News
Around the Ground at the MTG
Scores roundup
Bury St Edmunds 38 – 40 1st XV: After a string of narrow losses, Canterbury finally turned the tide, surviving a second-half onslaught to complete a league double over Bury St Edmunds.
At half-time, with a commanding 31-7 lead, it looked like a comfortable win was on the cards. The first 40 minutes saw some of Canterbury’s best rugby this season, with pace, precision, and flair delivering four tries and a bonus point.
But after the break, the game flipped on its head. Bury came out firing, scoring five second-half tries as Canterbury struggled to gain possession. Under relentless pressure, it was the unwavering accuracy of Frank Reynolds’ boot—slotting three crucial penalties—that ultimately sealed the win.
Reynolds opened the scoring before Canterbury ran riot. Harry Sloan, Frank Morgan, Harvey Furneaux, and Jessie De Vries all crossed the whitewash, with Reynolds adding the extras. Bury’s only first-half response came via James Harrison, hinting at what was to come.
After the restart, Bury launched their fightback, scoring through Finn McCartney (twice), Alex Earnshaw, George Grigg-Pettit, and George Loose. But just as momentum swung, Reynolds held his nerve, slotting a monster kick from halfway and another five minutes from time to keep Bury at bay.
A thrilling contest, a gritty win, and a massive result for Canterbury!
Zingari 29 – 48 Bredase RC: It was end-to-end action from start to finish in a fiercely competitive and entertaining match.
The opposition had two standout first-team backs—a full-back and a winger—who were lightning-fast and dangerous with ball in hand.
We did well to contain them for most of the game, but in the final 20 minutes, they found their breakthrough. A sharp interception saw them race the length of the pitch, and moments later, their blistering winger carved an unstoppable outside arc to add another score.
A highly competitive encounter and a brilliant game to be part of!
Bury St Edmunds Colts 24 – 34 Canterbury Colts1st XV: The Canterbury Colts set off bright and early to travel to our friends at Bury St Edmunds for a 1st XV curtain-raiser match.
A hard pitch and sunny weather set the stage for an expansive game, with Canterbury edging the first half 12-17 thanks to tries from Andy T, Ed T, and Harry L.
The second half began with 10 minutes of BSE dominance, allowing them to take the lead with two quick scores: 24-17. A break in play gave co-captains Andy T and Paddy P the chance to regroup and strategise for the final quarter. Their leadership paid off as Ed T crossed for his second try, levelling the score at 24-24.
With just five minutes remaining, Andy T produced a captain’s surge, breaking 20 metres to put Canterbury back in front at 24-29.
Some outstanding goal-line defence in the closing moments forced BSE back to Canterbury’s 22-metre line, where Riley S intercepted a pass on the left wing and sprinted 50 metres before being stopped by the covering full-back. Quick thinking saw him produce a falling offload to Harry L, who capped off a Player of the Match performance by scoring his second try, sealing a 24-34 victory.
Tunbridge Wells Colts 2nd XV v Canterbury Colts 2nd XV: Canterbury Colts 2nd XV signed off their 2024/2025 Kent League campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a resounding 57-35 victory away at Tunbridge Wells. In a match filled with attacking flair and dominant forward play, the City side dictated the pace from the outset, ensuring their final league fixture was one to remember.
From the first whistle, Canterbury’s pack set the tone, controlling the tight exchanges with powerful scrummaging and relentless work at the breakdown. This dominance up front created the perfect platform for the Colts’ free-flowing backs to showcase their attacking prowess. With quick ball and slick handling, Canterbury’s backline sliced through the Tunbridge defence time and time again, running in nine well-worked tries.
Despite Tunbridge Wells showing resilience and managing to cross the whitewash five times, Canterbury’s attacking firepower proved too much to handle. The City side’s clinical finishing and ability to turn pressure into points ensured they always stayed in control of the scoreboard.
This high-scoring, entertaining encounter was a fitting end to Canterbury Colts 2nd XV’s league campaign, capping off a season of hard work, commitment, and impressive performances. The squad now looks ahead to the next challenge, full of confidence and momentum. Well done, Colts!
Boys U13 Spitfires 35 – 35 Old Dunstonians: Old Dunstonians came out firing, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes and putting Canterbury under early pressure. But that early setback only ignited the Spitfires. The game became a thrilling end-to-end contest, with Canterbury battling back to level the scores by half-time with some outstanding tries.
The second half was a rollercoaster, with the lead changing hands four times. With two minutes to go, Canterbury thought they had sealed it with a late score, only for OD’s to equalise in the final moments, ending a high-intensity clash 35-35.
The draw confirmed the Canterbury Spitfires as Kent U13 League champions, adding to their earlier success in the South England Regional Tournament. An incredible achievement for an outstanding squad, who have remained unbeaten all season through hard work and determination.
Next stop: Portugal! The Spitfires will now represent Canterbury on the international stage, competing in the U13 International Club Tournament in Lisbon next month. Vamos, Spitfires!
Boys U13 Hurricanes 55 – 5 Sevenoaks: In a commanding display of power and precision, Canterbury Hurricanes swept aside Sevenoaks Spartans to claim the Group 4 league title. From start to finish, the Hurricanes were in control, with a relentless attack and rock-solid defence leaving the Spartans struggling to keep up.
The match exploded into action, as Canterbury capitalised on early opportunities, using their wingers’ blistering pace and clinical finishing to race into the lead. The forward pack dominated the physical battles, providing clean ball for the backs and dictating the tempo. Their scrum work was flawless, allowing the Hurricanes to control possession and territory.
Canterbury’s superior rucking kept them on the front foot, securing quick ball and maintaining momentum. Combined with sharp passing and smart decision-making, their fluid attacking play kept Sevenoaks on the back foot, unable to find a foothold in the game.
In the end, the Hurricanes proved unstoppable, using speed, strength, and skill to storm to the league title in emphatic fashion. Champions of Group 4 – and fully deserved!
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a continued, exciting season of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 22nd March
1stXV v Henley – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Heathfield – Away KO 3.00pm
Canons v Faversham – Home KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Ashford B – Away KO 3.00pm
Sunday 23rd March
Mini & Youth
Girls U12’s & U14’s Kent 7’s Tournament – Marie Travel Ground – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Mixed U6’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Boys U12’s Amber v Deal and Betteshanger – Home KO 10.30am
Boys U12’s Black v Folkestone Langton 4G – Home KO 10.30
Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates
Tickets Available: Saracens v Harlequins – Saturday, 22nd March
A set of tickets for Saracens v Harlequins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 3:00 pm) are available after a change of plans. Bought for £47, will take £40each.
If interested, contact Helen Figgis on 07775 426551.
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.
Exciting Events from Our Partners, UNight Canterbury
Get ready for two fantastic events featuring an incredible effects show with dancers, performers, cold pyro, bubbles, festival-sized confetti blasts, multi-coloured lasers and lighting, parachute games, giant balloons, a licensed bar, and face painting!
Over 30s Day Party – Saturday, 29th March
The ultimate daytime clubbing experience is coming to Canterbury! The Over 30s Day Party returns to Tokyo Tea Rooms, bringing all the best tunes from the 90s and 00s – with the promise that everyone will be in bed before dark. Time to show the younger crowd how it’s really done!
Book now: https://fatso.ma/1vky
Raver Tots – The Ultimate Indoor Family Dance Party
Raver Tots is coming to Canterbury, offering an unforgettable dance experience for all ages, featuring the best in house, garage, and drum and bass.
Special guest: Sweet Female Attitude (I’ll Bring You Flowers – live performance)
Last chance for tickets – almost sold out!
Book now: https://www.ravertots.co.uk/event/raver-tots-canterbury-2/
Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025
Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.
What’s Included:
- Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
- Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
- Team & individual prizes up for grabs
- A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
- A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
- Special guest comedian Adger Brown
- An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
- BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round
Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000
All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.
A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!
To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk
Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!
Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.
Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.
Parking at the MTG
We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.
Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.
To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.