Month: September 2025

Fight Back Wins Bonus Point

Posted on | by David Haigh

Pilgrims 27 Gravesend 43

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims are still looking for a first victory in Regional 2 but a second half fight back earned them a valuable losing bonus point. They started well and took the lead inside five minutes; the backs stretching Gravesend and opening a gap for Olly Ashley-jones to glide through. He was stopped short but a quick tap penalty was taken and after a series of drives by the forwards, Garry Jones dived over in the left corner. Ashley-Jones converted well from the touchline. The lead was short lived, however, as Gravesend leveled from a penalty kicked deep into the Pilgrims 22, and from the lineout drive the visitors peeled off to score a converted try. Ashley-Jones nudged Pilgrims back in front from a penalty goal and they looked to be asserting themselves but after another spell of possession, they kicked the ball dead when going for the corner. From the resulting scrum Gravesend moved the ball wide for their second converted score. Ashley-jones then was lost to injury and the resulting reshuffle took time for Pilgrims to adjust. Gravesend added a further catch and drive try then started to pull away. and by half time they had plundered three more tries, won a bonus point and built 31-10 lead. The Pilgrims started the second half brightly, but an error at the lineout allowed Gravesend to move the ball wide for a sixth try.
The young City side showed great character to come back into the game from this point. Great attacking phases and aggressive breakdown work saw the visitors reduced to fourteen after a yellow card, which Pilgrims duly exploited by moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other before scoring. Gravesend added their seventh try when their centre cut a great line through some poor defending but the Pilgrims responded with a well worked third touchdown which was converted.
They were were now in the ascendancy and chasing a bonus point score which duly followed after great team play. Forwards and backs combined well to send full back Fraser Doig over on debut. It was another positive step in the right direction, but defensive mistakes again proved costly.

Pilgrims will look to bounce back after a week off when we welcome Brighton to the MTG on 4th October.

Canterbury: Oliver, Bull, Timmerman, Kenny, Hunt, Dengate, Devine, Evans, Lloyd, Ashley-Jones, Geddes, Carter, Jones, Valladares, Doig, Everrat, Mackenzie,Thompson.

Match Report: Canterbury Women’s 1XV vs Horsham – League Fixture


Posted on | by Becca Williams

Final Score: Canterbury 37 – Horsham 5

By Amber Waitimas

Canterbury Women’s 1XV opened their league campaign with a strong 37–5 win over Horsham, delivering a full team performance from start to finish.

The tone was set early on with a powerful run from debutant and Number 8 El Crowe, who crossed the line just five minutes in for the opening try. The scoring continued shortly after with a well-taken try by fly-half and co-captain Kate Rutherford, followed by efforts from prop Alex Mills and another debutant, winger Lola Yuille-Clough.

Canterbury showed solid structure throughout, executing moves from the training pitch while also adapting with some free-flowing phases. The forwards laid strong foundations with hard carrying and support play, allowing the backs to move the ball with confidence.

Horsham found a gap early in the second half and was able to convert their pressure into points with a deserved try for their afternoons hard work and efforts. However, Canterbury responded well, maintaining composure and control. Tries followed from Emily Kent, converted by Layla Little, co-captain Lucy Relf, and a second from Kent to round off the match.

Set-piece work in the second half was particularly strong, with hooker Inger Philpott winning the ball in the scrums and the pack putting in a dominant shift around the field.

Defence played a key role throughout, with Canterbury staying focused and aggressive in the tackle. Tries were well spread across both the forwards and backs, reflecting a true team effort.Forward of the Match: Lily-Inger Philpott
Back of the Match: Emily Kent
Both players stood out for their work rate and defensive contribution.

Further honours to all of our debut players this afternoon go to El Crowe, Rosie Payne, Lizzie Deverson, Ellie Rowe, Mary Trimmer and Lola Yuille-Clough. We are excited to follow their journey with us!

Canterbury’s next fixture is away at Medway on Sunday 5th October. Based on previous meetings, it promises to be a well-contested match. All supporters are welcome to come along and be part of the day.

Match Report: Gravesend 3’s v Deacons

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The mighty Deacons travelled to Gravesend and took their first win of the season in a close game of 43-41. When the boys arrived they expected to have 16 players, however travel issues and some late drop out meant that they started the game with 13 players.

Gravesend had a quick start scoring their first try within the first 5 minutes of the game. The Deacons weren’t going out without a fight. The boys defended with everything they had making hit after hit. But Gravesend weren’t letting up either. After they had scored 3 tries the boys faced another player loss due to concussion.
It wasn’t looking great for Deacons but they kept fighting. Two tries late in the first half meant that the boys stayed in the game finishing the first half with a score of 34-12 to Gravesend.

The boys knew they had their work cut out for them but were ready to leave it all on the field. The second half marked a turn around with deacons scoring quickly after kick off. But they didn’t stop there. The Deacons kept the ball in the second half fighting Gravesend with everything they had. The boys worked hard to stay in the Gravesend half and eventually were in the lead. But another injury and a yellow card meant that the deacons were now down to 10 players on the field. Gravesend seized this chance and converted their own try to make the score 41-36. The Gravesend crowd roared with excitement but the Deacons didn’t let this get to them. The Deacons answered this with their own converted try in overtime to win them the game.

MOTM – Josh Lamb for great kicks from hand and from the tee, an unrelenting effort in defence and great running with the ball

Match Report: Zingari 85 Sheppey 2’s 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Colin Scurr

The Zingari swept aside Sheppey with an overwhelming display of power and handling from the kick off opening their account with a Henry Collins converted try within the first five minutes after Sheppey lost possession in their own twenty-two. This was followed with Will  Raynor bursting through a tackle touching down near the posts for the simple following conversion. Next in line was wingman Piers Weigh finishing off a move to score in the corner for both his second try in his second game at senior level, with Horan adding the conversion from the tight angel. The city side looked in control their forwards especially in the loose setting up their backs with quick ball exploited first by Will Raynor, and then by Henrey Collins with successful converted try’s. With halftime approaching the final act was Jon Foster making his first appearance for the Zingari and making sure the forwards got in on the act powered over the line for another converted try to give the city side a commanding 42-point halftime lead.

The Second half started looked its was going to be much the same with Henry Carruthers touching down out wide within minutes of the kick off, but Sheppey had other ideas using their forwards to set up position near the Canterbury line before powering over for their first converted try, however, this was soon neutralised with Will Raynor completing his hat trick. Sheppey to their credit started a fight back with their forwards leading the charge giving their backs a few more opportunities with a kick in behind the Canterbury defence that was collected for a well taken converted try. This inspired  Sheppey and they redoubled their efforts putting the city side under some pressure only to find Canterbury could defend, and as the game went into the last quarter the Zingari were back in control winning quick ball from the breakdown that started a try frenzy. First to benefit was Simon Jaynes, and Jon Foster for his second try, followed by Henry Carruthers for his hattrick. Now deep into injury time Callum Townsend Henry Carruthers completed the try tally, and along with Rob Horans accurate boot  gave the Zingari one of their best starts to the season possible.

Defensive Master Class

Posted on | by David Haigh

HENLEY HAWKS 17 CANTERBURY 22

by David Haigh

A tough as teak defensive effort earned Canterbury a first National 2 East success at Henley for six years. Reaching the break seven points in arrears an assured second half performance, in which they tightened their discipline and scored three tries, saw them finish as deserved winners. After missing an early opportunity to take the lead the city side came under periods of intense pressure as they conceded penalties and turned over possession. But every time the Hawks came knocking they were denied entry and only allowed through the front door once. That came in the 29th minute after Henley’s Max Tichener and Frank Reynolds had kicked a penalty goal apiece. The work of the home forwards at last paid off as Nelly Kinninsburgh was driven over and Tichener converted the try but it was not all one way traffic. Canterbury’s best attacks were let down by dropped passes so it was their organisation and aggression in the tackle that saw them through to half time. They came out for the second half not only refreshed but in clinical mood as they scored two tries in the first ten minutes. It was Hawks who were now stacking up the infringements and feeling the pressure. Mo Pangarker powered over from close range for the first score, converted by Reynolds, and four minutes later fellow flanker Ryley Thomas’s touchdown took the city side into the lead. However, experience has shown that Henley do not surrender easily on their home turf and, despite being handicapped by a series of injuries, they exploited an indifferent kick to win territory and create a try for Oskar White. Tichener booted them back into the lead from the tee. They held on to it for ten minutes but a fine break by scrum half Tom Williams won position, followed by a yellow card for the hosts and a penalty which Canterbury punished with a catch and drive try from Eoin O’Donoghue and a Reynolds conversion. That proved decisive, although Henley came knocking hard again in the late stages. Despite losing Harry Sloan to a yellow card for the final six minutes the city side’s dominant scrum and defensive mastery ensured they gave nothing away.

Canterbury: L.Talbot, H.Furneaux, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, L.Young, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, R.Thomas, M.Pangarker, T.Oliver. Replacements: J.Walker, D.Huntley, K.Heatherley, C.Macmillan, J.De Vries

The Attack Improves

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

The main thrust of what I said this time last week was that we wanted our attack to be better. Scoring six tries and accumulating 42 points was exactly what we wanted. We were much more clinical and hit 48 percent completion, just below the magic 50 percent. Even though we didn’t score a maul try it was much more threatening and created space for us in Sevenoaks’ twenty-two.

This all came after a slow start and going 0–17 behind. Being able to wrestle back momentum when it is going against you is an important quality of good teams and seeing the players dig deep and turn the ship around was really pleasing. Conceding the final try was disappointing and maintaining control when the game loosens up will be something we need to improve on. Tom Williams also had a good day at the office, bagging himself a hat-trick, which could have been four if not for a forward pass.

Our attention this week swiftly moves to Henley which has been a place of near misses. The last two seasons we have fallen short by a point on both occasions and for us to have a better season than we did last year, winning where we haven’t before is the only way to do it. Henley come into the game still unbeaten and I am expecting another close encounter.

The Pilgrims had another tough afternoon away at Horsham. Horsham were relegated last season from Regional 1 and are another strong team. There were lots of positives in the game, scoring 24 points away from home being one of them, and there is also plenty of learning. This weekend they play Gravesend at the Marine Travel Ground. The team are pushing hard in training and you can see the growth in the players. These are exactly the experiences that we wanted to give our players so they can develop whichever team they play for and they will be hunting down their first win on Saturday.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Match Report Dartford Valley 19 Canons 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Canons continue to chase their first win of the campaign as they fell to defeat against Dartford Valley.

In blustery conditions, the Canons absorbed pressure well in the first half playing into a strong wind. Knowing that they would have the advantage of the weather in the second half, the Canons restricted Dartford Valley to 2 tries, both scored from close range. 12-0 to DV at half time.

With clear instructions at half time as to how the team needed to play, the second half did not go to plan with DV scoring in the first minute from the kick off. Not deterred, the Canons fought back begin, with Liam Browne scoring the first of 3 penalty kicks 10 minutes into the half. Handling errors plagued the Canons however, which nullified any momentum that was building. In the 60th minute, Josh Lamb crossed the try line for the Canons, following some good play in the midfield. Penalties started to rack up against DV, but the Canons could not capitalise. Browne kicked his third penalty in the final play of the game to ensure the Canons scored a losing bonus point. Full time 19-14.

It was an improved performance for the Canons, who continue to settle into life in Kent Counties 3. With the next league game not until 11th October, the Canons have plenty of time to refresh themselves before facing early league leaders Sittingbourne.

Match Report: TJ 3’s 62 Deacons 5

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Despite a number of players still away at university or unavailable, we were thrilled to get some of our core squad back on the pitch this weekend. With a little help from TJ’s, who generously lent us a few players to even the sides at 13 each—we enjoyed a fantastic, good natured match played in true rugby spirit.

From the first whistle, the team showed flashes of flair and creativity, especially when we had ball in hand. We asked serious questions of TJ’s defence and managed to carve out some exciting attacking moments. Special mention to Lawrence Frattaroli, who marked his final game before heading off to university with a well earned try an emotional and fitting send-off.

Our front rowers impressed with some inventive play making, and once again, the scrum proved to be a reliable platform, solid and promising as we look ahead to future fixtures. While TJ’s blend of academy talent and seasoned veterans gave them the edge in possession and control, our side showed resilience and plenty of potential.

A huge shout-out to James Limmer for an exceptional performance throughout the match, and congratulations to Craig Fuller, deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution.

There’s lots to build on, and even more to be proud of. The energy, camaraderie, and commitment on display were everything we love about the game.

Match Report: Zingari 75 Lordswood 2’s 28

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Colin Scurr

The Zingari opened their seasons account with an emphatic win against an inexperienced Lordswood side, despite the final scoreline Lordswood showed resilience making Canterbury fight for every point. From the kick off the Zingari had Lordswood pined on their own line before Brad Alchurch making another return after taking a season out, burst his way over the line under the posts for the following simple conversion. The Zingari kept up the pressure with a kick and chase picked up by Henry Collins touching down near the posts for the following conversion, and twenty minutes into the half Ollie Simpson showed his pace outstripping the defence to score out wide. Within two minutes the city side struck again with Henrey Collins breaking the defensive line for another converted try. This was followed a few minutes later with the ball traveling down the line to find wing Piers Weigh making his first appearance at senior rugby scoring with a try out wide with the following conversion. Lordswood could have folded, but after period of scrappy play broke the city defence with a converted try of their own, however the Zingari had the last word of the half with another Brad Alchurch converted try, and with the bonus of Rob Horan slotting the conversions Canterbury a substantial halftime lead.

 

The second half started much the same this time Ollie Simpson picking his way through adding to his tally with another converted try, if Canterbury thought it was all over, they were in for a check as Lordswood although not so good in the loose had done well at the set piece took advantage, and ten minutes into the half  snatched back a converted try. The Zingari soon struck back with another try,  but were coming under pressure from that Lords wood set piece, only a wild pass from Lordswood allowed Jonny Gaynor the interception to go the length of the field to touch down. Again, Lordswood would not lay down and after some missed tackles

Lordswood snatched another try back. With the match going into the last quarter the Zingari hit back in the thirty-eight minutes with a ollie Simpson hat trick followed by another Jonny Gaynor try and his hat trick. However, with the game now well into injury time Lordswood refused to give up snatching a deserved consolation converted try with the last play.

Match Report: Horsham 41 Pilgrims 25

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Pilgrims travelled away to Horsham for their first away day in Regional 2 and were left frustrated as errors once again proved costly at this level.
They started brightly and exerted early pressure but this was quickly undone when a speculative kick in behind from Horsham was allowed to bounce and Horsham were 7-0 up after five minutes.

The city side regrouped and a series of well worked phases fashioned 2 kickable penalty opportunities which Olly Ashley-Jones slotted to bring the score back to 7-6 before Horsham added their 2nd try after poor pilgrims tackling allowed them to dot down beside the posts. 14-6.
The Pilgrims responded positively again and Horsham’s repeated attempts to slow the ball down at the breakdown saw them reduced to 14 men. A fine break from Al Evans was well supported by scrum half Lloyd who took a short pass and raced away to score under the posts 14-13.

An injury to centre Mitch Fielder saw Ed Thompson introduced and the back line reshuffled, and before they could settle more missed tackles created space out wide for Horsham to score and take the score to 19-13.
Pilgrims were looking dangerous on attack as they looked for an instant reply, but poor handling in midfield saw the ball spilled, Horsham reacted quickest to gather the loose ball and they added their 4th try to take the half time score to 24-13.

The pilgrims looked threatening as they began the 2nd half on the front foot with a series of strong carries and tackles by the forwards who were shading the physical contest. An injury to fullback Harvey Ingram and a yellow card for a late tackle by Tom Mackenzie made Pilgrims task more difficult and Horsham used the numerical advantage to good effect to move the ball effectively to space out wide and scored again to make it 31-13.

The pilgrims forwards then showed their desire with a series of good drives culminating in Stan Bull taking a tap penalty 5metres out and crashing over to score,31-18.

Horsham were then given another yellow card after a high shot on wing Adrian Geddes, but added a further try after another handling error allowed them to pounce and move the ball out wide to score. 36-18.

Pilgrims showed great heart to dig deep for a response and after a fine break by Stan Bull, wing Gary Jones was on hand to take the offload and score a converted try, 36-25.

Pilgrims were now firmly on the front foot and had momentum. Strong forward drives saw No.8 Al Evans power over only for the referee to not see the grounding and come back for advantage. The pilgrims then moved the ball wide and thought they had their bonus point try, only for the referee to judge the pilgrims had obstructed potential tacklers and award Horsham a pressure relieving penalty. With the clock running down, Horsham scored a well worked try to take the game away from the Pilgrims and make the final score 41-25.