News
Around the Ground at the MTG
Well, that’s a wrap for 2024. The last game has been played, and we look forward to New Year’s Eve festivities before rugby kicks in again on the 4th of January 2025!
Message from the Club Chair
As Chair of Canterbury RFC, I hope you have all had a fantastic Christmas, and it is an absolute pleasure to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Your support to us is invaluable and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It absolutely goes without saying that at any stage you wish to reach out to us then we will always be #yourclub #oneclub
~ Giles Hilton MBE – Club Chair
Message from the Club President
I hope all involved with CRFC had a very happy Christmas. From the players, coaches, and helpers right through all areas of the club, to all who work hard behind the scenes to make the club function, and to all who stand on the touchline in all weathers supporting the team of your choice. I would also like to point out all our sponsors and donors who help financially to keep the club running. This would include anyone buying a raffle ticket or a beer at the bar, generous sponsors supplying playing kit, sign sponsors, and Marine Travel for sponsoring the ground we all use. We have a great 1st half of the season, but we cannot rest on our laurels.
I would like to wish you all a happy new year and wish you all the best in achieving all your rugby aims. If for some reason these are not met just remember to ENJOY your rugby experience in 2025.
~ Pat Goode – Club President
Last games roundup
21st December
1st XV 35 – 22 Sevenoaks: Canterbury secured a 33-20 win over Sevenoaks, cementing fourth place in National 2 East. Despite a narrow halftime deficit, they dominated the second half, scoring three of their five tries and controlling scrums and lineouts.
Eoin O’Donoghue and Tyler Oliver crossed in the first half, while Alfie Orris, Frank Morgan, and O’Donoghue added second-half tries. Frank Reynolds’ accurate kicking sealed the win. Sevenoaks managed a late consolation, but Canterbury’s clinical display ensured they ended 2023 on a high.
Ashford 3 – 76 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims delivered a commanding performance in their final game of 2024, defeating Ashford 76-3 to stay top of Counties Kent 1.
An early Owain Collins penalty set the tone, followed by tries from Harry Chubb, Gus Lister, Guy Hilton, and Max Campbell. Henry Kenny finished a flowing team move, and a powerful driving maul extended the lead to 46-0 at halftime.
The second half saw more attacking flair, with Yannick De Moubray scoring twice and converting one. Aggressive defense and set-piece dominance kept Ashford at bay, limiting them to a solitary penalty.
This comprehensive victory capped a successful year for the Pilgrims, showcasing their strength across the field.
Rye 7 – 12 Canons: The Canons wrapped up 2024 with a gritty 12-5 win against Rye on a windy Sussex coast. Herbie Bowler opened the scoring early, and Ben Jones added a second try just before halftime, giving Canterbury a 12-0 lead.
Playing into strong winds in the second half, the Canons delivered a resolute defensive performance, conceding just one try while withstanding sustained pressure. A final defensive stand on their 5m line sealed the win.
With 20 wins from 21 games in 2024, the Canons look to carry their momentum into the new year, starting against 3rd-placed Dartfordians on January 4th.
28th December
Canterbury & East Kent U23’s 12 – 27 Tonbridge Juddians & West Kent U23’s: On December 28th, the MTG hosted a thrilling U23s match as 34 Canterbury players, spanning five years of Colts teams, took the field alongside five current Colts stepping up to U23 rugby. Over 200 spectators enjoyed an entertaining encounter during the Christmas League break.
Canterbury started strongly uphill, showing physicality and dominant ball carrying, but TJs capitalized on opportunities to lead 12-0 after 20 minutes. A well-earned try by Kyle Oliff, converted by Owain Collins, brought Canterbury back to 12-7 before TJs struck again, closing the first half at 7-17.
With clear directives, a new Canterbury XV emerged for the second half but struggled against TJs’ sharp execution. Two quick tries and another in the 60th minute extended TJs’ lead to 27-7. Canterbury showcased their attacking flair late in the game, scoring a brilliant try in the corner to finish 12-27.
Congratulations to Adrian Geddes for being presented with a much-deserved Player of the Match award.
Despite the loss, Canterbury’s U23s displayed resilience and promise. Thanks to all involved for making the fixture possible. The next U23 match is against Sevenoaks on Sunday, April 13th, at the MTG.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 4th January
Pilgrims v Charlton Park – Home kick off 3.00pm
Saucy Flo’s will be offering a curry lunch for £12.50 per head from 1.15pm – Book through chair@cantrugby.co.uk. The clubhouse bar will be open from 12.00pm.
Canons v Dartfordians – Home kick off 2.00pm
Gravesend v Deacons – Away 2.00pm
Sunday 5th January
Medway Ladies v Canterbury Women – Away Kick off TBC.
Mini & Youth
Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s to Mixed U11’s at Whitstable RFC – 10.30am
Youth, TBC. Please check the Mini & Youth web pages for updates
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.