News
Around the ground at the MTG
The 1st XV secured their sixth consecutive win with a hard-fought 29-25 victory over Worthing, while Pilgrims staged a brilliant second-half comeback to beat Bromley 43-37 and stay top of Counties 1. The Canons won 29-12 against Kings College Hospital, but the Deacons fell to Thanet 3rds, 10-39.
A depleted Zingari side showed great fight against league leaders Gillingham but lost 36-21 after a late surge from the hosts.
In the youth section, the Boys U12 Black claimed a strong 40-10 win, while the U13 Spitfires drew 25-25. The Colts narrowly lost 33-38 in a tight contest.
A week of mixed results but plenty of positives for Canterbury Rugby Club!
Weekend roundup
Worthing 25 – 29 1st XV: Canterbury made it six wins in a row but were pushed hard by National 2 East’s bottom club, Worthing. The home side struck first through Harrison Dakin’s try from a driving maul, but Canterbury responded with two quick scores. Kurt Heatherley capitalized on a spilt cross-field kick, and Tom Williams weaved through the defense for a well-taken try, both converted by Frank Reynolds. Worthing hit back before halftime, leaving Canterbury with a narrow 14-10 lead at the break.
Despite losing Tom Best to a sin bin, Canterbury extended their lead with a try from Garry Jones and a Reynolds penalty. Worthing fought back with a stunning 80-metre interception try from Jack Forrest and another score from Tom Derrick, bringing them within touching distance of a shock win. However, Canterbury sealed the victory with a penalty try after Worthing’s Frank Taggart illegally stopped a maul. A late Worthing penalty secured them a second bonus point, but Canterbury held on for a hard-fought win.
Pilgrims 43 – 37 Bromley: Pilgrims faced a crucial test against Bromley, a side that had edged them out earlier in the season. Opting to play uphill in the first half, they found themselves trailing after an early Bromley penalty and a well-worked try. Pilgrims responded swiftly, with full-back Guy Hilton finishing off a well-linked attack, converted by Owain Collins. Bromley remained dangerous, adding another try before Pilgrims closed the gap through Jesse de Vries, who powered over from a scrum. However, Bromley struck twice before halftime, including a quick-thinking try from a fast lineout, giving them a 29-14 advantage at the break.
The second half saw Pilgrims’ resilience shine through. They added a penalty and a second Hilton try before a yellow card for Collins put them under pressure. Despite being a man down, Harry Chubb’s converted try gave them the lead. Further scores from Harvey Furneaux and Sonny Trew-Neville extended their advantage. Bromley fought back with a late try and penalty, but Pilgrims’ defense held firm to secure a 43-39 bonus point win. The victory keeps them top of Counties 1 with five games remaining.
Kings College Hospital 12 – 29 Canons
Deacons 10 – 39 Thanet 3rds
Gillingham 36 – 21 Zingari: A depleted Zingari side faced a formidable challenge against top-of-the-table Gillingham Anchorians, who sportingly matched numbers to ensure the game went ahead. The early exchanges saw Canterbury adjusting to unfamiliar positions, allowing Gillingham to capitalize with two converted tries in the opening 20 minutes. A fumbled ball near the Zingari line gifted the visitors a third score just before halftime, giving them a commanding 19-0 lead at the break.
Undeterred, Zingari came out with renewed energy in the second half, breaking through the Anchorians’ defense to score a converted try under the posts. Their increased intensity and dominant forward play soon led to another converted score, putting Gillingham under pressure. Although the visitors hit back with a try out wide, Zingari’s relentless efforts saw them cross for a third converted try, closing the gap to just three points.
As fatigue set in, Gillingham’s fresh legs proved the difference, with two late tries and a conversion securing their victory. Despite the result, Zingari displayed immense character and resilience, pushing the league leaders to the limit in a fiercely contested encounter.
Boys U12 Black 40 – 10 Old Elthamians U12
Boys U12 Amber 15 – 25 Old Elthamians U12 Gold
Boys U13 Spitfires 25 -25 Old Elthamians U13
Boys U14 0 – 39 Old Alleynians
Colts 33 – 38 Aylesford Colts
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 8th February
1st XV v Westcombe Park Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons v Vigo 2nds Home – KO 2.00pm (rearranged fixture from 11/01)
Sunday 9th February
Canterbury Women v Heathfield & Waldron Ladies Away – KO 2.00pm
YOUTH FIXTURES
Boys U13’s Spitfires v Tonbridge Juddians U13’s – Away
Boys U13’s Hurricanes v Bromley U13’s – Away
Boys U14’s v Dover -Home (Kent College)
boys U16’s v Sevenoaks – Away
Boys U16’s Dev v Park House – Away
TRAINING
Mini’s away at Thanet
Mixed U6’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am – 10.00am
Boys U12’s Training Bottom Orchard – 10.00am – 11.30am
Boys U15’s Top Orchard – 10.00am – 11.30am
Colts Simon Langton 4G – 10.00am onwards
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.
1st XV Pre-match lunch table available
Mark your calendars—February 15th is shaping up to be a massive day as we welcome league leaders Tonbridge Juddians to the MTG. This will be a battle for the ages, and not one for the faint-hearted!
And what better way to prepare than with a pre-match lunch? A table has just become available—the perfect way to fuel up before the action kicks off.
Be quick! Spaces are limited. To secure your spot, contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk today.
See you there for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown!
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 1.00pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com
Remaining Pilgrims home games:
March 1st v Dover
April 5th v Crowborough
Saturdays are 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 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!