Around the Ground at the MTG

Last weekend we had an unprecedented Black & Amber 16 teams run out, with fantastic wins for all our senior teams. Our Mini and Youth Teams were out in number: two under 12’s teams, three U16s, and three Colts amongst others. The future of rugby at the club has never looked better when you look at the talent of the young players coming through the age groups.

This coming weekend we have even more games, with potentially 19 CRFC teams representing the club!

Weekend roundup

Saturday 18^th January

1st XV 24 – 15 Guernsey Raiders: Canterbury silenced any doubts about their post-holiday form with a hard-fought win in a tough National 2 East battle against Guernsey Raiders. Twice coming from behind, the city side delivered a resilient performance marked by solid defense and key second-half tries, securing a 24-15 victory.

The match opened with Frank Reynolds putting Canterbury ahead with a penalty, but Guernsey’s powerful maul produced a try for James Burger. A Charlie Simmonds penalty extended the Raiders’ lead, but just before halftime, Reynolds set up Garry Jones with a clever grubber kick for a converted try, giving Canterbury a narrow 10-8 edge at the break.

Guernsey struck back early in the second half with a well-executed try by Sam Boyland, converted by Simmonds, and Tyler Oliver’s yellow card added pressure on Canterbury. However, a composed Canterbury side turned the tide with a Kurt Heatherley cross kick initiating a sequence that sent Harvey Furneaux over the line. Reynolds converted to reclaim the lead.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Jones, now at center, found a gap to score his second try, again converted by Reynolds. Despite a late surge from Guernsey, Canterbury’s tenacious defense held firm, securing the win and showcasing the team’s remarkable progress since their earlier season defeat to the Raiders.

Thank you to our sponsors Burgess Hodgson, CIO Investment Club, Maypole Marquees, On Architecture, and MMS 360 for your ongoing and invaluable support.

Deal & Betteshanger 15 – 54 Pilgrims: Canterbury Pilgrims claimed a commanding 50-15 win over local rivals Deal & Betteshanger in the “Battle of the Bests,” with Tom Best outshining his brother Ollie.

Pilgrims started strongly, with Al Evans, Max Campbell, and Gus Lister among the first-half try scorers, giving them a 40-3 halftime lead. Owain Collins orchestrated attacks with precision, adding conversions and exploiting gaps in the defense.

Deal responded in the second half with two tries, but further scores from Campbell and Henry Kenny sealed the Pilgrims’ dominant performance. They now prepare for a crucial match against Bromley on February 1st.

Canons 102 – 5 Footscray: The Canons delivered a masterclass in rugby with a commanding win over Footscray. From the outset, their dominance was clear, with clinical execution and unrelenting teamwork setting the tone.

The forwards laid a strong foundation, driving Footscray back and enabling the backline to exploit gaps with sharp offloads and precise passing. By halftime, the Canons had stormed to a 50-point lead, combining offensive brilliance with a resolute defense that left Footscray with limited opportunities.

The second half saw the Canons maintain their intensity, with bench players seamlessly adding to the attack. The backs dazzled, delivering multiple tries with pace and agility. Despite their struggles, Footscray showed commendable spirit, earning a score that was warmly applauded by the crowd.

This emphatic win solidifies the Canons’ top-of-the-table position, highlighting their dominance and teamwork.

Maidstone 2nds 12 – 35 Deacons: The Deacons claimed a hard-fought win against Maidstone in a spirited match that showcased their discipline and flair. Despite an early Maidstone error leading to Craig Fuller’s opening try, the home side responded quickly, keeping the score close. Finn MacCabe broke the deadlock with a try and conversion before halftime, leaving Maidstone a man down due to mounting penalties.

The second half saw Maidstone intercept for a try, leveling the scores at 12-12. However, the Deacons regained control with a rolling maul finished by Jadyn Moore and a string of well-executed running plays that led to two tries from Johnnie Gaylor and another from debutant Ano Masaka.

Player of the Match went to Johnnie Gaylor, with the entire team earning praise for their effort. The Deacons continue to grow their entertaining style of rugby—new players are always welcome to join the journey!

Sunday 19^th January

Canterbury Women 36 – 0 Dartford Valley Ladies: An unbelievable effort from every single player! From the very first whistle, the team stepped up the physicality, hungry for the win and determined to dominate. Today, they played as one—and the scoreline says it all. To defeat the league leaders with a zero score is not just a victory, but a statement of intent from a team growing stronger and more confident with every game.

But this triumph wasn’t just about the players. Everyone played a part – the amazing supporters who cheered them on, the sideline family and friends bringing energy and love, the incredible Canterbury Girls match day squad, and of course, legendary photographer, Ken Matcham, capturing the magic.

Boys U12’s  Black 45 – 45 Sevenoaks
Boys U12’s Amber 45 – 15 Dartford
Boys Ash 25 – 45 Canterbury U13’s
Boys U14’s 7 – 35 Old Elthamians Kent
Boys U15’s 54 – 26 Beckenham
Boys U16’s Dev 38 – 21 Medway
Boys U16’s 36 – 29 Thanet
Girls U16’s 12 – 59 Ashford
Colts 2nd XV 50 – 0 Gravesend
Deal 50 – 5 Colts Dragons
Westcliff 24 – 36 Colts Tigers: Despite traveling with just 15 players, Canterbury Tigers pulled off a fantastic victory against Westcliffe. Facing early pressure, the team rallied brilliantly, showcasing intelligent play and dazzling offloads. Their spirited performance and open rugby style earned them a well-deserved win on the road.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!

Next fixtures

Saturday 25^th January

1st XV v Havant – KO 3.00pm
Old Colfeians 2nds v Canons Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons – Ashford Barbarians Home – KO 2.00pm
Zingari v Gravesend 4ths Home – KO 2.00pm

Sunday 26^th January

Minis

Mixed U6’s and U7’s Grids – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U9 and U10’s v Sevenoaks Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am – 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Sevenoaks Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.30am

Youth

Boys U12’s v Cranbrook Kent College – KO 10:40am
Boys U13 Spitfires v Sevenoaks Bottom Orchard – KO 11.30
Boys U13 Hurricanes v Dartford Valley Bottom Orchard – KO 10.30
Boys U14’s v Gravesend Top Orchard – From 10:30am
Boys U14’s v Gillingham – Away
Boys U15’s v Dover Top Pitch – KO 10:30am
Boys U16’s v Westcombe Park – Away
Girls U16’s v Tunbridge Wells Simon Langton 4G – KO 11:30
Colts 1st XV v Dartford Valley Colts Away – KO 10.30am
Colts Dragons v Tonbridge Juddians Simon Langton 4G – KO 11.30am
Colts Tigers v Westcombe Park – KO 11.00am

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Have you checked if your children are eligible for a Child Trust?

If you have a child born between September 1^st 2002 and January 2^nd 2011, are you aware that a tax free savings account (Child Trust Fund – CTF) was set up for your child with funds deposited into it, depending on the child’s date of birth, and their family’s income. The idea was the long-term tax-free savings pot would go up in value by their 18th birthdays. BBC News recently reported “New figures suggest £1.4bn belonging to 728,000 people is ready to be claimed now they have turned 18 – but many do not know the accounts exist.”

There are numerous resources to find out more information. There is a GOV.UK webpage – https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds that breaks down all aspects of the CTF including how to find a Child Trust Fun. The Share Foundation – https://www.sharefound.org/ also offers resources to track down Trusts within the CTF Register.

If you are not aware of the CTF and have children born within the designated date range, it may be worth you taking a look. One recipient discovered she had £955 in a fund she wasn’t aware of – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr82gejlxno

6 Nations is back at the Clubhouse

The competition kicks off again, and the clubhouse welcomes you all to come and watch every match, streamed to all screens. The bar will be open and look out on social media for any available food.

The fixtures are as following:

ROUND 1 – Friday 31st January

France v Wales: Stade de France – KO 8.15pm

Saturday 1^st February

Scotland v Italy: Murrayfield – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v England: Aviva Stadium – KO 4.45pm

ROUND 2 – Saturday 8^th February

Italy v Wales: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
England v France: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9^th February

Scotland v Ireland: Murrayfield – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 3 – Saturday 22^nd February

Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 23^rd February

Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 4 – Saturday 8^th March

Ireland v France: Aviva Stadium – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v Wales: Murrayfield – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9^th March

England v Italy: Twickenham – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 5 – Saturday 15^th March

Italy v Ireland: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
Wales – England: Principality – KO 4.45pm
France v Scotland: Stade de France – KO 8.00pm

Come cheer on your teams with other 6 Nations supporters!

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

We are now offering a pre-match Saucy Flo’s curry meal for the following Pilgrims home games. A fantastic way to fill up, and warm up before cheering the team on.

1^st February v Bromley
1^st March v Dover
5^th April v Crowborough

The cost is £15 per head. Book your place now by emailing saucyflos@gmail.com

We wish you all the best of rugby!