Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Ukraine Appeal

Ukraine appeal on behalf of our Principal Sponsor

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Please help.

As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, it is difficult to envisage the hardship the innocents caught up in the conflict are having to endure on an hour to hour, and even minute to minute basis. The uncertainty of where safe corridors for evacuation are, and if they are even safe, how families can keep warm and feed themselves to stave off exhaustion, and whether civilians can have the slightest moment of respite as the invading juggernaut rolls ever closer.

It is heart-warming to see how many have stepped up to either make their voices of protest heard or provided supplies and support to be sent directly to those in need. Our Principal Sponsor, Marine Travel, is one such organisation, and Canterbury Rugby Club is proud to support their appeal and effort.  We are collecting warm clothing for all ages, and blankets to be taken to Krakow and distributed amongst the tens of thousands of refugees who have had to flee their homes often, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Men, women, and children fearing for their lives and that of their loved ones, forced to abandon their homes and throw themselves at the mercy of neighbouring countries and agencies in the hope of finding safety, security, and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Time is critical and there is a need to mobilise quickly to get aid to those who need it the most.

There will be a drop-off point at the Marine Travel Ground, Merton Lane North, Canterbury,  CT4 7DZ. It will be open from Monday 14th March till Saturday 19th March.

Drop-off time between 8.30 am and 7.00 pm. The collection point will be located under the covered area of the clubhouse and clearly signposted.

Please ensure that your donations are washed and clean.

If you also have any spare Dollars or Euros, please bring them too as that will go towards the purchase of perishables once the clothing parcels reach Krakow. You will be able to hand them in to the Staff at our club restaurant Saucy Flo’s, Tuesday to Saturday – 8.00 am – 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

If you cannot make it to the club, yet still wish to donate, Dave Thompson, Managing Director of Marine travel, has set up a Go Fund Me page. To donate, please go to  – https://bit.ly/ukraine-go-fund-me

Thank you for all of your support and continued generosity.

Guy Hilton vs Hinckley

Canterbury 1st XV vs Hinckley RFC

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 30pts HINCKLEY 24pts

by David Haigh

A red card for centre Tom Best three minutes into the second half could have dealt a fatal blow to Canterbury’s prospects but they rose to the challenge brilliantly to dig out a bonus point victory. Their fourteen men went on to outscore the first time visitors by two tries to one in that second half and in the process lift themselves above Hinckley in the National 2 South table. Trailing by four at the turnaround the city side found themselves in deeper trouble soon after Best was banished for foul play. Hinckley centre Shane Nixon punished them with his side’s fourth try as his strong, long range run left Cameron Coates an easy conversion and Canterbury, now eleven points adrift, with it all to do. They found a way through a mixture of positive mindset, grit and opportunism and after fighting to retake the lead they took charge of the last quarter. The city men eased their troubles with a catch and drive try from skipper Jamie Stephens and a smash and grab interception by wing Guy Hilton who stole the ball and ran the length of the field when Hinckley were looking highly dangerous. Those tries, both converted by Kyan Braithwaite, came in the space of four minutes and what Canterbury had they successfully decided to hold. Early in the game there was plenty of enterprise if not accuracy as the city men went into the lead with the first of hooker Billy Young’s two tries from driving mauls. Danny Herriot’s yellow card then gave Hinckley an advantage prop Sam Greening exploited to level matters and Aaron Florenstein pushed them ahead with another short range score. Canterbury hit back through a Braithwaite penalty goal and when Young peeled round another surging maul to touch down they were looking at a narrow half time bonus. Hinckley’s lively scrum half Ben Pointon made them think again as he shot through a hole in a lineout in the final minute of the half and Joe Wilson slotted the conversion. Those swings and roundabouts made for exciting stuff but the real drama was still to come. The sending off tested the city side’s resilience and they can be proud of a response which was crowned by Braithwaite’s late penalty goal after their breakdown battlers forced Hinckley to hold on to the ball illegally.

Canterbury: K.Braithwaite, G.Hilton (repl S.Sterling), F.Morgan, T.Best, D.Corcoran, F.Reynolds, D.Heads (repl B.Cooper), A.Cooper (repl J.Otto),D.Herriott (repl E.Lusher), R.Cadman, S.Churchyard, J.Stephens (repl A.Evans), W.Waddington, T.Oliver

View match photos

v Hinckley - 12 March 2022

Images may be subject to copyright  – Phillipa Hilton

Paul Bushell’s memorial Service details

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

PAUL BUSHELL – FUNERAL & CELEBRATION OF LIFE – TUESDAY 5TH APRIL 2022

Private Committal, strictly invite only

3.30PM Memorial Service to be held at St Gregory & St Martin Church, Churchfield Way, Wye, Kent

4.30PM Celebration of Life to be held at Crown Lodge, Coldharbour Lane, Wye, Kent TN25 5HE

 

Dress Code: Traditional, Business smart/casual, CRFC Rugby Club Jackets.

Family Flowers only, however Donations are welcome for Pilgrims Hospices (a specific link will be shared for donations later)

To help us prepare for the day please RSVP confirming your attendance to the Memorial and/or Celebration to:
jg_twister@hotmail.com or Whatsapp to 44 (0)7919 886721

 

Below is a list of local establishments in the village of Wye, or closest town Ashford, Kent; with rooms and transport to assist in your attendance:

New Flying Horse, Wye Home | New Flying Horse, (newflyinghorsewye.co.uk)

The Wife of Bath, Wye The Wife of Bath – Restaurant, Bar & Rooms in Wye, Nr Ashford, Kent Kent

The Kings Head, Wye The Kings Head | Wye | Kent | Pub | Restaurant | Rooms (kingsheadwye.uk)

Eastwell Manor, Boughton Lees Hotels | Champneys

Hampton By Hilton, Ashford Rooms at Hampton by Hilton Ashford International

Travel Lodge, Ashford Travelodge Ashford Hotel – Book Now

Premier Inns, Ashford Search Page (premierinn.com)

 

Arrow Taxi 01233 666666 / 01233 638777

United Taxi 01233 666999

Best Cabs 01233 885255

 

Wye village has a Train Station, approx. 45/60 minutes from London St Pancras International

Henley vs Canterbury 1st XV

Match report – Henley Hawks vs Canterbury 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

HENLEY HAWKS 12 CANTERBURY 10

by David Haigh

For much of this game Canterbury were the better side but were left with just two Dwayne Corcoran tries and a losing bonus point. Their failure to turn opportunity into points has become a recurring problem and here it surfaced again. Justice may have been done had they converted a last minute penalty but it proved too difficult. In hindsight, the decision to turn down two earlier and easier shots at goal proved costly in a tight contest that was high in commitment but short on quality.

Canterbury’s hunt for tries rather than points from the boot were misplaced and it was the Hawks, who got both their scores from driving mauls, who were better in that area. However, it was a penalty, the quick tapped variety, that saw the city side into the lead after 14 minutes as it paved the way for Corcoran’s first touchdown. Both sides were plagued by handling errors but it was the Henley forwards who eventually nudged them ahead, Canterbury conceded penalties, Hawks drove hard from the lineout, and lock Ben Harrison claimed the try. Cail Cookland’s conversion from the touchline was good but Canterbury survived further damage after Dave Irvine’ yellow card to end the half two points behind. The second forty minutes was a tale of frustration as Canterbury were in control for long periods but when Hawks did find a foothold they made it count. Another organised driving maul was topped off by hooker Tom Emery’s try but the city side rebuilt and their pressure was at last rewarded through good work by the backs. Kyan Braithwaite made space for Corcoran to dive over by the corner flag which left ten minutes to find a winning score. Canterbury came close, but not close enough.

Canterbury
K.Braithwaite, G.Hilton, F.Morgan (repl S.Sterling), T.Best, D.Corcoran,F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (repl D.Heads), A.Cooper (repl E.Lusher), B.Young (repl J.Otto), D.Herriott, R.Cadman, D.Irvine, J.De Vries (repl J.Stephens), W.Waddington. T.Oliver

View match photos

v Henley - 5 March 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Johnnie Gaynor vs Weaveringg

Match report – Weavering 2nds vs Canterbury 5ths

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5ths 39pts WEAVERING 2nds 15pts

 

A depleted thirteen man Canterbury Zingari side racked with injury and COVID took on a strong physical Weavering side in their away league fixture. Despite some pre-match misgivings about some players out of their normal positions it was the city side who took the early lead through a Clive Johnson try, followed by Pat Collins touching down ten minutes later, and Will Rayner blistering pace saw him go under the posts for Kevin Stevens simple conversion. Weavering a little shell shocked by Canterbury’s opening aggressive play hit back with a try of their own, before the new boy Johnnie Gaylor fresh from the training ground and making his debut for Canterbury outpaced the cover to touch down out wide to give the city a comfortable 22-7 point half time lead.

The second half opening was almost a carbon copy of the first, with Clive Johnson breaking a tackle to stretch over the line. Weavering galvanised themselves using their forward to make progress that paid dividends eventually breaking the Canterbury defence out wide, and then took advantage of some slack tackling from a short-range penalty to put them within 12 points. It was Canterbury’s turn to absorb the battering until the last ten minutes when Johnnie Gaynor had his fairy tale finish after the forward set up the move for him to break through under the posts for Stevens simple conversion. Despite Weavering’s forwards continuing to pressure Canterbury it was Canterbury who finished it off, with Freddie Vion breaking from some scrappy play near the Weavering line to force his way over to seal the game.

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Jack Lloyd
Ukraine appeal - Makoshino Village

Ukraine appeal on behalf of one of our sponsors

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

It is very difficult at the moment not to be overwhelmed by the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine following Russia’s recent military incursion. It is not just world leaders and international business entities, sports federations, and charitable organisations scrambling to offer aid and support to a nation under siege, but individuals are also stepping up as the fighting takes a terrible civilian toll.

One such individual is Bennjamyn Smith, CEO of BRS education, and one of our Mini and Youth Section sponsors.  Benn has been working in Ukraine for 15 years supporting a village, and taking UK children from the schools he has worked at to run holiday programmes for children in Makoshino on the River Desna. Not only does he support summer camps that teach English, Sport, and First Aid, his organisation also financially supports the Kindergarten (Nursery), School, Hospital Palace of Culture (Town Hall, Drama Theatre, and Sports Hall). In addition to this, they provide financial support with purchasing of facilities, staff wages, and running costs for the Arrata or social services for the village and Mena District.

This weekend saw an intensive attack on Chernigov, the capital of Chernigov Obalast. What was not widely reported, is the attacks held on the local villages and towns that have crucial logistical hubs including road and railway networks. The area is under heavy fire, destroying facilities and amenities that are desperately needed for the civilians, trying to live and shelter there.

 

Benn has set up a Just Giving page to help support and rebuild the village of Makoshino, and asks that you please give generously if you can. we do not know how this conflict will end, and what will be left once the bombs and bullets cease, but we can help secure a future for the innocent civilians caught up in a conflict that was neither of their making or choice.

 

You can find the Just Giving page here

 

Thank you.

Royce Cadman vs Barnes

Match report – Canterbury 1st XV vs Barnes RFC

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 21 BARNES 12

By David Haigh

It was the staying power of a Canterbury side, who came alive in the second half, that sealed this hard won victory. Trailing by twelve points at the break after failing to solve the puzzles set by the Barnes defence their determination was rewarded with three tries. They fell behind early on after being pinned on their own line and centre Peter Weightman powered over to leave Rob Kirby a simple conversion. The city side had plenty of territory and opportunity to put that right but lacked the accuracy and patience to turn it into points and a second Barnes score brought more hurt. Despite a fine, try-saving cover tackle by Dwayne Corcoran, the visiting pack completed the job by driving James Bloxham over the line from close range. There was no more damage but it left Canterbury with plenty of attacking problems to solve and twelve minutes into the second half they began to find solutions. A turnover was won, the ball spread wide and wingman Corcoran left the Barnes defence flat-footed as he cut inside to touch down by the posts. Kyan Braithwaite converted but the game was into the last ten minutes before Canterbury nosed in front. The visitors were under increasing pressure and it told when new boy Dave Irvine, making his home debut, charged down scrum half Miles Lloyd’s kick, gathered and scored. Braithwaite nailed the conversion for a vital two points. That looked precarious as Barnes fought back in the closing minutes but a great turnover and raking kick earned Canterbury a five metre scrum. It was a department they dominated throughout the game and this time their powerful eight man drive won a decisive penalty try.

Canterbury: A. Moss M.Halliday (repl F.Morgan), S.Sterling, K.Braithwaite, D. Corcoran, T.Best (repl F.Reynolds), B.Cooper, A.Cooper (repl E.Lusher), B.Young, D.Herriott, R.Cadman, S.Churchyard (repl D. Irvine). J.De Vries, W.Waddington, T.Oliver

View match photos

v Barnes 26 Feb 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Match report – Canterbury 5th v Maidstone Vets

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5th 27pts MAIDSTONE VETS 12pts

Canterbury were at home in a friendly fixture to old rivals Maidstone Vets who always bring their own style of rugby to Merton lane. This was to be no different with these two well-matched sides holding a vast amount of experience between them slogged it out. It was the Zingari who managed to open the scoring followed by a sustained period of pressure that had Maidstone on the ropes late in the first half that saw Jacob Coffin make his debut try for the club, breaking from a rolling maul to dash 10yrds brushing aside the last defenders to score under the posts. Leaving himself a simple conversion. Maidstone hit back with a converted try but at this point the city side were in the ascendant managing to cross the line again, and were unlucky with the referee being unsighted denying Dai Bolt his moment of glory in his last game for the Zingari.

The second half saw the Zingari relying on the cushion they had built eased off, and Maidstone were back in the hunt scoring a try out wide, it was all about defence now as the city side reorganized and blunting the repeated surges on their line. New boy Denys Andrianjafy must have wondered what he had walked into but the line held. It was deep into the second half when the Zingari made the final breakout with another converted try to put the game to bed.

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Jack Lloyd
Thanet vs Zingari

Match report – Thanet 3rds vs Canterbury 5ths

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

THANET 3rds 22pts vs CANTERBURY 5ths 32pts

Canterbury took on league leaders Thanet Wanderers in miserable conditions at Callis court. The city side struck first blood with an opening try after Gareth Thomas broke through in the centre to touch down and give Kevin Stevens the simple conversion. Thanet’s response was swift taking a quick tap penalty caught the city’s defence off guard to claim a try wide out. Thanet then turned the screw keeping the city side on the defence only relived by Stevens slotting a penalty, but Thanet’s efforts were rewarded with a converted try just before halftime to give them a slender two-point lead.

The second half didn’t start well for Canterbury conceding an early penalty before the city started to take control twenty minutes into the half with Kevin Stevens picking up from a maul, selling the dummy to go under the posts giving himself the simple conversion. This opened a purple patch for the city, with Patrick Collins slicing through the defence to touch down followed by Richard Collins chasing a kick through a flat defence to gather under the posts for the simple conversion by Stevens. With fifteen minutes to go Thanet stepped up a gear and it was now Canterbury defence that was tested they held out before conceding a converted try at the end of normal time, however deep into injury time, Canterbury were awarded a long-distance penalty that Stevens slotted to put the game out of sight.