Author: David Haigh

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 43 CROWBOROUGH 10

by David Haigh

Billed as the Match of the Day between the only two unbeaten sides in Counties 1 Kent it ended in a decisive victory for league leaders Pilgrims. A Crowborough side which arrived at Merton Lane with an impressive winning run of 20 games, stretching back to last season, dominated the first quarter but then had no answer to Canterbury’s pace and their power in the loose. In a purple patch, fifteen minutes either side of half time, they scored four tries and seldom gave the visitors another look-in. It had been a test of Pilgrims defence until the 27th minute when they finally got their hands on the ball from a clearance kick. Wing Sonny Trew-Neville made an elusive run, full back Gus Lister finished off with the try and Tom McMann converted from wide out. That wiped out the seven points Crowborough had in the bank, from a fine individual try and conversion by their fly half, and before half time Pilgrims had scored two more. The backs produced the break and accurate handling for Jack Weaver to touch down and when the visitors collapsed a maul the penalty cost them a lineout and a pick and go try for Adrian Geddes. McMann converted both to open a fourteen point gap and two minutes after the break Pilgrims stamped their authority on the game even further. Another penalty led to a close range try from skipper Alex Evans and Crowborough were stranded. The one area they came to control was the set scrums but a tolerant referee did not punish Pilgrims heavily and it only cost them a penalty goal. In the final quarter it was all Canterbury with tries from prop Freddy Holland-Oliver, converted by McMann, great creative work by the backs for Weaver’s second and, in the closing minute, a joyful finish from lock Jesse De Vies rewarded his all round effort. .

Pilgrims: G.Lister, J.Weaver, T.Halliday, B.Law, S.Trew-Neville. T.McMann, P.Farrance. A.Malik, B.Dunkerley, F.Holland-Oliver, L.Webber, J.De Vries, J.Dengate, T.Mackenzie, A.Evans. Replacements: A.Gedddes, D.Gill, H.Valldares

Charlton Park 16 Canterbury Pilgrims 50

by John Mitchell

Although the unbeaten Pilgrims started well, with Harvey Furneaux darting through for a try converted by Tom McMann within the first two minutes, it was followed by a period full of errors, lack of concentration and penalties conceded. Park’s Alex Miller, once a Canterbury player, made them pay with two penalty goals. However, it was a penalty against the home side that led to a second try as Jake Dengate darted over from a lineout and McMann, in great kicking form, landed the second of his six conversions. Then Presley Farrance’s mis-timed tackle earned him a yellow card and from the penalty Miller was on target again. Just before half time Jake Dengate, who was having a fine game, was illegally denied a probable score and McMann’s penalty goal saw Pilgrims to an eight point lead at the break. The second half was a different story as Canterbury took control. Within minutes a very good team move saw Farrance weave through to score under the posts and as Pilgrims pressure built the Park defence could not stop Alex Evans crashing over the line. Next it was a 50 yard run from the in-form Furneaux which set up position for the fifth try. The home defence proved solid, held the ball up on three or four occasions, but finally Adam Malik plunged over for the only unconverted try of the day. The conversion attempt was charged down, something you do not see that often. Pilgrims wanted to keep a clean sheet in the second half but Charlton Park would not lie down. They worked tirelessly and deserved the converted try which made the scoreline 36-16. But that sparked the Pilgrims into life again. They shrugged off a yellow card for Furneaux and ran the ball from one end of the pitch to the other. Farrance sold a lovely dummy to score under the posts then immediately McMann did the most delicate of chips, Gus Lister sprinted through, picked up in one hand and raced away to claim the final try. Pilgrims sit top of the league having played eight and won eight. This Saturday they play Crowborough, who are in second place, and are undefeated. Come and watch this top of the table clash. The Bar is open and food is being served.

Date for your diary, December Friday 15th evening kick off, under lights v local rivals Thanet Wanderers. Don’t miss.

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 43 DOVER 14

by John Mitchell

When these two teams met in Counties 2 last season Dover inflicted a double over the Pilgrims and the determination to not let that happen again underlined this impressive display. Pilgrims dominated from the start and an early break saw full back Jack Weaver cross the line wide out and that opening try was soon followed by a second from flanker Harvey Furneaux. Neither score was converted but as more pressure followed Presley Farrance dummied from a 5 metre scrum, went blind side and dived over for the first of his three tries and this time Tom McMann added the goal points. Pilgrims totally controlled the first half, in very wet and windy conditions, and had what would prove to be a winning 17-0 margin. Early in the second half the home side got their fourth touchdown, which earned them their seventh consecutive bonus point, as the lively Farrance darted through to make it 22-0. With the pack dominating there were significant contributions from Brandon Dunkerley, a hooker playing like a number seven, and powerful prop Will McColl. It was an excellent performance from a young man trying to make his way up the ladder while McColl was enjoying some great runs. From one of these he drove his frame through and over for a converted try. However, Dover would not give up and continued to make Canterbury work hard in the horrible conditions. But they could not prevent Furneaux getting his second try, McMann converting, before my man of the match, Presley, proved that Elvis in not dead and having got out of his sick bed to play, scored his third try. A 40 yard kick, chase and Olympic class sprint catching out the defence, saw him get to the ball first with a great dive and then slide into the cars parked behind the end zone. He came up unscathed and McMann converted to make it 43-0. That should have been it, but Dover would not lie down. A try was given, when the home side thought they had held the ball up! It was converted by former Canterbury man Martyn Beaumont. In the last play of the game, Dover kicked cross field for Harry Moore to score out wide and Beaumont again converted. The Pilgrims unbeaten seven match run sees them stay top of Counties 1 Kent; Dover drop to ninth. A great team performance. Next Saturday the Pilgrims travel to Charlton Park and there is room on the coach if anyone would like to come along and support.

Pilgrims: J.Weaver, G.Lister, B.Law, T.Halliday, A.Geddes T.McMann, P.Farrance, A.Malik, B.Dunkerley, W.McColl, J.De Vries, L.Webber, J.Dengate, H.Furneaux, A.Evans. Replacements: D.Gill, E.Lusher, H.Valldares