News
Around the Ground at the MTG
Here’s a stat for you to savour: The RFU structure in England comprises a total of approximately 2099 clubs. There are only 5 clubs in the RFU structure to have two teams in the top 284. Canterbury Rugby Football Club is one of the 5.
Scores roundup
Oxford Harlequins 29 – 66 1st XV: Canterbury delivered a dominant display on the road, running in ten tries in a 66–29 victory over Oxford Harlequins. The win featured hat-tricks for Tyler Oliver and Harry Sloan, with the city side thriving once again on a 4G pitch – the second time this season they’ve notched over 60 points on artificial turf.
After conceding the first try, Canterbury quickly found their rhythm, building pressure through powerful carries and slick handling. They secured the bonus point before half time with scores from Oliver (3), Garry Jones, Frank Morgan, and Eoin O’Donohue, taking a 38–24 lead into the break.
The second half was all Canterbury, with Sloan running superb lines to complete his hat-trick, and replacements making an immediate impact. Tom Best’s clever kick set up Charlie McGovern for the final try of the afternoon.
Despite a few bright moments from Harlequins, including a late score while Oliver was in the sin bin, this was a match where Canterbury’s class and control shone through – a statement performance in the Oxford sunshine.
Pilgrims 38 – 22 Crowborough: The Pilgrims rounded off their title-winning season in dramatic fashion, overturning a 15-point half-time deficit to beat a spirited Crowborough side 38–22 at the Marine Travel Ground.
With the Counties 1 title already secured, the visitors looked set to spoil the celebrations, racing into a 10–0 lead and extending it to 22–7 by the break. Canterbury’s only first-half score came from Owain Collins, who added the extras after bursting through the defence.
But after some strong words from departing coach – and player on the day – Jon ‘Foz’ Foster, the Pilgrims came out firing in the second half, producing a 31-point unanswered blitz to keep their two-season unbeaten home record intact.
Aidan Demery crossed twice, including one set up by a dazzling break from Guy Hilton in his final appearance before heading overseas. Tries from Al Evans and Sonny Trew-Neville followed, before Isaac Divine powered over in the final moments to cap the comeback. Fittingly, Foster slotted the final conversion to seal the win on his farewell outing.
A remarkable finish to a remarkable season for the Pilgrims – champions once again and ready to step up to Level 6 rugby next season.
Medway 12 – 34 Canons: The Canons wrapped up their championship-winning season in emphatic fashion, securing a 34–12 away victory over Medway 3s to claim the Counties 4 Kent title.
Despite a scrappy start and early Medway try, the Canons regrouped with scores from Harry Nicholson and Jake Forrest to take a narrow 10–5 lead into the break. The second half saw a sharper, more composed performance, with Will Rayner bagging a brilliant hat-trick and Vaughan Meredith adding another. Liam Browne added the extras where the wind allowed.
Special thanks go to Ryan Flockhart and Jake Upward, who both plan to retire at the end of the season after years of outstanding service to the squad.
The win seals a second consecutive promotion for the Canons, who will move up to Counties 3 Kent for the 2025/26 season – their biggest challenge yet!
Deacons 31 – 30 Deal 2nds: After a tough away defeat earlier in the season, the Deacons welcomed Deal to the Marine Travel Ground determined to settle the score. With several Colts away on tour and university players unavailable, the squad was built around Deacons stalwarts, bolstered by a touch of Zingari experience.
From the first whistle, it was a tightly contested affair, with the home side putting in a huge defensive effort. George Stevenson was at the heart of it, causing chaos through the centre and once again proving himself to be a phenomenal asset to the team. The Deacons’ forwards were solid in the scrum and set piece, laying the foundation to build a narrow lead by half-time.
The second half brought challenges, with injuries and a yellow card reducing the home side’s numbers. Deal were quick to take advantage, clawing their way back into the game and setting up a tense final 10 minutes. But the Deacons held firm, showing tactical dominance and remarkable composure under pressure to grind out a well-earned one-point victory.
Newcomer Zeek impressed on debut, showing pace, power and plenty of promise for the future. At fly-half, Dan directed the backline with confidence, and the club will be eager to see more of him next season.
Man of the Match: George Stevenson.
Canterbury Women 30 – 26 Horsham Women
Haagsche RC 14 – 47 Colts 1st XV
Haagsche RC 26 – 33 Colts 2nd XV
Next fixtures
Final home game of the season – 12th April
This Saturday, 12th April, the 1st XV will host their final home game of the season against title-chasing Dorking. It promises to be a fantastic match, so don’t miss it!
post-match charity head shave
After the game, Kurt ‘The Hair Bear’ Heatherley will be having his hair cut in aid of Donations with a Difference. The honours will be done by Martyn from Chaps in the marquee – all for a great cause! Please show your support and donate via this link – https://www.justgiving.com/page/kurt-head-shave
live music, food & post-match party
The celebrations continue with live music from Dune at 5:30pm, followed by Dixie spinning the tunes for a lively end of season party that will run until 9:30pm. Joining us for the evening is Hide and Greek, serving up delicious street food from their wagon.
Please note: the clubhouse bar will close at 5:30pm, so make your way up to the marquee and keep the party going!
Saturday 12th April
1st XV v Dorking Home – KO 3.00pm
Boys U16’s v Uttoxeter Simon Langton 4G – KO 12.00pm
Sunday 13th April
Canterbury u23’s (prodigals) v Sevenoaks U23’s main pitch – KO 2.00pm
Minis
Mixed U6’s grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s top orchard – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s main pitch – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s bottom orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s top orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
Youth
Boys U12’s v Old Alleynians Top Orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U13’s tour – Portugal
Boys U14’s v Maidstone Bottom orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U15’s 7’s festival – Folkestone
Colts 7’s Festival – Ashford
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.
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.
We wish you all the best of rugby!