Author: David Haigh

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

Getting The Job Done

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

I’ve shared a quote with the players previously, and I did again after the Henley game, from the great Bill Belichick. He was head coach of the New England Patriots during their six super bowls winning run. He says: “You get the job done or you don’t”. The first time I read this I didn’t feel that it applied to us; I felt it didn’t take into account all the other factors that can go against you in a game. I now understand that’s why it’s true. In any game you can be in control, in the lead for 79 minutes but to get the job done you have to be in that position for the full 80. To get the job done you have to take the opportunities that you create. The players away at Henley put in a great effort, they worked extremely hard in some of the worst conditions you can play in (I’m sure you’ve seen the photos) but we didn’t get the job done. There’s no shame in our performance but you could see how disappointed the lads were and that’s a not a bad thing.
We went into the week off with some clear objectives and the players have worked hard to make the two weeks of training as productive as possible. The conditions tomorrow are predicted to be a repeat of what we faced at Henley, so we have an opportunity to execute the same game plan, with the focus this week on going the distance.
Last time out, the Pilgrims had a mud fight of their own against Cranbrook. They came out well and truly on top with a 38-0 win. They have a big couple of weeks coming up starting with 4th place Heathfield and Waldron who visit the Marine Travel Ground on Saturday. This is followed by travelling to second place Sevenoaks next week and two wins will put them in a strong position.
Don’t let the weather put you off, with both the 1st XV and the Pilgrims at home for the first time since the start of the season it will be a big weekend at the club with plenty of important rugby on offer.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

Harry Sloane

Major New Signing

Posted on | by David Haigh

CENTRE HARRY SLOAN JOINS SQUAD

The club has announced a significant addition to their senior squad with the signing of centre Harry Sloan from French ProD2 side Agen. During a top flight career he has played at international level, representing England Under20s, and appeared in the English Premiership with Harlequins and Saracens. The 30-year old 6ft 2in, 16 stones player is a Kent man, born in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells, whose first club was Cranbrook before he joined the Harlequins Academy. Harry made 36 Premiership appearances for Quins, before a spell with Championship side Ealing Trailfinders and then signing for Saracens. He has spent two season in French rugby with Agen but has now decided to move into to the semi-professional game while he develops career opportunities outside rugby.
The club’s Director of Rugby, Taff Gwilliam, said: “The signing of Harry Sloan underlines the ambition of Canterbury to become a sustainable leading club in the Kent and South East area. We welcome Harry, who adds quality and experience to our developing senior squad. He is an intelligent and humble man who will fit in well with the rest of the squad. We are simply delighted he has chosen to join us and look forward to him taking to the field in Canterbury colours.

Harry Sloane

HENLEY BLOCK THE WAY

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

Last Saturday our first half performance was easily one of the best in recent years. Going in at 40-7 the players had shown the extent of their ability to move the ball and execute under pressure. This was obviously pleasing from my perspective and I loved the way the team and its leaders controlled the game. At fifty minutes we extended our lead to a margin of 52-14, an impressive score line, and we have spoken in the week about what happened next. Conceding three tries, and the manner of these tries, are not part of our defensive identity. We took our collision intensity down a notch and at national league level all teams will expose this. It is some good feedback that we can’t ignore and if we use the learning will be extremely valuable. The other silver lining is that we wrestled our way back into the driving seat with a twenty two phase attack sequence that ended in us winning a penalty. This was a big moment in the game and swung the momentum back in our direction and we finished with another score. When the pressure begins to build this is exactly the type of understanding and character that the best teams have.
In the blink of an eye we are at the final game this three game block. These short bursts of matches will be the prevailing rhythm for the remainder of the season and to finish this first one off with three wins we must travel to Henley. Henley sit above us on equal points and this has always been a challenging fixture. I feel we have grown a great deal in the last two weeks and Saturday will give us a true test of this progress.
The Pilgrims came through their own test last week away at Dover. A team full of experience and ability ran out 27-43 winners scoring seven tries. This keeps them at the top of the table ahead of their game away at Cranbrook this weekend.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

PILGRIMS TOO STRONG FOR DOVER

Posted on | by David Haigh

Dover 27 Canterbury Pilgrims 43

by Dan Gill

Dover started on the front foot with the advantage of the slope in the first half and were quickly on the score sheet after experienced ex-Canterbury man Martyn Beaumont’s cross field kick was gathered by their winger to score out wide for a converted try. The Pilgrims response was immediate and their first meaningful foray into Dover’s half was rewarded with a try for Max Campbell who was given space out wide and outpaced the defence for a score converted well by Owain Collins. Harry Moore, in good form with the boot for Dover, added a penalty soon after with Canterbury punished for offside, their blitz defence adjudged too keen to get off the line. Good close quarter work by the forwards saw open side flank Harvey Furneaux crash over for Pilgrims second try, again converted, but another Moore penalty reduced Canterbury’s lead to a single point. blindside flanker Charlie McGovern, enjoying an excellent all round game, was next to cross the whitewash. Good line out ball and strong runs from Al Evans and Sonny True-Neville sucked in the Dover defence before McGovern’s direct approach saw hIm power over for an unconverted score. Despite losing lock Henry Kenny to a yellow card Pilgrims held on to a 19-13 lead at half time thanks to aggressive defence. The opening exchanges of the second half proved frustrating for both sides as they found themselves on the wrong side of the referees whistle which caused tempers to flare on more than one occasion, but Pilgrims clicked into gear when Kenny returned from the sin bin. Dover tried to relieve pressure with a long clearance kick, well fielded by Collins before Guy Hilton used his pace, found centre Aiden Moss, who showed his class in beating three Dover defenders and sent Furneaux over for the bonus point try. With Pilgrims moving the ball well between forwards and backs and good line out throwing from Nathan Morris it built the platform to launch more attacks. McGovern and Jake Dengate, who made a strong impact from the bench, were both prominent before the next score. A number of close range drives saw ex Dover man Aaron Cooper power over with Collins again adding the extras. Just as the game started to look comfortable, ill discipline and Dover’s determination saw the gap closed. Cooper was given a ten minute period of reflection after the referee adjudged him to be responsible for foul play before fellow front row forward Jenson Bloomfield joined him in the sin bin for a high tackle. Dover made the most of their two man advantage, first adding an unconverted try following a scrum five metres out and a good Beaumont line break got them behind Pilgrims’ stretched defence for their third try which was well converted to cut the lead to eight points This was as close as Dover came though as the Pilgrims showed their class when back to full strength with two further scores. First Aiden Moss dotted down for a try his individual play deserved after strong running from the returning Gus Lister. Forwards and backs then combined well with good phase play to send centre Sonny True-Neville across the line and put the gloss on a good derby display. Pilgrims travel to Cranbrook next Saturday.

Pilgrims: A.Cooper, A.Demery, N. Morris, H.Kenny, W.Hunt, C.McGovern, H.Furneaux, A,Evans, H.Valladares, O.Collins, A.Geddes, S.True-Neville, A. Moss, M,Campbell, G Hilton, J.Bloomfield, J.Dengate, G.Lister.

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Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham