reynolds held his nerve, slotting a monster kick from halfway and another five minutes from time to keep Bury at bay.

A thrilling contest, a gritty win, and a massive result for Canterbury!

Zingari 29 – 48 Bredase RC: It was end-to-end action from start to finish in a fiercely competitive and entertaining match.

The opposition had two standout first-team backs—a full-back and a winger—who were lightning-fast and dangerous with ball in hand.

We did well to contain them for most of the game, but in the final 20 minutes, they found their breakthrough. A sharp interception saw them race the length of the pitch, and moments later, their blistering winger carved an unstoppable outside arc to add another score.

A highly competitive encounter and a brilliant game to be part of!

Bury St Edmunds Colts 24 – 34 Canterbury Colts1st XV: The Canterbury Colts set off bright and early to travel to our friends at Bury St Edmunds for a 1st XV curtain-raiser match.

A hard pitch and sunny weather set the stage for an expansive game, with Canterbury edging the first half 12-17 thanks to tries from Andy T, Ed T, and Harry L.

The second half began with 10 minutes of BSE dominance, allowing them to take the lead with two quick scores: 24-17. A break in play gave co-captains Andy T and Paddy P the chance to regroup and strategise for the final quarter. Their leadership paid off as Ed T crossed for his second try, levelling the score at 24-24.

With just five minutes remaining, Andy T produced a captain’s surge, breaking 20 metres to put Canterbury back in front at 24-29.

Some outstanding goal-line defence in the closing moments forced BSE back to Canterbury’s 22-metre line, where Riley S intercepted a pass on the left wing and sprinted 50 metres before being stopped by the covering full-back. Quick thinking saw him produce a falling offload to Harry L, who capped off a Player of the Match performance by scoring his second try, sealing a 24-34 victory.

Tunbridge Wells Colts 2nd XV v Canterbury Colts 2nd XV: Canterbury Colts 2nd XV signed off their 2024/2025 Kent League campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a resounding 57-35 victory away at Tunbridge Wells. In a match filled with attacking flair and dominant forward play, the City side dictated the pace from the outset, ensuring their final league fixture was one to remember.

From the first whistle, Canterbury’s pack set the tone, controlling the tight exchanges with powerful scrummaging and relentless work at the breakdown. This dominance up front created the perfect platform for the Colts’ free-flowing backs to showcase their attacking prowess. With quick ball and slick handling, Canterbury’s backline sliced through the Tunbridge defence time and time again, running in nine well-worked tries.

Despite Tunbridge Wells showing resilience and managing to cross the whitewash five times, Canterbury’s attacking firepower proved too much to handle. The City side’s clinical finishing and ability to turn pressure into points ensured they always stayed in control of the scoreboard.

This high-scoring, entertaining encounter was a fitting end to Canterbury Colts 2nd XV’s league campaign, capping off a season of hard work, commitment, and impressive performances. The squad now looks ahead to the next challenge, full of confidence and momentum. Well done, Colts!

Boys U13 Spitfires 35 – 35 Old Dunstonians: Old Dunstonians came out firing, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes and putting Canterbury under early pressure. But that early setback only ignited the Spitfires. The game became a thrilling end-to-end contest, with Canterbury battling back to level the scores by half-time with some outstanding tries.

The second half was a rollercoaster, with the lead changing hands four times. With two minutes to go, Canterbury thought they had sealed it with a late score, only for OD’s to equalise in the final moments, ending a high-intensity clash 35-35.

The draw confirmed the Canterbury Spitfires as Kent U13 League champions, adding to their earlier success in the South England Regional Tournament. An incredible achievement for an outstanding squad, who have remained unbeaten all season through hard work and determination.

Next stop: Portugal! The Spitfires will now represent Canterbury on the international stage, competing in the U13 International Club Tournament in Lisbon next month. Vamos, Spitfires!

Boys U13 Hurricanes 55 – 5 Sevenoaks: In a commanding display of power and precision, Canterbury Hurricanes swept aside Sevenoaks Spartans to claim the Group 4 league title. From start to finish, the Hurricanes were in control, with a relentless attack and rock-solid defence leaving the Spartans struggling to keep up.

The match exploded into action, as Canterbury capitalised on early opportunities, using their wingers’ blistering pace and clinical finishing to race into the lead. The forward pack dominated the physical battles, providing clean ball for the backs and dictating the tempo. Their scrum work was flawless, allowing the Hurricanes to control possession and territory.

Canterbury’s superior rucking kept them on the front foot, securing quick ball and maintaining momentum. Combined with sharp passing and smart decision-making, their fluid attacking play kept Sevenoaks on the back foot, unable to find a foothold in the game.

In the end, the Hurricanes proved unstoppable, using speed, strength, and skill to storm to the league title in emphatic fashion. Champions of Group 4 – and fully deserved!

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 22nd March
1stXV v Henley – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Heathfield – Away KO 3.00pm
Canons v Faversham – Home KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Ashford B – Away KO 3.00pm

Sunday 23rd March
Mini & Youth

Girls U12’s & U14’s Kent 7’s Tournament – Marie Travel Ground – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Mixed U6’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Boys U12’s Amber v Deal and Betteshanger – Home KO 10.30am
Boys U12’s Black v Folkestone Langton 4G – Home KO 10.30

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Tickets Available: Saracens v Harlequins – Saturday, 22nd March

A set of tickets for Saracens v Harlequins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 3:00 pm) are available after a change of plans. Bought for £47, will take £40each.

If interested, contact Helen Figgis on 07775 426551.

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

Exciting Events from Our Partners, UNight Canterbury

Get ready for two fantastic events featuring an incredible effects show with dancers, performers, cold pyro, bubbles, festival-sized confetti blasts, multi-coloured lasers and lighting, parachute games, giant balloons, a licensed bar, and face painting!

Over 30s Day Party – Saturday, 29th March

The ultimate daytime clubbing experience is coming to Canterbury! The Over 30s Day Party returns to Tokyo Tea Rooms, bringing all the best tunes from the 90s and 00s – with the promise that everyone will be in bed before dark. Time to show the younger crowd how it’s really done!

Book now: https://fatso.ma/1vky

Raver Tots – The Ultimate Indoor Family Dance Party

Raver Tots is coming to Canterbury, offering an unforgettable dance experience for all ages, featuring the best in house, garage, and drum and bass.

Special guest: Sweet Female Attitude (I’ll Bring You Flowers – live performance)

Last chance for tickets – almost sold out!

Book now: https://www.ravertots.co.uk/event/raver-tots-canterbury-2/

Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025

Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.

What’s Included:

  • Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
  • Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
  • Team & individual prizes up for grabs
  • A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
  • A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
  • Special guest comedian Adger Brown
  • An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
  • BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round

Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000

All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.

A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!

To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Parking at the MTG

We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.

Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.

To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.

We wish you all the best of rugby!

RAY EVISON

Posted on | by David Haigh

SUPPORTER, REFEREE, RUGBY MAN
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Ray Evison, a long time member and supporter of the club and a thoroughly knowledgeable rugby man. During a distinguished refereeing career Ray was one of Kent’s leading officials and when the game turned professional became a member of RFU refereeing teams at many top class matches. He was also a founder member of the COBS group (Canterbury Old Boys Senate) which raised the funds for the installation of the stand on the first team pitch. Ray was a Cheshire man but spent many years of his career in Canterbury teaching design and still found time to serve as a respected local magistrate. His sporting interests were wide and he was a popular member of Chestfield Golf Club where he and his wife Lynne often played mixed matches. It is to Lynne and the family that we extend our sympathies and support.
“Ray was a tremendous supporter of CRFC both home and away,” said club Chairman Giles Hilton. “He always had a fair word to say and enjoyed chatting to the match officials after the game! As one of the original team behind COBS all of those who have sat in the stand owes Ray a debt of gratitude.”
Fellow COBS member Peter Hermitage writes: “Ray’s passing is extremely sad. I liked Ray very much and had some good times with him at rugby matches, especially in the context of COBS. He was a bright, sociable man who I will miss. I thought of him last Saturday when I was at Canterbury RFC in the stand and would normally have had a whisky with him at half time. I’ll toast his memory now.”

Details of Ray’s funeral will be published when arrangements have been completed.

First Half Show Earns Win

Posted on | by David Haigh

BURY ST EDMUNDS 38 CANTERBURY 40

by David Haigh

Being on the wrong end of close run things has become Canterbury’s default position in recent games but here they reversed a sequence of four defeats by surviving a second half battering to complete a league double over the Suffolk club. How they came to be in trouble after establishing a 31-7 lead by half time will be top of the post match inquest. In the first forty minutes the city side played some of their most effective rugby of the season as pace, accuracy and flair brought four tries and a bonus point. After the turn round they looked a different side as they came under constant pressure from a motivated Bury who added five tries to their solitary first half score. Canterbury struggled for possession , created only one real try scoring opportunity and it was only the unfailing accuracy of fly half Frank Reynolds kicking, with three penalty goals, that saw them home. It was Reynolds who slotted the first three points of the game before Bury were taken apart. It started with ball spread wide from a catch and drive where Harry Sloan speared over. Next came a sharp break by Presley Farrance, finished by Frank Morgan, and the scrum half was again involved in the move which brought Harvey Furneaux a third try. When Bury made rare progress they gave a small hint of things to come, breaking off a maul for a try by James Harrison converted by Callum Hall. It seemed a minor blip when Jessie De Vries marched over under the posts two minutes before the break and Reynolds kicked his fourth conversions. Then the game was turned on its head by a Bury side determined to mark the start of the club’s centenary celebrations with a better show. They took just three minutes to strike through a catch and drive score by Finn McCartney and the pressure on penalty prone Canterbury very rarely eased. McCartney again, and Alex Earnshaw crossed, both converted by Hall, before Reynolds kept his city side ten points in front. Bury responded with tries by George Grigg-Pettit and, late on, a converted touchdown from George Loose. But it was not enough as Reynolds kept them at bay with a massive strike from half way and another nerveless kick five minutes from time.

Canterbury: A.Moss, H.Furneaux, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, J.De Vries, J.Stephens T.Mackenzie. Replacements: C.McGovern, D.Herriott, T. Williams, S.Rogers, T.Best

View match photos

v Bury St Edmunds - 15 March 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Missed Opportunities

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

To win a game of rugby it isn’t about how may good moments you have, how much possession or field position you earn, it is simply about getting over the white line. When I review our last two games, if I put our best two halves and our worst two halves together there is a very different and contrasting picture. On Saturday by half time we should have put the game to bed. Going in 18-0 isn’t a bad score line by any means but the number of opportunities we failed to convert left the game closer than it should have been. Regardless, our second-half performance falls into the same category as our first half against Barnes, well below what we expect from ourselves. Some poor individual tackling and inaccuracies in the attacking 22 left us within one score going into the final 3 minutes. Getting turned over at the final scrum is something that a top four team can’t afford to do and a different outcome in this moment would have given us the platform to close the game out.

This week has all been about reinforcing clarity in our plan and understanding the behaviours that make us successful, the ones that we exhibit when we are at full flow playing our best rugby. We know that recent results are not because we were outclassed, or not from creating opportunities to win games. It is down to our ability to stay on task and finish. When your back is against the wall you find out about the character of people and teams, tomorrow is a day we will learn what this team is all about.

Matt Corker, Head Coach