Author: David Haigh

Thoughts On The Season

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

Last Saturday was tough one to take and one of my most disappointing in rugby. Six points across the two games was all that separated us from very different emotions. When I look in the mirror, I know we came up short and that has made processing our weekend so important. I can’t question the pride that every player had in wearing the Canterbury shirt, it was clear for all to see, but our execution at key moments sealed out fate. In big games small margins become deciding factors.

I said last week that this was the end of the season where destinies are decided and seeing the Pilgrims relegated by such a small margin, after a long campaign where we finished outside the relegation places, was another reminder of how unforgiving sport can be. I shared a quote on Tuesday from my new favourite Chinese philosopher. Confucius is credited with saying “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising ever time we fall”. It has been a long journey to get our Pilgrims playing at level 6 and this knock back won’t deter us from preparing the squad to return next season.

One of the most rewarding parts of this year has been watching our young players grow and develop. Seeing them progress, gain confidence and push toward national league level and beyond is exactly what we want this club to stand for. Creating an environment where players can arrive, improve, and realise their potential will always be at the heart of what we do.
My thanks must go to Mal Graves and Will Hilton who have worked hard with the team and Saturday’s result does not take away from their efforts all season. Dan Gill has also helped the Pilgrims wheels continue to turn as the Pilgrims team manager as well and notching up another handful of performances.

A big thank you as well to Tom Short, who has led the Cannons through another strong season, keeping them in Counties 3 Kent after last year’s promotion. Thanks to his work, there continues to be a clear and effective pathway between the Pilgrims and Cannons, which is incredibly valuable and not easy to maintain.

Against Barnes, the 1st XV made exactly the start we had prepared for and went into half-time in control, with Aiden Moss crossing for two tries on his final appearance for the club.
In the second half, however, a series of handling errors at crucial moments limited our ability to build on that lead. Combined with coming off second best in the set-piece, it shifted momentum and placed us under increasing pressure. Too often, that pressure was self-inflicte and the penalties we conceded gave Barnes the opportunities they needed to stay in the game. We held the lead until the very last play, which makes the outcome an especially bitter pill to swallow.

As a group we feel fortunate to have the opportunity this weekend to finish the season on a different note and put in a complete performance against Oxford Harlequins who visit the Marine Travel ground tomorrow.

I write this column every week, but as the season comes to a close its essential for me to recognise the people that the team could not function without.
Alex Veale has put up with me for another year and has developed new and inventive ways to captivate the players imaginations and focus on our attack. Even Clive has been involved in some of the demo’s!

Nathan Morris was coaching on the pitch until Christmas and since has been supporting our scrum virtually, maximising the use of technology at our disposal. Thanks to him, our young front row have continued to develop and he is constantly fielding questions for myself.
I must also thank our Director of Rugby, Taff Gwilliam, for all his hard work and support throughout the season. There is a great deal of work that goes into enabling the club to thrive and operate cohesively and Taff is at the heart of that.

Chris Fullbrook aka Vinnie, has continued to be in charge of many different roles including 1st XV team manager, fourth official, registration secretary, head of discipline as well many things in between. I am continually grateful for his knowledge and the amount of time his gives to the team, without it we wouldn’t be able to function.Thanks to Ernie and Darren for taking their annual cruise to Guernsey with a car full of kit! This makes all the difference and greatly simplifies our travel as a team on the day.

Charline Bannigan has been working his magic in the treatment room, supported brilliantly by Ben Cassidy, Leon Benning and Malek, our fantastic student from the University of Kent.

Thanks also to David Haigh, our ever-reliable press officer and matchday announcer, and to Rebecca Williams for leading our communications so effectively.
As a squad we will complete our annual review next week and as a 1st XV and Pilgrims this is the first time in recent seasons that we haven’t made obvious progress from a league table perspective. Irrespective of this, I have still seen a great deal of growth in the group and across the board we are doing things to a higher standard and in greater detail compared to this time last year. My immediate reflection is that this shows how keeping pace in the competitive landscape that we battle in each season is essential. For us to take the next step forward more is needed from every area and we will use pre-season to make sure we leave no stone unturned. That isn’t for now though.

For now, I have three final thank yous. Firstly, to everyone who has supported us throughout the season. We’ve shared some special moments at home — Oundle and Dorking stand out in particular — and those occasions are made even more memorable by the energy and passion from those on the sidelines.
We know that anyone who pulls on a Canterbury shirt is representing more than just themselves — they’re representing a community — and that’s something the players feel every time they step onto the field.

Secondly I would like to thank the committee for allowing me to lead the team for another season. Our Club continues to grow against the external prevailing winds and I am so proud to be able to contribute my own part to such a special community. I am fortunate to see how hard our committee works to make this all possible.

My final thank you goes to the players. Watching this group of young men develop, not just as players but as people, is something I never take for granted. Seeing the friendships they build and how they balance life with rugby at the centre of it all is a big part of what makes this team special and it’s clear to see the impact it has week in, week out. I’m incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and energy they invest into the team. It’s that commitment that makes this group what it is — a side that’s stronger together and far greater than the sum of its parts.

I hope you all have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you at the start of another exciting season in September.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Pilgrims Lose Relegation Play-Off

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 20 DARTFORDIANS 22

This Regional 2 relegation play-off game proved just a step too far for Pilgrims. After the narrow defeat they will be playing their rugby in Counties One Kent next season. Canterbury fought back from conceding an early converted try and by half time had squeezed into the lead through a Will Hilton penalty goal and his conversion of Fraser Doig’s try a minute before the break. A powerful finish by flanker Mo Pangarker, who brushed off two tacklers, gave Pilgrims an ideal try-scoring start to the second half, although Hilton missed the conversion. The game then took another twist as injuries to front row men Sam Rogers and Carter Oliver meant uncontested scrums. Dartfordians, however, began to make inroads and as the match went into its final quarter they had retaken the lead. The backs produced the first of two tries and, as Pilgrims conceded penalties, a catch and drive brought another. A yellow card for Pangarker put Canterbury under more pressure and when they were stripped of possession Dartfordians turned it into their fourth touchdown. With all the conversions failing, Pilgrims were still in the contest and the chance to level the scores came when centre Garry Jones surged over for their third try. But Hilton’s conversion kick was wide and Canterbury fell through the trap door..

Defeat At The Death

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 29 BARNES 31

by David Haigh

A Barnes try from the final play of the game snatched victory from a Canterbury team which lost its way in the second half. The defeat also confirmed that they will end the National 2 East season in fifth spot, one behind the victorious visitors. This was a disappointment for a city side which dominated the first half, scored three outstanding tries, with a penalty try thrown in for good measure, and were fourteen points ahead at the break. Two of the scores came from wing Aiden Moss, playing his last game before calling time on an outstanding career with the club. He showed that his talents remain undimmed with a powerful finish after just two minutes and, on the half hour, silky footwork brought the second. Barnes made a quick reply to the early set back, with a try from fly half Will Nicholson, but Canterbury’s attacking mindset proved irresistible. Will Waddington’s break and swift support work prefaced the first try and, after 15 minutes, a great off-load from Moss and Charlie McGovern’s pace brought another. A yellow card for an under pressure Barnes saw Canterbury push further ahead as they forced the penalty try and, when classy handing by the backs released Moss again, things looked good. With two conversions from Frank Reynolds they led 26-5, but three minutes before half time Barnes showed they were up for the fight as pack power rewarded them with a penalty try of their own. They kept that momentum going in the second half as Canterbury’s fluency deserted them. An Elliot Haydon try and Nicholson’s conversion narrowed the gap to seven points as the city side dropped passes and struggled to hold on to possession. All they mustered was a Reynolds penalty goal, but missed out on a Tyler Oliver break when he failed to spot the support. In the last quarter Barnes tightened their grip and a catch and drive try from Adam Musa, converted by Nicholson, put the game on edge. There were yellow cards for Cameron Macmillan and Oliver as Canterbury defended strongly, but too many penalties were conceded and it cost them that last gasp catch and drive try from Rory Kassapian.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, A.Moss, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostik, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, J.Walker, R.Thomas, T.Oliver. Replacements: T.Williams, J.Dengate, C.Macmillan, F.Morgan, J.De Vries.

TWO MAJOR CHALLENGES

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

I call this the business end of the season and as this is when destiny’s are decided. I have been fortunate to be part of some big Saturdays in my time with the club but they don’t come much bigger than this one, with two massive fixtures back to back on the main pitch.
First up, the Pilgrims have their biggest game of the season, facing Dartfordians in a relegation playoff match that will decided which league we play in next season. Its 10th vs 11th at the Marine travel ground kicking off at 12 Noon and this is the type of fixture we have been preparing for. The journey the players have been on this season has propelled this group forward and that is why playing in Regional 2 next season is so valuable for us. Just because the stakes are higher than usual the road to success is always through a focusing on our own performance. The players know what they need to do and have prepared well this week.
The 1st XV will then follow with their own season defining fixture. A win against Barnes will put us in pole position to finish 4th with our game in hand to follow next week also at home against Oxford Harlequins. Barnes have beaten us in everyone of the previous seven games. This season We have overturned several records similar to this and having the opportunity to meet this last outstanding challenge is something myself and the squad are focused on.
The sun is going to be out, as it always is on sponsors day, and the stakes are high in both games, I wouldn’t miss this one if I were you.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Saturday’s Big Double Bill

Posted on | by David Haigh

A massive day at the Marine Travel Ground on Saturday (April 25th) with both the First and Pilgrims in action. It starts at 12 noon when the Pilgrims kick-off against Dartfordians in a relegation play-off match to decide which side stays in Regional 2 South East. That is followed by the first team’s clash with Barnes as Canterbury look to continue their home winning run. It is a special day, too, for our talented and long serving back Aiden Moss. It will be Aiden’s last appearance before he heads into playing retirement.

Canterbury Hang Tough For Victory

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 34 ESHER 33

by David Haigh

Ultimately, it was Canterbury’s ability to hang in at the end that settled a game which produced eleven tries, two hat tricks and enough twists and turns to keep a crowd, basking in Spring sunshine, in a state of nervous tension. Esher, full of purpose in their battle to avoid a relegation play-off match, held a narrow lead going into the final ten minutes. But the city side, who put a careless first half behind them, kept their cool, won a penalty and from it organised a massive driving maul for Eoin O’Donogue’s winning try. The victory lifts them to fifth place in National 2 East and, with a game in hand on the clubs above them, they will be eyeing a top four finish to the season. They were given early notice that Esher meant business as their prolific wing, James Botterill, added two tries to his growing tally in the opening 20 minutes. Forward grunt set up the first, crisp handing made the second. Canterbury were full of loose passes and unforced errors, but a yellow card for Esher’s Josh Thorne gave them an opportunity. Tyler Oliver delivered from a smart lineout drill and Frank Reynolds converted but there was more trouble in store. A Presley Farrance kick was charged down and Ben Robbins cashed in with the try that took the visitors to a half time lead of eight points. What a different beast the second half was for Canterbury. In the first seven minutes, Number Eight Oliver completed his hat trick, first a storming run of 40 metres after finding a midfield gap, then on the end of a catch drive, to give his side the lead for the first time. It did not last, however, as Owen Waters, who was off target with all his conversion attempts, slotted a simple penalty goal and Esher next put crushing pressure on the city defence to earn themselves another seven points with a penalty try. They quickly blew that advantage through a poor decision to kick from their in-goal area; Reynolds ran it back and the support opened the way for a Ryley Thomas try which Reynolds converted. There was still more drama to come; the restart was spilled and Botterill punished the error with his third try. Next, a charge down by Jesse Vries allowed Canterbury to mount an attack before Frank Morgan released Kurt Heatherley for the team’s fifth touchdown. It was heart stopping stuff and Esher’s slender one point lead became four when Waters struck again with a drop goal but, with six minutes remaining, the city side did not panic. The O’Donoghue score was clinically executed and in the closing stages the ball was successfully stowed away to thwart any Esher response.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, M.Campbell, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E.O.Donoghue, O.Frostick, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, J.Walker, R.Thomas, T.Oliver. Replacements: T.Williams, J.De Vries, F.Morgan, J.Dengate, C.Macmillan

Another Strong Performance Needed

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

The stats tell a good part of the story from last Saturday. We had five entries into the Guernsey 22 area and scored five tries; ten of the starting 15 had double-digit tackle counts and Guernsey only won 50% of their lineout compared to our 85% in windy conditions.
This translates to us being ruthless in every attacking opportunity, we worked like dogs in defence and we shut down their lineout, taking away a big part of their attacking platform. All this after planes, one lad on a train and automobiles in the morning. There will always be things for us to work on and gifting Guernsey two intercept tries kept the scores close throughout. That said, it takes a big effort to go there and win and the players flipped our recent away form to give us and the many people who travelled to support the team a great memory.
The back-to-back home games waiting for us at the end of the season are something I have been looking forward to since pre-season; now that it’s become a three-game run it’s set to be a memorable few weeks. Esher arrive at the Marine Travel Ground needing points from their final two games to avoid the relegation play-off. We delivered one of our best performances of the season away at their place, but we know it will take more of the same on Saturday against a motivated side.

The Pilgrims were unfortunate not to come away with a win at Battersea, narrowly losing 12–7. They created plenty of opportunities through some excellent attacking play, but ultimately couldn’t convert enough of those chances into points.
There is still one final opportunity to avoid the relegation play-off. They travel to Sutton & Epsom needing a five-point win, while preventing the home side from picking up any bonus points. It’s a tough challenge but also a great opportunity to secure our place in Regional 2 for next season.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Composure Wins The Day

Posted on | by David Haigh

GUERNSEY 29 CANTERBURY 33

by Chris Fullbrook

Canterbury produced a determined and resilient performance to overcome a physical Guernsey side in an entertaining and hard‑fought encounter, showing composure at key moments to claim a bonus point victory. The match began with an early setback for the city side when Guernsey crossed for a converted try after sustained pressure. A loose Canterbury pass was intercepted and, although Max Campbell won the subsequent foot race, he was tackled in goal. Guernsey opted repeatedly to scrummage from penalties close to the line and Matt Creber eventually powered over and full back Tom Teasdale converted. Canterbury responded impressively. Their first try came after a flowing passage of play, sparked by Harry Sloan breaking the line and sending Ryley Thomas through a gap. Quick hands followed as the ball moved via scrum‑half Presley Farrance and Luke Talbot, before Thomas, who had continued to support, finished the move. Frank Reynolds’ conversion brought Canterbury level. Momentum swung further in the visitors favour shortly afterwards. A penalty kicked to the corner and the resulting catch‑and‑drive proved too strong for the Guernsey defence, with Jimmy Walker applying the finishing touch and Reynolds again converting.

The game then tightened, with Canterbury temporarily reduced to 14 men when Thomas was shown a yellow card midway through the first half. Guernsey made that numerical advantage count, capitalising on another loose pass which was intercepted before centre Jon Dawe raced in from 20 metres out. The try went unconverted and Canterbury reached the break leading 14-12 but now with gusting wind at their backs.

They began the second half brightly, a speculative kick from fly‑half Reynolds causing problems for the Guernsey fullback. His fumble allowed Reynolds to regather before feeding captain Jamie Stephens who set Max Campbell free. The wing showed outstanding pace to finish in the corner for the city side’s third try. Minutes later, Guernsey struck back; a midfield penalty was kicked to the corner and, from the ensuing line‑out, replacement hooker Tom Ceillam was at the back of the maul to bring this tight match to 17-19. The islanders continued to press and were awarded a penalty try following a scrum five metres out and Canterbury hooker Eoin O’Donoghue was sin‑binned. Despite being down a man, the side showed real character. to take back the lead. Defending inside their own 22, Guernsey attempted a clearance from the base of a scrum that was charged down by Stephens. He gathered, fed Will Waddington and the centre calmly popped a pass to Walker, who powered over for his second try of the afternoon, converted by Reynolds. Guernsey mounted a final push in the closing quarter and struck again through Dawe, who scored his second after a break from influential fullback Anthony Armstrong. The missed conversion kept the game finely poised at 29-26. With the match in the balance, Canterbury showed maturity in the final minutes and deep inside Guernsey territory, Reynolds kicked a penalty to the corner. The resulting ten‑man driving maul—backs and forwards combined—proved decisive, with O’Donoghue redeeming his earlier sin‑binning by grounding the ball for the fifth and decisive converted try

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, M.Campbell, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, J.Walker, R.Thomas, T.Oliver,. Replacements: J.Dengate, T.Williams, C.Macmillan, C.McGovern, A.English.

OUR BEST IS NEEDED

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

It’s hard to remember a time when we have had three weeks in-season without a game. It’s felt unusual, but ultimately it has been a gift. At this stage of the year, bodies and minds are often weary after a long campaign and the final, most important, games can become a true test of resilience. To head into our final block fresh and recharged removes any excuses. Our focus is firmly on playing our best rugby of the season over the next four games.
When we review our season, our away form since Christmas will come under the microscope and digging into our last three away performances will be important. This weekend we travel to Guernsey for our final away fixture with a clear aim: to replicate the level of performance we have consistently shown at the Marine Travel Ground. On the road, Guernsey is a challenging place and only our best will be enough.
The Pilgrims face a huge fixture, away at Battersea. It would have been their final game of the regular season had the Sutton and Epsom fixture not been postponed until next week. Every point matters, with a 9th-place finish—and avoiding the relegation playoff—still within reach. Current ninth-placed Bromley take on Sutton and Epsom, who sit in eighth. The outcomes of both matches will play a significant role in shaping the final standings. After a week off and a strong week of training, the Pilgrims are ready to show they belong in Regional 2 next season.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Late Try Ends Victory Push

Posted on | by David Haigh

LONDON WELSH 22 CANTERBURY 21

by David Haigh

A late Welsh try settled a close but fitful game in which Canterbury never recaptured the high standards they achieved in their previous outing. It is said that the devil is in the detail and that was manifested by the city club’s lack of accuracy at key moments. Forward passes, small handling errors and failure to turn attacking positions into points let them down and, arguably, denied them a couple of important scores. Having taken the lead nine minutes before the end they had the opportunity to close out the game, but could not resist Welsh’s strong finish. Canterbury made the first breach when Jimmy Walker cleaned up untidy lineout possession to burrow over for a try converted by Frank Reynolds. By half time, however, it was Welsh, exploiting he slope cannily to set up position, who were eight points to the good. A driving maul brought a try for flanker Tom Williams and a flat pass, fired by fly half Matt Hodgson, sent wing Iwan Humphreys across for the second. Obstinate Canterbury defence resisted more heavy pressure before the break so Hodgson, who converted his side’s first score, settled for a penalty goal. Memories of the city side’s stunning second half effort two weeks ago were quickly revived when a fine driving maul was capped by a Ryley Thomas try and Reynolds’ conversion a minute after the break. But dawns can often prove false and it was not until deep into the final quarter that the city side found a way to edge ahead. Accuracy was missing, line breaks by Tyler Oliver and Frank Morgan went unrewarded and it wasn’t until until the 71st minute that another score came. Welsh were pinned in a corner, made a mess of their own lineout throw and Charlie McGovern pounced for the try. Reynolds was on target again, but the home side now grabbed the initiative. Two minutes from the end a penalty handed them a last catch and drive opportunity and Harry Breeze crashed over. Victory was down to a Hodgson conversion and he made no mistake.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, F.Morgan, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, L.Young. J.Dengate, O.Frostick, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, J.Walker, M.Campbell, J.De Vries, D.Huntley, C.Oliver