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Around the Ground at the MTG
Last weekend’s games
1st XV 31 – 10 Oxford Harlequins: Canterbury powered to a well-earned victory at the Marine Travel Ground, lifting them to fifth place in National 2 East. A dominant first half saw them secure four tries and a bonus point, with Quins struggling under pressure and discipline issues.
Tries from Eoin O’Donoghue (2), Aiden Moss, and Tom Mackenzie, all converted by Frank Reynolds, set up a commanding 26-10 halftime lead. Despite a stronger defensive effort from Quins after the break, Canterbury sealed the win with a fifth try in the 73rd minute, as Kurt Heatherley set up Alfie Orris to cross the line.
A solid forward performance underpinned the victory, showcasing Canterbury’s strength despite missed opportunities in the second half.
Thank you to our sponsors for their continuing and valued support:
- Match sponsor – Jenner
- Match ball sponsors – BTF, Agrii
- Lunch Sponsors – DDS Group, David Entwistle, Mark Richardson
Pilgrims 26 – 3 Heathfield & Waldron: In challenging wet and windy conditions at the Marine Travel Ground, Pilgrims overcame a determined Heathfield & Waldron side, earning a 26-3 victory in Counties 1. All points were scored in the first half as Pilgrims leveraged solid forward play and clinical finishing to claim a bonus point.
Tries from Aiden Demery, skipper Al Evans, Harvey Young, and Tom Best showcased their attacking prowess, with Will Hilton adding three conversions. Heathfield managed an early penalty but struggled to find a way through Pilgrims’ robust defence.
The second half was marked by strong defensive efforts and handling errors, with both teams receiving two yellow cards. Pilgrims maintained control, dominating scrums and lineouts to see out the win.
Next Saturday promises a season-defining clash as Pilgrims face second-place Sevenoaks in a crucial showdown.
Faversham 19 – 39 Canons: In challenging wet and windy conditions, the Canons secured a hard-fought 40-21 victory over Faversham, a recently relegated Counties 3 side. Canterbury dominated from the start, using their pack’s power and pace out wide to control the game.
First-half tries from Guy Hilton and Harry Jackson (2) gave the Canons a 21-14 halftime lead, despite Faversham scoring twice. Playing downhill in the second half, Canterbury capitalized on the conditions. Simon Jaynes, playing against his former club, scored the bonus-point try, followed by a 22-meter breakaway try from Adrian Geddes and a seventh from Tom Halliday after excellent phase play.
Though Faversham grabbed a consolation try in the final play due to a lapse in concentration, the Canons’ commanding performance keeps them 8 points clear at the top of Counties 4, with 10 wins from 11 games. They look to maintain their form this weekend as they host Sheppey at the MTG.
Whitstable 2nds 29 – 20 Zingari
Colts Dragons 52 – 67 Colts Tigers: While Storm Darragh silenced the usual Sunday buzz at the Marine Travel Ground, Canterbury’s Colts created their own excitement on the Simon Langton4G. In a match embodying the club’s OneClub spirit, 40 players delivered a thrilling, try-laden game despite the challenging weather.
With senior Colts leading each side, the teams showcased attacking flair, racking up 19 tries in a Super Rugby-style exhibition. Locked at 45-45 with 10 minutes to go, the Tigers broke through with an intercept try, followed by two quick scores to secure victory.
A special shoutout goes to club referee Rich Collins for facilitating such a high-scoring and flowing game in tough conditions.
Player of the Match: Riley Soutan
Honourable Mentions: Oscar Sands & Archie Eddy
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!
This weekend’s fixtures
Saturday 14/12
Dorking v 1st XV – KO 2.00pm
Sevenoaks v Pilgrims – KO 2.00pm
Canons v Sheppey – KO 2.00pm
Sheppey v Deacons – KO 2.00pm
New Ash Green v Zingari – KO 2.00pm
Sunday 15/12
Canterbury Women v Tonbridge Juddian Ladies – KO 2.00pm
Mini and Youth
Minis
Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
Christmas Party to follow in the marquee.
Youth
Boys U12’s Amber v Medway (Away)
Boys U12’s Black v Dover (Away)
Boys U13’s Spitfires v Blackheath – Bottom Orchard KO 10.30am
Boys U13’s Hurricanes v TJ’s – Bottom Orchard
Boys U14’s v Lordswood – Top Pitch KO 10.30am
Boys U15’s v OE’s (Away)
Boys U16’s v Gravesend – Top Orchard KO 10:30am
Colts v Tonbridge Well’s (Away)
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.
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We wish you all the best of rugby!