Author: David Haigh

TEST OF OUR PROGRESS

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

However hard you try you can’t beat the weather. Saturday turned out to be a disappointing false start to the year as we travelled to Worthing expecting to play. On arrival, it became very clear that the ground was frozen in large areas. After the obligatory shuffle around the pitch trying to get a fork into the solid turf, and a short discussion with the referee and Worthing’s captain, we packed up and headed home. Not a great use of a Saturday from our perspective.
This weekend we welcome Guernsey to the Marine Travel Ground. Our visitors are one place behind us in the table with a game in hand. Our previous meeting was at the end of September in Guernsey where we were outscored by six tries to three. We came off second best in the physicality stakes and this was reflected in the scoreline. We feel that we have made some good steps forward since the beginning of the season and tomorrow offers us the opportunity to measure our progress.
The Pilgrims made the most of their fixture being playable by scoring 67 points against Park House on the Langton 3G. The fast track allowed them to show the speed within the squad with eight different players scoring tries, including a brace for Tom Mackenzie and a hat trick for Harry Chubb. This Saturday away to Deal and Betteshanger will offer a different challenge and the Pilgrims will have to be at their physical best to come away with a result.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Tempo Tells For Pilgrims

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 67 PARK HOUSE 12

by Dan Gill

With frost impacting fixtures across the county, this game was moved to the 4g pitch at the Langton to ensure it went ahead. The city side signalled their intent from the first whistle with some typically aggressive defence. This led to the first score of the afternoon when Pilgrims defence pressed hard and centre Harry Chubb intercepted a Park House pass to race through and score the first of his hat trick of tries and give Owain Collins a simple conversion. This was quickly followed by a second unconverted score from Guy Hilton before Park House responded with a close range try of their own out wide to bring the score to 12-5. 
The Pilgrims responded well and had the bonus point secured before half time with tries from Cam MacMillan and Chubbs taking the Half time score to 24-5.
The second half saw the Pilgrims up their accuracy and speed of play to a tempo that Park House found difficult to live with. Backs and forwards combined well to add a further seven tries. Henry Kenny continuing his fine scoring form to burst through and race away to touch down before wingers Lister and True-Neville added tries of their own. Veteran centre Tom Best got in on the act with a typically direct run to power over before open side flanker Tom Mackenzie added a brace with his quick feet and turn of pace. Chubb’s hat trick score completed the rout. To their credit the visitors were always a threat and scored arguably the try of the day with the final whistle looming. A loose pass was expertly flicked up by the Park House centre who re-gathered his deft touch before racing through for a converted try.
Next Saturday the team travel to local rivals Deal & Bettseshanger for what is always a competitive fixture. 
Pilgrims: MacMillan, Rothery, Frostick, Kenny, De Moubray, Geddes, Mackenzie, Evans, Valladares, Collins, Lister, Best, Chubb, Trew-Neville, G Hilton, Gill, Divine, Sloan. 

THE WINNING BLUEPRINT

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

We ended the year exactly how we wanted to, backing up our big win against Dorking, finishing the block three wins from three and going into the Christmas rest on a high. We are proud of our performances in 2024, but as I said to the players at training the break is a reset and this week we have one chance to start 2025 on the right foot. After our win at Dorking we know what it takes to get good results on the road and we will be using that performance as our blueprint tomorrow. We will not be taking Worthing lightly, regardless of their league position they scored an average of 20 points per game in November and December and have been in the league a long time.
The Pilgrims also went into the festive period with a strong win against Ashford, racking up 76 points. Last week’s fixture versus Charlton Park went ahead as a 10 v 10 friendly and, although not ideal, getting a game for both teams is always the priority. The Pilgrims host Park House tomorrow and every week they are playing to stay at the top of the pile.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

PILGRIMS END YEAR IN STYLE

Posted on | by David Haigh

ASHFORD 3 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 76

by Dan Glll

Pilgrims made the short trip to Ashford looking to finish the year with an improved performance after being deservedly beaten on their last outing at Sevenoaks.
They started brightly and quickly found themselves three points in front through a simple Owain Collins penalty goal. This was increased to ten shortly after when Harry Chubb, making his Pilgrims debut, found Gus Lister and his fine break saw him beat the covering defenders to dot down. Guy Hilton and Max Campbell added scores before Henry Kenny finished off a fine flowing passage of play where forwards and backs exchanged passes seamlessly. Collins landed one of a number of difficult kicks from the touch line.
Ashford were struggling to contain a Pilgrims side who were having the better of the set pieces and dominating the breakdown. They resorted to kicking long in an attempt to relieve pressure but a loose kick was returned by Collins with interest for a fine 50-22. The subsequent lineout became a driving maul which saw the forwards power over. When the half time whistle blew Pilgrims held a commanding 46-0 lead
The second half followed a similar pattern with Pilgrims’ showcasing some fine attacking rugby to add a further 30 points. Ashford never gave up and mounted a few promising attacks, but aggressive defence and counter rucking kept them on the back foot. The hosts only points came from a penalty goal but from the kick off typically aggressive rucking saw Pilgrims turn the ball over. It was moved wide by the backs before Yannick De Moubray galloped through a gap in the defence to add his second try of the game. He then landed the conversion to cap a fine individual performance and see Pilgrims finish 2024 how they started the year – at the top of Counties Kent 1.
Pilgrims: Everrat, Demery, MacMillan, Kenny, De Moubray, Hunt, Divine, Evans, Valladares, Campbell, Collins, Chubb, Lister, Trew-Neville, G Hilton, Gill, Cooper, Geddes.

HOLIDAY HIGH FOR CANTERBURY

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 35 SEVENOAKS 22

by David Haigh

Canterbury go into the Christmas break on a high with this bonus point victory which cements their fourth place in National 2 East. After the stellar performance at Dorking the previous week it was a solid, rather than spectacular, show against a Sevenoaks side who themselves came into the the game on a three match winning streak. They were a point ahead at half time but the city side scored three of their five tries in the second half as their domination of scrums and lineouts kept them firmly in control. The first points of the match came from the boot of Sevenoaks full back Ben Adams, with a 24th minute penalty goal, but that brought an immediate response from a Canterbury team playing cannily into the strong wind. Frank Morgan carried hard into the ‘Oaks defence and, once there, the pack made the most of it with a try from hooker Eoin O’Donoghue, converted by Frank Reynolds. That was countered by Oaks wing Harry Barker, who grabbed a pinpoint cross kick from Ed Shepherdson, and Canterbury then handed the visitors a second try, this one converted by Adams. A spilled pass was booted 50 metres down field and when the chasers arrived Drew Forrester made a good pick up to score and open an eight point lead. But the visitors were still vulnerable and when Canterbury probed again Barney Stone was yellow carded and Oaks were punished by a close range try from Tyler Oliver. With Reynolds adding the goal points it rewarded a good first half containing effort. Going down wind after the break the city men quickly put their stamp on the game. It took two minutes for the backs to launch Alfie Orris for the third try and the powerful wing then turned provider for the next score, bursting through a hole and sending Morgan across for the bonus point touch down. Reynolds, who does not miss much these days, converted both tries and completed a full house when O’Donoghue claimed his second try after the mighty home pack, where flanker Chad Thomas had an impressive afternoon, drove a maul over 20 metres. His late yellow card was a disappointment but Oaks, starved of primary possession to make any lasting impact, did make their extra man count with a try from prop Sam Begbie, converted by Adams. They still went home empty handed.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, A.Orris, F.Morgan, W.Waddington, T.Williams, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, O.Frostick, E.O.Donoghue, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, S.Rogers, T.Oliver. Replacements: N.Morris, H.Furneaux, C.McGovern, H.Young, W.Hilton

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v Sevenoaks - 21 Dec 2024

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Moving Forward

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

What a Saturday. Beating second in the league, who were on a ten game winning streak at their ground, is no mean feat and is a massive turnaround from how we have played at Dorking in recent seasons. The players raised their physicality to a new level and executed the plan, putting in one of the best performances of the season so far. It’s important to acknowledge that we won by the finest of margins, with Dorking missing a conversion with the last kick of the game. After a dominant first sixty minutes we had established a commanding 18 point lead but small bursts of consecutive errors swung the pressure back onto us and big defensive efforts were not rewarded due to playing penalty advantages. To make sure our fate remains in our own hands, the fix is removing these small indiscretions which collectively can be very influential. That said, it shows how this team is moving forward and it was a performance the players can be immensely proud of.

Many teams in our league can find emotional “get up” for one big game, but the ability to back that up the following weekend is something that separates the good teams from the best. Sevenoaks visit the Marine Travel ground on the back of three wins and the last game of the year is always a one to remember. Our challenge is to replicate the highs of last week so that we go into the Christmas break satisfied. It goes without saying that Sevenoaks will be aiming for the very same.

The Pilgrims travelled to play Sevenoaks 2nd XV last weekend, losing 47-24, one of their worst defeats in recent seasons. As the scoreline suggests defensively we did not meet our usual high standards, but the players fought hard in the final quarter to score an important fourth try to come away with a losing bonus point. Thanks to that point, Sevenoaks now sit one place behind us in the table meaning results in the next run of games are very important for us to maintain our place at the top of the table. The Pilgrims travel to Ashford and are looking to get back to their high performance standards and back to winning ways.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support in 2024. I feel the club and team continue to move in a very positive direction thanks to the enormous amount of backing that we receive and the hours of time that people give to make it such a special place. It makes me extremely excited about 2025. Until then I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New year.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Bonus Keeps Pilgrims Top

Posted on | by David Haigh

SEVENOAKS 2ND 47 PILGRIMS 24

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims started the game very well and dominated the opening 10 minutes with forwards and backs linking effectively to drive Oaks back. They infringed numerous times in their 22m area and were lucky to escape a yellow card before prop Nathan Morris forced his way over out wide for a try, well converted by fly half Will Hilton, to give Pilgrims the lead. Sevenoaks responded with some fantastic rugby of their own which saw them capitalise on unusually sloppy Pilgrims defending and discipline after Will Hunt was yellow carded. They touched down four times in the next 20 mins to take a commanding 28-7 lead, securing their bonus point in the process, and leaving the pilgrims in need of a massive response.After stern words under the posts the Pilgrims responded to finish the half well, with Al Evans driving over for an unconverted score to it close at 28-12.  Oaks were quickly into their stride after the break and added a fifth try to lead 33-12 before the city side, having the better of the scrums, added a third try. The next score looked like it was going to have a massive bearing on the result as Pilgrims were starting to dominate the phase play and exert their physicality. Sevenoaks were reduced to 14 after their Number Eight was yellow carded but, sadly for Canterbury, that vital score went the home side’s way. They kicked long and duly won the line out after a well executed 50/22. From the resultant catch and drive Oaks stretched their lead to 40-19. With ten minutes remaining Pilgrims focus shifted to scoring a fourth try and a bonus point that would keep them top of the Counties 1 table. Despite some very good home defence, they secured it with five minutes remaining. Good front foot ball allowed the backs to cut loose and wingman Max Campbell cut through to score. Sevenoaks added a final converted score of their own on a day when Pilgrims came up against a side in even better form. The squad will be looking to bounce back when they travel to local rivals Ashford this coming Saturday.

THE DORKING CHALLENGE

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

Another stormy Saturday last week but this time we came away with the result we wanted. After a slow start and some early changes, we kicked into gear a earned a bonus point before half time. Too many handling errors in the second forty restricted us and although we did score a try which showed us at our very best, we left some points on the field. Another solid defensive effort kept Oxford scoreless in the second half and this area is going to be tested tomorrow as we travel to Dorking who sit in second place with a game in hand.

Dorking away for the last two seasons has been a disappointing Saturday. Even from their first season in the league, Dorking have been competing at the top of the table. Our disappointment is less from the result and more down to our performance. On both occasions we have conceded over 40 points and only started playing our rugby when the game was out of reach. Our focus this week is to put in a performance that we are proud of. The players are looking forward to the challenge.

The Pilgrims came through their own trial, seeing of fourth place Heathfield and Waldron 26-3. The strength of this team just gets better every week and a real positive from my perspective is the number of players representing the Canons who are part of the 1st XV and Pilgrims squad. We are fortunate to have such a wealth of talent; the players come and stay with us, get better each week and create great rugby memories. This will be tested this weekend as the Pilgrims travel away to Sevenoaks who lie in second place. We know this will be an important result come the end of the season and for us to return home happy will need one of our best performances.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

First Half Bonus For Pilgrims

Posted on | by David Haigh

Canterbury Pilgrims 26 Heathfield & Waldron 3

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims had to work hard at the wet and windy MTG to subdue a Heathfield & Waldron side that has been amongst the pace setter In Counties 1. Skipper Al Evans elected to play up the slope but with the wind in their favour in a first half that saw all of the games points scored.
Despite the conditions both sides were intent on moving the ball but the first try arrived after around eight mins from a well executed catch and drive line out. It allowed hooker Aiden Demery to dot down with Will Hilton narrowly missing his first shot at goal.
An infringement following kick off gave Heathfield a penalty in front of the posts to collect what turned out to be their only points of the afternoon. The Pilgrims responded immediately and after exerting their dominance at the scrum, the forwards set about testing the visiting defence with a series of quick drives that saw Evans force his way over from close range, Hilton this time adding the extras.
Heathfield looked to rally but Pilgrims robust defence absorbed everything they had to offer before going on the attack again. Slick handling from Hilton and Tom Best found full back Harvey Young who hit a very good line to leave a number of defenders in his wake as he touched down under the posts and make the conversion from Hilton a formality.
The bonus point fourth try quickly followed as good play by the forwards made inroads in the Heathfield defence before the backs used quick hands to exploit space down the blind side and send centre Best over in the corner. Hilton expertly added the extras to give the Pilgrims a 26-3 half time lead.
The second half was a combination of good defensive play from both teams and an increasing amount of errors. Pilgrims were in the ascendancy at scrum time and were having the better of the lineouts but despite the wind advantage, being second best at the set piece meant Heathfield were struggling to get a foothold in the game. An element of niggle crept in and yellow cards, two to each side, were handed out but Pilgrims defensive effort was once again top notch in difficult conditions as they saw out another bonus point win against a solid side. The team have a massive test next Saturday as they travel to Sevenoaks who are in second place in the table, just five points behind, in what could be a season defining game.

Pack Power Sets Up Victory

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 31 OXFORD HARLEQUINS 10

by David Haigh

Forward power underpinned this Canterbury victory which lifted them to fifth place in National 2 East on a cold and blustery afternoon at the Marine Travel Ground. By half time they had four tries and a bonus point tucked away as their dominance kept Quins on the defensive and were punished for their lack of discipline. After a bright start, with a catch and drive try after only two minutes, the visitors submerged under a wave of penalties and two yellow cards. Centre Archie Van Dijk was the first to head for the sin bin for a high tackle and the city side quickly took the lead with a driving maul and a try for hooker Eoin O’Donoghue, converted by Frank Reynolds. Once in front, Canterbury stayed there and when Quins skipper Willo Bicknell was next to see yellow they pushed further ahead as Reynolds threaded a kick behind the defence and Aiden Moss pounced for the try. There was a temporary set back when Quins produced an excellent 50/22 kick to create an opportunity for the pack and Allan Purchase added a try to the early Ben Bodingham score. That was the last time, however, they were seen as an attacking threat as Canterbury pinned them back and Tom Mackenzie burst on to Danny Herriott’s pass to score under the posts. Reynolds converted and was on target again as continued pressure brought O’Donoghue his second try on the stroke of half time. With a 26-10 scoreline the stage seemed set for a Canterbury stroll and with Quins scrum in full retreat after the break it was a reasonable assumption. It did not happen that way because the Oxford outfit put in a greatly improved defensive shift, the city side made costly handling errors and muddled thinking saw them ignore easy penalty points. It wasn’t until the 73rd minute that they found a way, with Kurt Heatherley giving Alfie Orris a clear overlap for the fifth try to complete a comfortable, if slightly low key, success.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, G.Jones, F.Morgan, W.Waddington, A.Moss, F.Reynolds, P.Farrance, O.Frostick, E.O’Donoghue, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, T.Mackenzie, T.Oliver. Replacements: S.Rogers, C.McGovern, T.Williams, D.Huntley, A.Orris

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v Oxford Harlequins - 7 Dec 2024

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton