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Around the Ground at the MTG
Last weekend’s games
Old Albanian 17 – 54 1st XV: Head Coach Matt Corker expressed pride in his team’s “great performance” after Canterbury’s dominant victory over Old Albanians. In a thrilling display of attacking rugby, the team ran in seven tries, securing a win at a ground they hadn’t conquered in six years. Corker also applauded his players’ response to their recent setback against Barnes, noting how they took control early in the first half and maintained their grip on the game from start to finish.
Pilgrims 45 – 7 Beccehamian 1st XV: The Pilgrims stepped onto the field with two goals: bounce back from their first league loss to Bromley and settle the score from last season’s tough 63-0 defeat. Mission accomplished! The city side came out firing, with the seasoned 10-12 duo of Will Hilton and Tom Best orchestrating play beautifully and driving deep into the visitors’ territory. A nasty ankle injury to loose forward Max McCormack caused a lengthy pause, but once play resumed, the Pilgrims didn’t skip a beat. They secured a bonus-point victory that keeps them on top of Counties 1. Next up, they head to local rivals Dover, setting the stage for another intense matchup!
Bromley 13 – 29 Canons: The Canons travelled to Bromley determined to keep their unbeaten streak alive and settle the score against the team that handed the Pilgrims their recent defeat. The game was tight from the start, with the Canons holding off Bromley’s pressure in midfield. Just before halftime, some skilful phase play opened up space for fullback Liam Browne to score out wide, giving Canterbury the edge.
The second half was scrappy, with knock-ons and penalties interrupting the flow—and Canterbury often found themselves on the wrong side of these calls. But in the final 10 minutes, the Canons’ defense held firm, denying Bromley any chance to put points on the board and ensuring Canterbury walked away victorious.
A special shoutout to Mark Stone and Captain Ben Jones, who stepped up out of position into the front row, helping the Canons keep their perfect season intact!
Deacons 21 – 60 Sittingbourne 2nds: The Deacons came out strong, finishing the first half in the lead and showing their potential right from the start. The second half, however, proved challenging as we struggled to maintain that initial momentum. Despite a couple of fortunate quick scores from Sittingbourne early on, our heads never dropped. The Deacons fought back hard, determined to regain their edge from the first half. Though we couldn’t quite close the gap, it was a fantastic effort against a well-prepared side. A great game with plenty to build on!
Zingari 22 – 29 Old Gravesendians 2nds: At halftime, Zingari trailed by just two points at 10-12, and with only 10 minutes left on the clock, the match was still anyone’s game. In a nail-biting finish, however, Old Gravesendians clinched the victory with a final score of 29-22. Zingari battled through three injuries—to a winger, fly-half, and second row—but in true sportsmanship, Old Gravesendians evened up the numbers by lending a player to keep the competition fierce. A cracking game and a great display of rugby spirit!
Canterbury Women 58 – 19 Jersey Women: Canterbury Women were thrilled to welcome Jersey Women for the first time since 2015. Before the match, the teams observed a two-minute silence in honour of Remembrance Sunday—a moment made especially meaningful as Major A. Willis, a current Canterbury player and serving officer, led the commemorative parade with her battalion.
On the pitch, Canterbury delivered a powerful and united performance, taking command early and heading into halftime with a 31-14 lead, securing the try bonus point. With the second half underway, Canterbury Women stayed focused on dominating the scoreboard, giving the incredible crowd every reason to keep the cheers coming!
A special thanks to our Mini and Junior supporters who helped on the day, running water and retrieving balls—you were brilliant!
Canterbury Hellfire – The Canterbury Hellfire team sends a huge thank you to everyone at the club for their unwavering support! Finishing the 2024 league in third place is a massive achievement for us, especially as the league’s smallest team, and we couldn’t be prouder. Now, we’re gearing up to kick off the 2024/25 campaign next week with an exciting clash against Saracens—let’s bring the heat!
Sevenoaks 19 – 40 Colts 1st XV: Canterbury started the game by absorbing some steady pressure from the Sevenoaks team and quickly came alive and with some slick handling turned defence into attack to score the first of two converted tries in the first half. Sevenoaks did not give up and managed to also score an unconverted try in the initial thirty five minutes.
A more dominant second half by Canterbury saw a couple of clear run in tries making use of space out wide and two further tries from slick handling across the backline. Three of the tries were converted to add further to Canterbury’s points tally. Not to be outdone, Sevenoaks also ran in some strong tries by the uprights to allow more straightforward conversions to bring the final total to Canterbury 40 – Sevenoaks 19.
Sevenoaks 12 – 51 Colts 2nd XV: After a slow start and a shock missed penalty kick by Sevenoaks, Canterbury Colts turned around the game to start a scoring bonanza. Maintaining a steady level of pressure the lads ran in and converted four tries in the first half accompanied by a penalty kick, whilst defending their own try line to keep the opponents scoreline to zero.
The lads continued with the sustained pressure from the start in the second half running four more tries that were unconverted, but Sevenoaks did not give up and managed to run in two tries and convert one of them to yield a final score line of Canterbury 51 – Sevenoaks 12.
It is worth noting that both of our Colts teams are currently undefeated in their respective leagues.
Dorking 5 – 35 Canterbury Boys U15: The boys travelled to Dorking and came away with an impressive victory after a hard-fought match! With discipline, precision, and dominance across every area of the pitch, the team showed why they’re holding onto that top league spot. Up next is a challenging clash with Blackheath, where they’ll be bringing fresh focus and even more intensity.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!
This weekend’s fixtures
Saturday 16/11
1st XV v Bury St Edmunds – Home KO 3.00pm
There will be a minute’s silence before the match on Saturday in memory of David Hallwood, much loved member who passed over the weekend.
Dover v Pilgrims – Away KO 2.00pm
Canons v Cliffe 1st XV – Home KO 2.00pm
Gillingham 2nds v Zingari – Away KO 2.00pm
Mini & Youth Training and Fixtures
Sunday 17/11
Boys U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Boys U7’s – U11’s v Cranbrook – Away
Boys U12’s v Deal and Betteshanger Top Pitch – KO 11.00am
Boys U13’s v Blackheath Bottom Orchard – 10.00am
Boys U14’s v Dart Valley Top Orchard – 10.00am
Boys U15’s Training Pitch – 10.00am
Boys U16’s A v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – 10.00am
Boys U16’s B v Deal and Betts Simon Langton 4G
Colts Tigers v Aylesford – Away
Colts Dragons v Thanet Top Pitch – 12:00pm
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.
The passing of a Club Legend
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of former President David Hallwood, a cherished and influential figure at Canterbury Rugby Club. David joined in 1958, following in the footsteps of his father, Dudley, the club’s first captain. As a player, David’s steady kicking made him a valued fly-half, especially for the formidable ‘A’ XV of the 1960s.
Beyond the field, his leadership as secretary and later president, in partnership with Tony Redsell, drove Canterbury to new heights, including the club’s first Kent Cup win in 1975. Known for his wit and dedication, David’s contributions spanned decades, from pioneering club improvements to building a reputation for hospitality and humour. His legacy endures, and our deepest sympathies go to his family.
Supporting local impact: The Fifth Trust to share their mission and latest fundraising campaign
The Fifth Trust is joining us at this weekend’s 1st XV pre-match meal to share with us their latest fundraising campaign, and to make a collection during the match.
The Fifth Trust is a Kent-based charity dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities from the age of 16. They provide day care services to around 170 students across two skill centres located in the scenic Elham Valley near Canterbury, where a wide range of activities and opportunities are available.
Taking a person-centred approach, The Fifth Trust tailors its programs and methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Through creative, educational, and hands-on sessions, as well as fulfilling work at the Vineyard Garden Centre, Vineyard Café, and within the local community, students gain essential life skills and the confidence to make choices—both big and small.
This individualised approach extends to staff as well, who are encouraged to grow their skills and experience across the organisation.
Turkey Trot Golf Day – Join us for a fantastic day on the greens!
Get your team together and tee off with us at the stunning Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Boughton for our annual Turkey Trot Golf Day on Tuesday, 17th December! Enjoy a fun-filled day of golf with:
Registration, tea/coffee, and bacon rolls starting at 9:00 am
18 holes, Texas Scramble format with a shotgun start at 10:30 am
Teams of 4, Fourball Entry: £280
Hole Sponsorship: £100
Wrap up the day with a prize-giving ceremony and a delicious two-course lunch!
Secure your spot today—email Kirsty at Kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss it!