Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Zingari vs Maidstone Vets

Canterbury 5th v Maidstone Vets

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5th 31pts MAIDSTONE VETS 15pts

It was Canterbury who drew first blood in the opening 5 minutes with their wingman Will Rayner side stepping the defence to break free touching down under the posts for the easy conversion. The reply was swift from Maidstone within minutes some powerful running forced their way over for an unconverted try out wide. The Zingari had to fight hard with Maidstone having the best of the territory before Jez Swan forced his way over the line on a rare visit to the Maidstone line for Canterbury’s second converted try. This was compounded just before halftime when Rob Paul picked off a loose midfield pass, and with the interception went under the posts for a converted try giving the city side a comfortable 31- 5 halftime cushion.

The second half saw The Zingari play with more confidence and purpose with Phil Cotteral first on the second half try list followed ten minutes later with Kevin Stevens adding to the total as the game went into the last quarter. At this point Canterbury took their foot off the gas, and paid the price against this experienced Maidstone side intent on breaking down the Canterbury defence soon claimed their reward with an unconverted try. Having lost the initiative, the city defence was tested against the Maidstone onslaught and held out until the final minute when Maidstone claimed their final try, this was not enough to affect the outcome but added a respectable final scoreline that reflected this contest.

Dwayne Corcoran vs Rochford Hundred

Canterbury 1st XV vs Rochford Hundred

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 46pts ROCHFORD HUNDRED 17pts

by David Haigh

After a bleak start to the New Year this was a resounding statement from a Canterbury side that produced seven tries and a dominant second-half performance. Covid restrictions robbed them of some familiar names but the city side brushed aside any doubts with their positive approach and attacking verve. Kyan Braithwaite and Chris Dudman traded early penalty goals before the city backs gave a taster of things to come. First, they worked a try for Aiden Moss before Rochford, relying on their forward strengths, replied through Harry Hudson’s close range, converted score. Dwayne Corcoran nudged Canterbury back into the lead with an outstanding individual effort from deep in his own half, but yellow cards for Tyler Oliver and Royce Cadman in quick succession gave Rochford a chance they did not miss as Number Eight Maciu Nagobi drove over and Dudman converted.

Down to thirteen players, Canterbury might have opted for survival but their mindset was different and Sam Sterling hit a line breaking angle for a try under the posts, leaving Braithwaite to kick the second of his four conversions. With only five points in it at the break, however, memories of a close game at Rochford earlier in the season were in order but this was a different city side. It took them almost twenty minutes of pressure in the second half to unlock the visitors but when they did there was no holding them. With Tom Best releasing his backs at every opportunity Rochdford wilted. The fly half’s cross kick gave Corcoran a second try and with Rochford’s Sam Fombo in the sin bin the gates opened. Moss, cruising into space; Tyler Oliver from a driving maul which rewarded a depleted pack’s great afternoon’s work and, finally, Best completing a break on the right flank rounded off a convincing and motivated display.

Canterbury: A.Moss, S.Sterling, F.Morgan, K.Braithwaite, D.Corcoran (repl G.Hilton), T.Best, T.Wiliams (repl B.Cooper), B. Young (repl A.Coopr) T.King, W.McColl (rep T.Rayleigh-Strutt), R.Cadman, D.Herriott, W.Waddington (repl V.Meredith), A.Evans, T.Oliver

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v Rochford Hundred - 22 Jan 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Zingari vs Ashford 3rds

Canterbury 5th v Ashford 3rd

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5th 52pts ASHFORD 3rd 31pts

Canterbury struggled against a heavy Ashford pack that looked like it would dominate the game despite Canterbury drawing first blood with a Will Rayner try. Ashford’s reply was swift with a try of their own from short-range and looked to dominate with another try ten minutes later. Slightly against the run of play fullback Tom Blackman who had made a devastating run from inside his own half ended up on the outside to touch down in the corner, quickly followed by Toby Allen breaking through to put the Zingari back in front before Ashford’s forwards took control with another try to level the halftime scores at 19-19.

The second half saw the city pack if not in control more assertive giving their backs attacking opportunities, first with Gareth Thomas scoring two try’s, and Will Rayner taking his second. Ashford came back hard with two try’s of their own, but it was the city who were in the driving seat first with the ball going wide for Toby Allen to finish off. Then in the dying moments Allen again was on hand to win a foot race after an Ashford mix-up in midfield to put the game beyond reach with a try under the posts.

Worthing vs CRFC

Worthing vs Canterbury 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

WORTHING 33pts CANTERBURY 19pts

by David Haigh

Heading into the last quarter of this entertaining contest the scores were level at 19-19 and it was still anyone’s game. A Worthing side more adept at taking their chances then clinched it with two tries in the space of five minutes with wing Jerome Rudder completing a hat trick. It is fair to say that the final scoreline did not reflect the spirited contribution Canterbury made to the match. Cruelly, they were denied a losing bonus point when their claims for a fourth try in a late attack were turned down. The day did not start promisingly for the city club with several players ruled out of Matt Corker’s squad and the blow of an early Worthing try from wingman Rudder, converted from wide out by Matt McLean. That came after the city side’s stuttering lineout handed over possession and before half time that weakness led to a second Worthing try. However, the flaws did not dent Canterbury’s resilience and the backs came up with a response to the Rudder score when Dwayne Corcoran’s run and chip ahead was chased down by Frank Morgan. A catch and drive finished by prop Ken Dowding gave the hosts a seven point lead at half time but two minutes after the break Canterbury were back on level terms. Scrum half Tom Williams eye for a gap, footwork, and pace did the trick and Kyan Braithwaite converted.

Worthing took the lead again when danger man Rudder was released for his second try, with McLean topping it up, but once again the city club found a positive reply. A driving maul sucked in the home defence before the ball was spread for Corcoran to make the touchdown and Braithwaite’s kick was on target. That was after 61 minutes but Canterbury orchestrated their own downfall in a five minute spell. First McLean countered splendidly after gathering a chipped kick and the backs handled sharply to make Rudder’s day memorable. The decisive blow came when Number Eight Frank Taggart was allowed to brush off two tacklers, put Rhys Morgan clear and leave McLean to add his fourth conversion. If that was demoralising Canterbury didn’t show it as they went in search of a bonus point. Corcoran might have done it but was pulled back for a forward pass before a powerful driving maul took the pack over the line. Hooker Tristan King was convinced he had scored, but the referee wasn’t. lt left the city side hugely disappointed and still in search of a first win in 2022.

Canterbury: K.Braithwaite,, S.Sterling, F.Morgan, T.Best, D.Corcoran, F.Reynolds (repl J.De Vries), T.Williams (repl B.Cooper), A.Cooper (repl W.McColl), T.King, D.Herriott (repl A.Cooper) S.Churchyard J.Stephens, W.Waddington, A.Evans (repl V.Meredith), T.Oliver

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 v Worthing - 15 Jan 2022
Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Garry Apps

Garry Apps – 1964 to 2022

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury RFC is sad to announce the sudden loss of a much loved Club member. Garry Apps unexpectedly passed away on Friday aged 57. Garry joined the Club in the mid 1980s as an enthusiastic but inexperienced player in the Club’s social sides. That enthusiasm, mixed with his pace and eagerness to learn, saw him through his first few seasons.

He showed organisational skills which allowed him to take on the captaincy of one of the sides, those skills allowing him to coerce, convince, and sometimes bribe players to turn out to ensure that games went ahead. Some may remember being regaled with tales of his fabled drop goal when playing for the Zingari.
After hanging up his boots Garry was an ever-present touchline supporter and attendee at pre-match lunches as well as Club events, and had been at the Club on the Thursday evening for the Club Quiz.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Cheers Fozzie

David Foster – 1966 to 2022

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are deeply saddened to learn David Foster, Canterbury Rugby Club life member has passed away, leaving behind his wife Wendy and two children James and Lucy from his previous marriage.

A member of Canterbury Rugby Club for some 30 years, David coached the Mini and Juniors when his son James was younger, played for the Zingari, and ran out with the touch rugby team in one of the social leagues. David also tended the pitches and grounds for some time, keeping them in pristine condition.
A few pints with Dave and Wendy down the pub on Friday was by far the best way to start a rugby weekend, his passion for his club was boundless as was his friendship to his rugby family, a gentle giant who could often be heard above the crowd roaring his encouragement to the team on match days. A larger-than-life character throughout the entire club, in so many ways if one individual summed up Canterbury Rugby Club, then that was Fozzie.
Alison Williams cheering

Alison Williams’ Funeral

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

A message from Ben and Sam Williams with details of their mother, Alison’s, funeral.

Funeral details for Mum

Dear All

Once again, we must beat the sad drum of time and let you know that after one hell of a fight it is finally time to say goodbye to a mother, friend, colleague, and incredible lady that was Alison Williams.

Her funeral will be held on Friday 28th January 2022, at 2.40pm at

Barham Crematorium
Canterbury Road (A260)
Barham
Nr Canterbury
Kent CT4 6QU

There is a celebration of her life afterward at Canterbury Rugby Club Merton Lane North, Canterbury CT4 7DZ

All are welcome, though if you are attending both the funeral and the celebration, we would ask that you please contact Kirsty Walder on  kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk and confirm, to assist us with the catering. We can’t wait to share a beer and a story and let’s see her off in the style that she deserves.

She did however have some requests:

For years Mum told us that she didn’t want anyone to wear black to her funeral and in her notes we can tell you she really meant it! She would like everyone to turn up in as colourful clothing as they feel comfortable and has threatened to come and haunt anyone who turns up in black – so probably best not!

She also only wanted family flowers and Alison has requested that instead of flowers donations to ’The Alison Williams Foundation’ a Charitable Foundation created through Canterbury Rugby Club to establish an Academy for boys, girls, underprivileged and disabled to further their attainment in rugby.

As you might expect from Alison there will be buckets on each door at Barham on the day to raise money.

Payments can be made to The Canterbury Rugby Charity

Handelsbanken, Canterbury Rugby Charity Sort Code 40-51-62 Account no. 24746710

Or cheques can be sent to;
Kirsty Walder
Canterbury Rugby Charity
Canterbury RFC
Merton Lane North
Nackington Road
Canterbury
CT47AZ

Please understand that through sheer volume of response it is impossible for us to reply to everyone but your voices have all been heard and hugely appreciated. We look forward to see you on the day and in between wish everybody happiness, peace and love as you continue your journey through this game of life.

Big hugs, kisses, cuddles, hand shakes or whatever you feel appropriate.

Ben and Sam

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women’s first match of 2022 was a top of the table clash against Blackheath 2s, the only team to have beaten the side this season. Before the game both sides paid tribute to Alison Williams, who passed away this week. Alison was instrumental for many years in the administration of Canterbury Rugby Club and was a constant advocate for the women’s team. Many past players will have fond memories of her cheering on the side lines with her dog Snoopy.  

Canterbury Women celebrated her life and passion for rugby in the best way with an impressive team performance, where everyone wore the Canterbury jersey with pride and a huge smile! This was a game played with incredible team spirit, positivity and running rugby which resulted in six converted tries.  

Poor discipline and difficult decisions from the referee made Canterbury’s life hard for the first 25 minutes. As the minutes ticked by, Canterbury regained some composure, before an impressive break and some deft handling allowed Hannah Sheppard to break over the line and put some points on the board. This score provided Canterbury with some much-needed momentum, and two further tries, by Jess Pettafor and Anneka Willis, followed before the half-time break. 

Half-time saw the coaches discuss discipline and strategies to exploit holes in Blackheath’s defence. The side came out with renewed vigour, with Canterbury dominating throughout the second half. Canterbury took control of set pieces, securing their own and Blackheath’s line outs. Fluid offloads, opportunistic turnovers, and dynamic breaks from both forwards and backs meant Canterbury had the bulk of the possession and some exciting phases of play, resulting in a second try for Anneka Willis. 

Building on recent training sessions, the team ran outstanding support lines, allowing club stalwart Claire Bernthal to score her third try in three games. Pressure from Canterbury, camped on the Blackheath line, meant a poorly executed clearance kick by Blackheath was swiftly converted into a hat-trick try for Anneka Willis. 

Ultimately, Canterbury secured a 42-7 win which ensures the team remain top of the league at the start of 2022. 

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Royce Cadman and Greg Mayne

Royce Cadman – 200 caps for Canterbury

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Congratulations to our mighty number 4 Royce Cadman on his 200th appearance for Canterbury 1st XV this weekend. Royce made his league debut against Clifton at home in 2013 and has been a regular first-team player since.

Looking back on his Canterbury career, Royce reflects that victories against teams that have risen to higher leagues are always memories to savour, but being a part of the squad that earned Canterbury promotion to National League 1 is the one of which he is most proud.

Tom Bes and Greg Mayne

Tom Best – 250 caps for Canterbury

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Congratulations to Tom Best on his 250th appearance for Canterbury this weekend. He remembers his first game being against Southend away (2009/10 season), only being called up early game day morning due to a fellow player having suffered an asthma attack. Not a lot of time to prepare, but he pulled on his boots and worked a good shift for us as ever.

Tom has many fond memories of playing with the team, beating Hartpury away (2012/13 season) by 1 point, and kicking a 35-yard penalty in the last 2 minutes when we were 28-0 down at halftime would have to be up there, but scoring the last try against Henley in the last few minutes to win the game to get us to the playoffs is definitely one of the fondest.