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Around the Ground at the MTG
Last weekend’s games
Dorking 34 – 35 1st XV: Canterbury claimed a hard-fought victory against Dorking, ending the home side’s unbeaten streak this season. The match came down to the final kick, with Dorking narrowly missing a conversion in the dying moments, allowing Canterbury to celebrate a well-earned win.
Head Coach Matt Corker praised the team’s performance, calling it “a big step forward” and crediting their aggressive breakdown play and sharp ball movement. Canterbury overcame an early setback to dominate much of the game, with standout contributions including Aiden Moss scoring in his 200th league appearance and Frank Reynolds adding three penalty goals and three conversions.
Despite a late surge from Dorking, Canterbury’s resilience and strategic play secured the victory, marking a memorable success at a challenging venue.
Sevenoaks 47 – 24 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims faced a challenging match against Sevenoaks, ultimately falling 47-24 despite moments of promising play.
The city side started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges with strong link-up play between forwards and backs. Their efforts were rewarded when prop Nathan Morris powered over for a try, converted by Will Hilton, giving them an early 0-7 lead. However, Sevenoaks responded with a flurry of four tries in 20 minutes, capitalizing on defensive lapses and a yellow card for Will Hunt, to establish a commanding 28-7 lead. Al Evans’ late first-half try brought some relief, making it 28-12 at halftime.
After the break, Sevenoaks added a fifth try, but the Pilgrims fought back, leveraging dominant scrums to score again and close the gap to 33-19. With momentum building and Oaks reduced to 14 players, the next score was pivotal. Unfortunately, a well-executed 50/22 and lineout drive saw Sevenoaks extend their lead to 40-19.
The Pilgrims secured a vital fourth try for a bonus point through Max Campbell, but a final Sevenoaks score sealed the 47-24 result. Despite the loss, the Pilgrims remain top of the Counties 1 table and will look to bounce back in a crucial match against local rivals Ashford this Saturday.
Canons 55 – 0 Sheppey: The Canons started the second half of their season in emphatic style, overpowering Sheppey at the MTG. With a well-executed game plan, they showcased both attacking flair and defensive discipline.
Debutant fly-half Josh Lamb opened the scoring with a solo break under the posts within five minutes. From the restart, Fady Sheta exploited space out wide to sprint 60m for a second try. The forwards laid a strong platform, enabling the backs to shine, with Jake Upward scoring twice before halftime to make it 24-0.
The highlight of the day came from Ben Jones, whose dazzling run and offload set up Jon Murphy for a memorable try under the posts. As Sheppey began to tire, Upward completed his hat trick, while further tries from Murphy, Harry Chubb, and Lamb sealed the comprehensive win.
The Canons now look to close the year on a high as they face Rye on December 21, aiming to strengthen their hold at the top of Counties 4.
Sheppey v Deacons: Cancelled
New Ash Green v Zingari: Cancelled
Canterbury Women v Tonbridge Juddians Ladies: Cancelled
Hellfire 2 games to 1 Brighton Bucanneers: Hellfire emerged victorious in a fiercely contested 2024 Gill Laurie Cup tournament, showcasing resilience and determination against a strong Brighton side.
The opening game saw Hellfire narrowly edged out 13-16 despite a spirited fightback. Undeterred, they battled to a nail-biting 17-16 win in the second game, keeping the competition wide open.
In the deciding match, Hellfire’s composure and organization shone through. Under intense pressure from Brighton, they held firm to secure a 16-11 victory and claim the coveted cup.
A fantastic achievement for Hellfire, capping off an exhilarating tournament and 2024!
Thank you to Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre for allowing us to hold the tournament at their fantastic facility.
Tunbridge Wells 13 – 20 Colts 1st XV: Despite missing several key players to Kent U18s duty, injuries, and even skiing holidays, the Colts 1st XV rose to the challenge and clinched a hard-fought 13-20 victory against Tunbridge Wells in League 1.
The first half saw Canterbury struggle to capitalise on favourable conditions, with missed opportunities and last-minute errors keeping the score tight. Ruben Kalonji’s late try ensured Canterbury led 3-5 at the break, despite Tunbridge Wells opening the scoring with a penalty.
The second half, however, tested Canterbury’s resilience as the hosts capitalised on the wind and slope to take a 13-5 lead. A penalty from Oli Crowther narrowed the gap before Gam Esan’s electrifying touchline run brought Canterbury back into contention. Though the conversion slipped wide, Ed Thompson’s powerful try and Crowther’s successful kick sealed the win.
Strong defensive performances from Harrison Cook, Oscar Sands, and Piers Weigh’s key turnovers were instrumental in this gutsy away victory.
Boys U13 Spitfires 35 – 5 Blackheath: The Canterbury U13 Spitfires capped off their Division 1 Kent league campaign with a commanding victory over Blackheath at the MTG.
Despite conceding an early try straight from the kick off, Canterbury quickly responded with a score of their own just two minutes later, seizing control of the game.
While the set-piece battle was evenly matched, Canterbury’s speed, precision in moving the ball wide, and superior fitness at the breakdown proved decisive. Their dynamic play led to a series of fantastic tries, showcasing their attacking flair.
This comprehensive performance marked the Spitfires’ most dominant display of the season, providing a strong finish to their league campaign.
Boys U13 Hurricanes 20 – 20 Tonbridge Juddians: The Under 13s Hurricanes delivered an exhilarating performance in their latest match, battling to a 4-4 draw against Tonbridge in a contest filled with skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
The game began at a blistering pace, with both teams testing each other’s defences. Canterbury struck first with a well-executed try, but Tonbridge quickly levelled the score at 1-1. The second half saw both sides trading blows, with Canterbury taking a 2-1 lead only for Tonbridge to equalize at 2-2.
As the intensity grew, TJs edged ahead 2-3 before Canterbury responded to level the game at 3-3. In the closing moments, Tonbridge regained the lead, but Canterbury’s relentless determination saw them cross the line once more, ensuring the game ended in a well-deserved draw.
This hard-fought match highlighted the resilience and talent of both teams. Though neither side claimed victory, their efforts provided a thrilling spectacle and set the tone for more exciting matchups in the future.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!
This weekend’s fixtures
Saturday 21/12
Canterbury 1st XV v Sevenoaks – KO 3.00pm:
We’re calling all supporters to come down and cheer on the 1st XV in their final game of 2024! Let’s make it a festive send-off—dress in your favourite Christmas attire and bring the holiday spirit.
We’re also collecting chocolates for the NHS, so please bring along what you can to spread some sweetness this season.
After what promises to be an exciting match, the celebrations continue! Dune Acoustic will perform three fantastic 50-minute sets starting at 4:50 PM, and the bar will be open until late.
Let’s finish the year in style. Bring your cheers, your festive flair, and let’s make it a day to remember!
Ashford v Pilgrims – KO 3.00pm
Rye 3rds v Canons – KO 2.00pm
Sunday 22/12
Canterbury Colts will be playing a tri-match v Thanet and another club yet to be confirmed, from 11.00am.
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel warmly welcome Sevenoaks RUFC and all other visiting clubs, players, and supporters.
We wish you all A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
After the Canterbury U23 Prodigals v Tonbridge Juddians on December 28th, rugby resumes 04/01/2025 at the MTG with Canons v Dartfordians II and Deacons v Gravesend 3.