News
Around the Ground at the MTG
15 teams sporting Black & Amber last weekend, and another fantastic display of rugby spirit all round. A fifth consecutive win for the 1st XV, the Canons maintaining the top spot despite a tough hard-fought draw, the Deacons relentlessly battling in the face of a strong top of the table Ashford Barbarians team, and Zingari’s win against a tough Gravesend side. Our youth teams represented well, with our Girls U16 continuing to make good progress, Boys U15 remaining undefeated this season, and again, we fielded three Colts teams.
Next weekend is going to be a cracker!
Weekend roundup
Havant 5 – 61 1st XV: Canterbury extended their winning run to five games with a commanding nine-try performance against Havant, closing the gap on third-placed Dorking to just two points. Despite injuries forcing a reshuffled squad, the team displayed efficiency and flair, storming to a 30-0 halftime lead. Frank Reynolds’ early penalty was followed by tries from Kurt Heatherley, Garry Jones, Eoin O’Donoghue, and Sam Rogers.
Havant briefly rallied in the second half but struggled against Canterbury’s relentless attack. Further tries from Tyler Oliver, Tom Best, Tom Williams, Harvey Furneaux, and a late score from O’Donoghue sealed an emphatic victory, highlighting Canterbury’s depth and dominance.
Old Colfeians 2nds 19 – 19 Canons: The Canons were given a reality check as they battled to a 19-19 draw against Old Colfeians, reminding them that top spot in Counties 4 is no guarantee. Colfes started strong, scoring twice to take a 12-0 lead before Canterbury responded with a driving maul try before halftime.
A missed tackle allowed Colfes to extend their lead early in the second half, but the Canons fought back with tries from Will Rayner and captain Harry Nicholson, with conversions from Josh Lamb and Henry Carruthers leveling the score. Despite late momentum, Canterbury couldn’t find a winner, settling for a frustrating draw. They now turn their focus to next week’s clash against Kings College Hospital.
Deacons 5 – 41 Ashford Barbarians: Facing the top-of-the-table Barbarians, the Deacons put up a fierce fight despite a 5-41 defeat. A strong defensive effort and aggressive counter-attacks kept the visitors at bay early on, but Barbarians broke through with two first-half tries to lead 12-5 at the break.
The second half saw Barbarians’ class shine through, with quick tries and fortunate bounces extending their lead. Despite two disallowed tries, the Deacons kept pushing, challenging their opponents in open play and at the scrum.
Player of the Match: Oli Turton
Standout Player: Jadyn Moore
Honourable Mentions: The entire team—progress continues!
Zingari 34 – 24 Gravesend 4ths: Canterbury Zingari avenged their earlier defeat to Gravesend with a determined 19-17 victory. Despite conceding an early try, their relentless tackling nullified Gravesend’s powerful pack, allowing their backs to capitalize with two tries for a 12-5 halftime lead.
A quick second-half score extended Canterbury’s advantage, but an injury left them with 14 men for the final 20 minutes. Gravesend fought back with two late tries, but the Zingari’s earlier dominance ensured a well-earned win in a fiercely contested match.
Boys U12’s v Cranbrook: A fantastic display of rugby from our 43-strong U12 squad! With two Canterbury teams taking on two Cranbrook sides in back-to-back matches, every player had the chance to shine, with a minimum of half a game each.
An incredible effort from all involved, showcasing skill, teamwork, and the depth of talent in our young players.
Boys U13 Spitfires 25 – 10 Sevenoaks
Boys U13 Hurricanes 30 – 10 Dartford Valley
Boys U14’s 60 – 0 Gravesend
Boys U14’s 0 – 36 Gillingham Anchorians
Boys U15’s 42 – 5 Dover
Boys U16’s 38 – 19 Westcombe Park
Girls U16’s 27 – 55 Tunbridge Wells: The team put in a strong second-half performance at home against Tunbridge Wells, showing resilience and determination. Despite a challenging start, they regrouped and won the second half with solid defense and powerful attacking runs. Contributions from the U16s made a big impact, helping the team gain momentum. A great team effort, highlighting their progress and fighting spirit.
Colts 1st XV 33 – 26 Dartford Valley Colts
Colts Dragons 27 – 10 Tonbridge Juddians
Colts Tigers 10 – 14 Westcombe Park
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 1st February
Worthing v 1st XV Away – KO 3.00pm (Rearranged from 11th Jan)
Pilgrims v Bromley Home – KO 2.00pm
Kings College Hospital v Canons Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons v Thanet 3rds Home – KO 2.00pm
Gillingham v Zingari Away – KO 2.00pm
Sunday 2nd February
MINIS FIXTURES
Mixed U7’s and U8’s v Cranbrook Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s and U10’s v Cranbrook Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10:30am
Mixed U11’s v Cranbrook Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to10.30am
YOUTH FIXTURES
Boys U12 Black v Old Elthamians U12 Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.30am
Baoys U12 Amber v Old Elthamians U12 Gold Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.30am
Boys U13 Spitfires – v Old Elthamians U13 Bottom Orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U14 v Old Alleynians U14 Vikings Away
Boys U15 Black v Sevenoaks U15 Away
Boys U15’s v Chelmsford Away
Colts v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – KO 12:00pm
MINI & YOUTH TRAINING
Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Boys U14’s Training Pitch – 10:30am
Boys U16’s Top Pitch – 10:30am
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.
Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry
Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game served at 1.15pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com
Pilgrims, currently sitting at the top of Counties 1 Kent – take on Bromley at the MTG at 2.00pm. This promises to be a thrilling clash!
After the game, come and watch Six Nations, clubhouse style – All games will be shown on our big screens. Gather near the log burner, enjoy a drink from the bar, and soak up the atmosphere as you cheer for your teams in comfort.
This Saturday is all about rugby, community, and connection.
Don’t miss out, and join us!
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 1st February
Scotland v Italy: Murrayfield – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v England: Aviva Stadium – KO 4.45pm
ROUND 2 – Saturday 8th February
Italy v Wales: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
England v France: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm
Sunday 9th February
Scotland v Ireland: Murrayfield – KO 3.00pm
ROUND 3 – Saturday 22nd February
Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm
Sunday 23rd February
Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm
ROUND 4 – Saturday 8th March
Ireland v France: Aviva Stadium – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v Wales: Murrayfield – KO 4.45pm
Sunday 9th March
England v Italy: Twickenham – KO 3.00pm
ROUND 5 – Saturday 15th 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!
We wish you all the best of rugby!