Month: March 2025

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Scores roundup

1st XV v Old Albanian: Canterbury’s tough run continued as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, letting an 18-point first-half lead slip against Old Albanians. Despite a dominant opening 40 minutes, missed chances and errors proved costly, allowing the visitors to snatch victory in the final moments.

Old Williamsonians v Canons: The Canons travelled to Old Williamsonians determined to avenge their home defeat. Leading at half-time, they looked poised for redemption, but missed opportunities saw the hosts fight back, ultimately edging a 22-14 win.

Boys U15s v Sidcup: Canterbury U15s capped off a remarkable unbeaten season in style, securing the Kent League title with a dominant 43-19 victory over Sidcup. A year on from finishing second to the same opponents, the squad proved their growth and resilience, defending the MTG fortress with confidence and control.

Canterbury Colts: It was a superb weekend for Canterbury Colts, with both the 1st XV and 2nd XV claiming impressive wins over strong Tonbridge Juddians sides. The squads demonstrated outstanding organisation and decision-making, with the 1st XV shutting out TJ’s 5-49, while the 2nd XV came out on top in a thrilling 34-43 battle.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 15th March

Canterbury Sin Binners v Breda RC – Home KO 12.30pm
1st XV v Bury St Edmunds – Away KO 3.00pm

A Super Saturday of rugby at the MTG!

This Saturday promises an international flavour at the Marine Travel Ground as we welcome Dutch side Bredase RC, who take on the Sin Binners—a squad made up of Canons, Deacons, and Zingari players. It’s set to be a fantastic afternoon of rugby, so come down, cheer on the teams, and enjoy the action!

After the on-field battle, head into the clubhouse for the final round of the Six Nations. The tournament is on a knife-edge, with multiple teams still in the title race:

  • France will be crowned champions if they secure a bonus-point win over Scotland.
  • England must beat Wales with a bonus point while hoping France slip up.
  • Ireland need a bonus-point victory over Italy, plus favourable results elsewhere.
  • Scotland have an outside chance, but only if they defeat France by a big margin and other results go their way.

Got all that? No worries—what really matters is an electric atmosphere, great company, and top-quality rugby! So, apart from being at the stadiums themselves, where better to enjoy the drama than cheering with the CRFC rugby family, and our visitors from the Netherlands at the clubhouse?

The bar is open from 11.00am and food is available all day!

See you there!

Sunday 16th March

Minis

9-10am:
Mixed U6’s Simon Langton 4G
Mixed U7’s Simon Langton 4G
Mixed U8’s Simon Langton 4G

9-10:30am:
Mixed U9 Bottom Orchard – training and hosting Lorenden School
Mixed U10’s v Sevenoaks  – Away
Mixed U11’s Top Orchard

Youth
Boys U12’s Amber v Old Alleynians – Away KO 10:15am
Boys U12’s Black Bottom Orchard – 10:30
Boys U13’s Spitfires v OD’s – Home KO 11.00am
Boys U13’s Hurricanes v Sevenoaks – Home KO 11.00am
Boys U14’s v TJ’s Simon Langton 4G – KO  10.00am
Boys U14’s v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.00am
Boys U15’s v Tunbridge Wells – Away KO 11.30am
Boys U16’s v Blackheath Top Pitch – KO 10.30am
Boys U16’s Dev v Aylesford Top Orchard – KO 10:30
Colts v Bury St Edmunds – Away KO 12.00pm
Colts v Tunbridge Wells – Away KO 11.30pm

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.

Introducing Milly – Taking on the English Channel for Three Great Causes

At Canterbury Rugby Club, we love to celebrate the achievements of our rugby family, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on Milly, sister of 1st XV player Harvey Furneaux, who is taking on an incredible challenge.

In August 2025, Milly will be swimming the English Channel, a 21-mile stretch of open water from Dover to Cap-Gris-Nez in France. Growing up just a stone’s throw from the Dover shore, this has been a lifelong goal, and she’s now putting in countless hours of training in both the cold open water and the pool to prepare.

But this challenge isn’t just about her—it requires a highly skilled boat crew to guide her safely across, just as they have done for hundreds of swimmers before her. To help with these costs and to raise funds for three incredible causes, Milly has set up a GoFundMe page.

Who Milly is Supporting:

Pilgrims Hospices – A cause close to Milly’s heart after her grandfather spent his final weeks in a hospice. These wonderful facilities provide incredible care and support to both patients and their families, making a difficult time as comfortable as possible.

Myeloma UK – Supporting research and treatment for myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, which has directly impacted Milly’s family. Myeloma UK is the only UK charity dedicated to funding research, improving treatments, and supporting those affected.

RNLI – The volunteer crews of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution work tirelessly 24/7 to save lives at sea. Their dedication and bravery have saved over 146,000 lives since 1824, and they continue to patrol our coasts, keeping people safe.

Milly’s challenge is a huge undertaking, and we’d love for the Canterbury rugby family to support her in any way possible. If you’d like to donate, visit: Milly’s Channel Swim 2025

Let’s get behind Milly and help her make a difference for these amazing causes!

Steak lovers, this one’s for you!

Tuesdays just got tastier at The Granville! From 5pm every Tuesday, it’s ‘Steak Tuesday’ – buy one steak main, get one free! That’s right—order your favourite steak, and they’ll throw in another completely free, served with triple-cooked chips and salad.

How’s that for a double protein feast?

Don’t miss out—book your table now https://thegranvillecanterbury.co.uk/

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 12.30pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Next curry lunch available for April 5th v Crowborough

Don’t miss out and join us!

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!

 

SECOND HALF SLIPPAGE

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 18 OLD ALBANIAN 21

by David Haigh

A try in the final minute of the game condemned Canterbury to their fourth consecutive defeat as they let a first half lead of eighteen points slip away. It was a sobering experience for a city side that lost its way in a mixture of flawed decisions, basic errors and Albanians domination of the breakdown. The fall from grace frustrated a big crowd who watched Canterbury control the first forty minutes but never do quite enough with all their territory and possession. Head Coach Matt Corker admitted: “We left points out there ” and that hard fact came back to bite them. They started brightly enough and only an unlucky bounce robbed Presley Farrance of a score as he chased Garry Jones’ chip kick. The scrum half made amends for that in the ninth minute after Eoin O’Donoghue launched the initial break, the forwards piled in and Frank Reynolds converted. The city side went looking for more and, despite the loss of Jones with a ham string injury, they were constantly dangerous in the wide channels where debutant Harry Sloan caused Albanians defence all kinds of problems. He was part of the move that sent Harvey Furneaux over for the second try but although Reynolds conversion attempt hit a post he was to prove the only provider of more points before half time. Canterbury had their chances but failed to deliver and relied on the fly half’s two penalty goals. The visitors had hardly been a threat up to that point but all that changed in the opening minute of the second half. A lineout move and a missed tackle saw flanker Archie Radovanovic cross and Patrick Bishop convert. From there Canterbury failed to exploit their strengths, were turned over in possession all too easily and slumped into mediocrity. A punishing break by OA scrum half Bailey Thomas set up his side’s second try, scored by back rower Ben Alexander and converted by Bishop, and a Canterbury struggling to get front foot ball found themselves hanging on. As the clock ticked down they held up one attack over their own line but in the last play Thomas finished off a barrage of pick and go’s as he squeezed over. Bishop kicked his third conversion to remind Canterbury of how far they had fallen.

Canterbury: A.Moss, G.Jones, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, H.Furneaux, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, O.Frostick, E.O’Donoghue, A.Cooper, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, S.Rogers, T.Oliver. Replacements: C.Macmillan, H.Kenny, C.McGovern, T.Williams, F.Morgan

 

View match photos

v Old Albanian - 8 March 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

TIME TO REFLECT

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

I can’t remember a time in my seven seasons at the club of going in 40-0 down at half time. We have had some tough days on the pitch, but this was new. I think after a day like Saturday there are many ways to review our performance and it is important which angle of reflection we choose. The players said it themselves after the game, there is no way we can forget how we played in the first forty. It is equally important not to gloss over what they achieved in the second half, something that no other team has accomplished against Barnes in a long time. Winning the second half 5-35, scoring seven converted tries against second in the league, is arguably as good as the first half was disappointing.

We spoke at half-time about not being satisfied coming off second best in all the micro battles of the game, believing in what we are capable of and remembering that we represent the club every time we pull on a Canterbury shirt. The strength of the reaction shows how much it means to the players to be part of this team and also what they are capable of. If we can iron out some of the small kinks the potential of this group remains very exciting.

With this being the business end of the season, when results decide league positions, tomorrow is an important game. Old Albanians sit eight points behind us, coming off the back of three wins, and it sets up Saturday as a decisive game in this round. We are focused on showing we can play as we did in the second forty minutes of last week, from the first whistle.

With their win against Dover, and tomorrow’s cancellation against Cranbrook, the Pilgrims only have two games remaining for them to maintain their position and be crowned Counties Kent One champions. It may feel very close but we will be taking nothing for granted when the tam return to action on the 22nd March, away to Heathfield and Waldron, before the final game two weeks later at home to Crowborough.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Scores roundup

Barnes 45 – 35 1st XV: A stunning second-half comeback saw Canterbury salvage pride and a crucial losing bonus point against second-placed Barnes, despite a torrid first half. Trailing 40-0 at the break, the city side roared back with five unanswered tries, proving their resilience.

Barnes dominated the opening 40 minutes, punishing Canterbury’s errors and running in six tries, with Elliot Haydon and Ethan Sikorski among the scorers. However, a rousing half-time talk from Head Coach Matt Corker sparked a remarkable response. Eoin O’Donoghue crossed early in the second half before Olly Frostick, Presley Farrance, Jesse de Vries, and Aaron Cooper all added to the tally. Frank Reynolds converted all five second-half tries, securing a valuable bonus point.

Despite the defeat, Canterbury remain fourth in National 2 East and will take confidence from their spirited fightback as they prepare for the next challenge.

Pilgrims 43 – 19 Dover: Pilgrims maintained their grip on Counties 1 with a commanding 45-19 victory over Dover in a thrilling local derby. Playing up the slope in the first half, they wasted no time imposing their game, with Gus Lister racing away for the opener after a strong break from Guy Hilton. Harry Sloan and Isaac Divine followed with well-taken tries before Adrian Geddes secured the bonus point, giving Canterbury a 24-0 lead.

Dover responded with two late first-half tries, closing the gap to 24-14 at the break. They carried their momentum into the second half, adding another to narrow the deficit to five points. However, Pilgrims hit back hard, with returning centre Tom Halliday making an immediate impact before Lister completed a superb hat-trick. Sonny Trew-Neville put the finishing touch on a solid team performance, keeping Pilgrims top of the table with three games to go.

Next up, on the road to Heathfield & Waldron as Pilgrims continue their push for the title.

Cliffe Crusaders 22 – 27 Canons: The Canons moved a step closer to the Counties 4 Kent title with a hard-earned victory away at Cliffe Crusaders. Using their pace and agility to counter Cliffe’s physicality, the Canons took control early, with Liam Browne slotting two penalties before Jake Upward crossed for the first try, set up by Josh Lamb. Lamb then added a second just before half-time, giving Canterbury a 20-3 lead at the break.

Cliffe responded strongly in the second half with an early try, and tensions rose as the game turned scrappy. However, the Canons struck back, with Browne’s chip-and-chase setting up Upward for his second. Despite Cliffe adding two late tries, the Canons secured a well-deserved four points against tough opposition.

All focus now turns to this weekend’s top-of-the-table showdown against Old Williamsonians, where the Canons will be out for revenge and looking to take a huge step towards the title.

Zingari 33 – 14 Gillingham 2nds: The Zingari continued their winning streak with an explosive second-half performance, dismantling top-of-the-table Anchorians in emphatic fashion.

A cautious first half saw both sides struggle for control, with Patrick Collins opening the scoring for Canterbury before Anchorians hit back to level things at the break. However, whatever was said at half-time worked wonders, as the Zingari emerged fired up.

Early pressure saw Connor Langley cross under the posts, quickly followed by a Callium Townshend try to stretch the lead. Anchorians attempted a response but were shut down by relentless defence. The Canterbury forwards dominated the turnover battle, allowing the backs to carve open the opposition defence.

As pressure mounted, Ash Nwapa powered over for a brace of tries, both converted by Jacob Coffin, sealing an unassailable lead. Anchorians grabbed a late consolation, but the Zingari’s second-half dominance ensured a statement victory.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 8th March
1st XV v Old Albanian – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Cranbrook – Home KO 3.00pm CANCELLED
Old Williamsonians v Canons – Away KO 2.30pm
Lordswood v Zingari – Away KO 2.30pm

Sunday 9th March
Mini & Youth
Mixed U6’s, U7’s and U8’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U12’s Amber v Beckenham – Away
Boys U12’s Black v Thanet Top Pitch – KO 10.30
Boys U13’s v Blackheath – Away
Boys U14’s v Sevenoaks – Away
Boys U15’s v Sidcup Main Pitch – KO 11.00am
Boys U16’s Simon Langton 4G – 10.00am to11.am
Boys U16’s Development v Dover – KO 11.00am
Colts v TJ’s  – Away

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

U15s title decider – Support needed!

Canterbury U15s are currently top of the table, and this weekend’s clash against Sidcup is a Kent League title decider! Let’s get as many supporters as possible around the main pitch to cheer them on and help them bring home the victory. Your support could make all the difference!

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

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.

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 12.30pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Next curry lunch available for April 5th v Crowborough

Don’t miss out and join us!

Join us for an exclusive City Lunch with Jamie Roberts!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 20th March, as Canterbury RFC hosts an exclusive City Lunch with special guest Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great afternoon of rugby insights, delicious food, and top-class company. Tables for 8-12 guests are available at £65 per person, but spaces are limited and always sell out quickly!

To secure your place, book now by contacting kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable event!

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.

Preston Summerfest – Exclusive group ticket offer for Rugby Club members!

Club members are invited to Preston Summerfest, a fantastic family-friendly music festival taking place over the August bank holiday weekend in the village of Preston, near Canterbury.

This year’s lineup includes an incredible mix of live bands and DJs, with performances from Toploader (Dancing in the Moonlight, Achilles Heel), The Petebox (from The Voice), Hullaballo, Shiva, The Red Hot Tribute Peppers, Hurly Burly, and Certified Madness. An acoustic stage and DJ area will also feature well-known names such as Graham Gold, Pique, Miles Gorfy, and Greg Brookman.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy great value food and drink, fun activities for children, and a vibrant community atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Exclusive Group Ticket Offer!

A special discount is available for sports clubs and groups:

Weekend tickets for groups of five or more – just £20 per person (+ booking fee).

(Cheaper than early bird and day ticket prices – and less than the cost of a single gig for some of these artists!)

Ticket Prices:

Under 12s – Free

Teenagers (12-17) – £10 (+ booking fee)

Those attending should ensure they purchase parking or camping tickets if required.

All festival profits support good causes, including Demelza and Pilgrims Hospices. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music, great vibes, and community spirit.

Full lineup and event details can be found at https://www.PrestonSummerfest.com

Get Tickets Now!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Late Tries Seal Victory

Posted on | by David Haigh

Pilgrims 43 Dover 19

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims elected to play up the slope in the first half and imposed their game plan on the visitors from the outset. The early signs were promising as good handling following a Dover dropped ball saw the ball moved wide to Guy Hilton who made a strong break up the touch line and sent in form wing man Gus Lister racing away to score, making the conversion a formality for Owain Collins. Next, when Dover infringed just inside their 22 metre area, a tap penalty move was well executed before centre Harry Sloan crossed out wide.. Canterbury continued to look dangerous, particularly out wide, but it was the forwards turn to show what they were made of as a number of strong runs pushed Dover back before man of the match Isaac Divine picked up and drove through three defenders to add a third try. Dover looked to respond with some strong running and good handling but a mistake out wide saw winger Adrian Geddes collect the ball and outpace everyone to score the bonus point try which Collins converted for 24-0 lead. The visitors responded almost immediately and with Pilgrims looking to move the ball, ex Canterbury stalwart Martyn Beaumont intercepted a loose pass and cantered in to score. They added a second converted touchdown on the stroke of halftime as their busy scrum half burrowed over after a series of pick and goes to make it 24-14 at the break, It was Dover who started the second half brighter and after a ten minute stalemate, they got their third try in the corner after good handling saw them create a textbook overlap and reduce the gap to just five points The Pilgrims responded by introducing their replacements and it wasn’t long before momentum switched back their way with centre Tom Halliday making an instant impact on his return from long term injury. His driving run sucked in defenders and the Pilgrims backs spread the ball wide where Lister ran in his second try, topped up by the conversion. The hat trick followed after a well worked move saw him glide through a gap and dot down near the posts which allowed Collins to add the extras. Dover suffered a number of injuries and had to reshuffle but just as they mounted a promising attack, Pilgrims turned the ball over and the direct running Sonny Trew-Neville put the finishing touch to a solid display that keeps the team top of Counties 1 with three games to play. Next weekend the Pilgrims welcome Cranbrook to the MTG.

Pilgrims: Macmillan, Demery, Morris, Irvine, Hunt, Mackenzie, Divine, Evans, Valladares, Collins, Lister, Sloan, Trew-Neville, Geddes, G Hilton, Everatt, Fielder, T Halliday.

FIGHTBACK MAKES A POINT

Posted on | by David Haigh

BARNES 45 CANTERBURY 35
by Chris Fullbrook

A stunning second half fight back rescued Canterbury’s pride and a losing bonus point against the league’s second placed side. Trailing by 40 points at half time they were a revitalised team after the break as they hit Barnes with five tries. The city side were barely off the bus before they found themselves trailing to the first of six tries. Barnes started their onslaught after only three minutes when second row Ryan Nixon crashed over from close range. Handling errors in midfield then allowed the hosts to quickly counter-attack with a try from scrum-half Iago Davies under the posts. A regulation catch and drive try, finished by hooker Ethan Sikorski, was followed by further first half touchdowns for full back Elliot Haydon and another for Sikorski. With Haydon landing five conversions Canterbury’s prospects of taking anything from the game seemed bleak. However, whatever was said by Head Coach Matt Corker at half time awoke his side with hooker Eoin O’Donoghue crashing over five minutes into the second period. A rare visit into the Canterbury half saw Barnes’ Haydon scoring his second try of the game but the rest of the action belonged totally to the city side. Ollie Frostick powered over from short range, whilst replacement scrum-half Presley Farrance found a gap on the short side from the base of a five metre scrum. Canterbury’s second half dominance continued with flying Dutchman Jesse de Vries taking an offload from skipper Jamie Stephens before beating the home side’s defence with a mazy run from forty yards out. Aaron Cooper completed the comeback, diving across the line from a close-range ruck. The league’s leading points scorer, Frank Reynolds, added conversions to all the second half tries but Canterbury were left to rue errors and a slow start. The consolation was that four try losing bonus point and they retain their fourth spot in the National2 East table.

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

View match photos

v Barnes - 1 March 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Canons edge closer to Counties 4 Kent title with gritty win

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The Canons took one step closer to the Counties 4 Kent title with a hard earned win away at Cliffe Crusaders on Saturday.

Knowing that it would be a tough afternoon if they got dragged into Cliffe’s physical game, the Canons recognised that using their pace and agility would be key in taking the spoils home.

The opening quarter of the game was tight, with the Canons having good field position following great work at the breakdown to turn over any Cliffe possession.  2 penalties from Liam Browne gave the Canons the early lead.  Despite a few squandered opportunities, put down to sickness in the squad and lapses in concentration, the Canons scored the first try of the game through Jake Upward, following good footwork and evasive running from Josh Lamb.  Cliffe responded with a penalty of their own, before Josh Lamb evaded more tackles again to score under the posts in the last play of the half.  Once again converted by Browne, Canterbury led 20-3 at the break.

The Cliffe coach must have delivered a rocket at half time, as the home side came out with much more quality and purpose following the break.  They worked the ball wide before their monstrous second row crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try. 20-8.

The game began to get scrappy and niggly as Cliffe did their reputation no harm with a number of late challenges and throwing handbags in mauls and rucks.  It was the Canons who had the next points, however, following a chip and chase from Browne that was collected by the galloping Upward to score under the posts.  The last quarter of the game continued to be a physical battle, and following a number of injuries and positional changes for the Canons, Cliffe scored 2 late tries to flatter the scoreline.  Nonetheless, the Canons took 4 points home from a tough opposition who a week earlier had beaten Old Williamsonians, who are hot on the heels of the Canons in the league standings.

This weekend brings what could be a season-defining match against second place Old Williamsonians in a top of the league crunch.  Having endured their sole loss of the season in the reverse fixture at the MTG, there is only one outcome on the Canons mind this weekend – win.

Zingari storm past league leaders

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury 33pts. Gillingham Anchorians 2nd 14pts.

The Zingari continue their winning ways with an outstanding second half performance, sweeping aside top of the table Anchorians. Both sides made a cautious if not faltering start with handling errors being at the fore until things began to settled down into a regular pattern. The first break came twenty minutes into the half with Canterbury making a half line break opening up Gillingham’s defence for Patrick Collins to slice his way through for the cities first try, and Jacob Coffin conversion. However, minutes later their work was undone after Canterbury came offside at a maul and Anchorians took advantage with a quickly taken penalty setting up their forwards to go over near the posts, and with the conversion, all was level. Things now looked a little more settled, with both sides unable to gain control at the set piece, and the half ended with honours even.

Whatever was said at half time seemed to do the trick, the Zingari came out fired up and within minutes the Zingari forwards had Anchorians in trouble probing deep into their territory before Connor Langley finished off the move under the posts, and Coffin to slot the extras. Within minutes of the restart a turnover ball was exploited by the city backs to take the ball wide for Callium Townshend to make the touch down extending the lead. Gillingham rallied with a series of attacks using their forwards to make ground down the middle, only to be thwarted by the city’s ferocious tackling that eventually had Gillingham on the back foot. The Canterbury forwards began to show themselves masters of the turnover ball setting up the Zingari backs who then exploited the extra possession punching holes in the defence, and setting up attacking positions deep into the Anchorians territory. Gillingham’s scrambled defence initially stood up well, but as the pressure increased, they were forced to give away penalties in an attempt to stop the onslaught. This was exploited with Ash Nwapa making a charge breaking tackle to touch down for his first try, followed ten minutes later after a poor clearance kick was returned for Ash to finish off for his second, both converted by Coffin to put Canterbury out of sight. With the clock running down Anchorians got their chance after Canterbury made a defensive error that was snapped up by their wing man, who found the outside before going behind the posts for a well-deserved consolation converted try.