Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Triumphs in Hard-Fought Battle Against Gravesend 4ths

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Zingari 34pts. Gravesend 4th 24pts.

The Zingari entered this contest as underdogs after losing out in an away match earlier in the season, and in the opening moments, it looked as if Gravesend was going to repeat their earlier success scoring in the opening minutes. Already five points down within the first four minutes after some sustained heavy forward pressure Canterbury took stock, and in what can only be described as a lesson in tackling put the heavy Gravesend pack on the back foot. This gave the city backs their opportunity to run the ball that paid off with a converted try, and again with ten minutes before half time spread the ball wide touching down in the corner for a 12-5 halftime lead.

The second half started this time with Canterbury coming out of the blocks securing an early try out wide extending their lead. Gravesend reply was again to use their forward power, but again the Zingari tackling was up to the task stopping the momentum often behind the gain line. Canterbury had the territorial advantage and with the game going into the last quarter broke free in midfield for a clear run under the posts for a converted try. The city side looked in control when they were struck with an injury reducing the side to fourteen with twenty minutes to go. Gravesend took full advantage throwing everything into attack securing a converted try. The Zingari held out until the last minute before the Gravesend forward managed to force their way over the line for a converted try, too late to alter the result but added a degree of respectability to the final score in this very hard-fought contest.

Canterbury Women’s Stunning 36-0 Revenge: Roses Wilt at Merton Lane

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Sunday 19th January saw Canterbury Women welcome, league leaders, Dartford Valley to Merton Lane. Earlier in the season Dartford Roses secured a dominant, try bonus point, home victory. But on a gloomy January afternoon the tables were turned with Canterbury securing a thrilling 36-0 victory.

Dartford Valley started the contest with a penetrating kick deep into the Canterbury twenty-two. A missed catch, awkward bounce, fumble, knock-on and the initial advantage went to Dartford Roses. However, a robust Canterbury scrum and flying defensive double tackle from flanker Lucy Relf and number eight Hannah Sandeman set the tone for the remainder of the match. Canterbury’s pack, under guidance of captain Daniella Charles, hit in perfect harmony and drove Dartford backwards.

Scrum-half Ella Jenkins and fly-half Kate Rutherford seized the momentum and engaged the running forward pods.

Dynamic carries from Anneka Willis and Sandeman created a clean platform for Jenkins to unleash the ever-lively Lily Adams , sprinting a well crafted switch line. Adams activated her deadly fend to cut through the Rose defensive line. High-speed rucking support from Emily Kent and Flori Nassir allowed Jenkins to make a darting break around the fringe. Jenkins executed a perfectly floated offload, to the supporting Janina Hassen. With an accurately planted fended and killer side-step Hassen broke the last line of the Roses defence to secure the opening try for Canterbury.

From the restart Canterbury looked to continue to assert themselves physically. Aggressive line speed in defence rocked the Roses and allowed opportunities for Inger Philpott, Amber Waitimas and Jo Cole-Biroth to carry hard and build the phases. Fullback Emily Moriarty was animated all afternoon, consistently mixing up her lines of attack and making countless metres to put Canterbury in control.

Synchronicity between forwards and back ensured Canterbury continued to build the territorial advantage. Rutherford took advantage of a disorganised defence, accelerating through a gap and beating the fullback to score under the posts. Converting her own try this saw Canterbury go into halftime with a 12-0 lead.

The squad were motivated to entertain the expectant crowd. Canterbury started the second half with the same grit and determination seen in the first half. Lily Philpott ran out to make her senior team debut alongside her mother, and Canterbury stalwart, Inger Philpott.

Prop Alex Mills created instant impact with her trade mark dominant carry, offloading to Rutherford who scored her second of the afternoon.

The ever-energetic Moriarty thrived on the relentless work of the centre partnership of Kent and Adams. All afternoon the trio consistently ran the ball over the gain line. Lily Philpott thrived on the pitch, immediately making an impression with her driving tackles which the whole squad has experienced during training sessions!

Jenkins utilised the dynamic forwards effectively to build territory. But when the time was right she took control with a quick tap penalty and scored to secure the bonus point. The roar of the crowd and Canterbury players could probably have been heard in her native Welsh Valleys.

Dartford Valley, by their own admission in the post-match speech, had expected to come to Merton Lane and dominate the encounter. They never gave up the fight, continuing to tackle hard and be disruptive at the breakdown. But with twenty minutes to go Canterbury had certainly left the Roses scrapping for possession and floundering in attack.

Following a turnover scrum in the twenty-two Sandeman rapidly attacked right wing driving hard into a wall of Roses players. Willis, always quick to react, picked the ball and headed for the try line. With solid driving support, from the pack, momentum took Willis over the whitewash.

With the clock counting down Canterbury were determined to hold the scoreboard and not let the Roses pick up a try.

A last ditch attack from the Roses, substitute Amber Shepherd once again made an impressive string of tackles. Wing Alice Hayward, as always, hit the ruck with persistent aggression and secured a quality turnover. From this point Canterbury attacked in glorious waves of play between forwards and backs. Forward of the match, Sandeman, unleashed her snake hips and sprinting thirty metres to score under the posts. As she jumped to her feet Sandeman was engulfed with congratulatory hugs knowing a victory was secured. Rutherford converted to close out the game. This is definitely a match which will live long in the memory.

The next fixture is Sunday 9th February, away to Heathfield.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last weekend we had an unprecedented Black & Amber 16 teams run out, with fantastic wins for all our senior teams. Our Mini and Youth Teams were out in number: two under 12’s teams, three U16s, and three Colts amongst others. The future of rugby at the club has never looked better when you look at the talent of the young players coming through the age groups.

This coming weekend we have even more games, with potentially 19 CRFC teams representing the club!

Weekend roundup

Saturday 18th January

1st XV 24 – 15 Guernsey Raiders: Canterbury silenced any doubts about their post-holiday form with a hard-fought win in a tough National 2 East battle against Guernsey Raiders. Twice coming from behind, the city side delivered a resilient performance marked by solid defense and key second-half tries, securing a 24-15 victory.

The match opened with Frank Reynolds putting Canterbury ahead with a penalty, but Guernsey’s powerful maul produced a try for James Burger. A Charlie Simmonds penalty extended the Raiders’ lead, but just before halftime, Reynolds set up Garry Jones with a clever grubber kick for a converted try, giving Canterbury a narrow 10-8 edge at the break.

Guernsey struck back early in the second half with a well-executed try by Sam Boyland, converted by Simmonds, and Tyler Oliver’s yellow card added pressure on Canterbury. However, a composed Canterbury side turned the tide with a Kurt Heatherley cross kick initiating a sequence that sent Harvey Furneaux over the line. Reynolds converted to reclaim the lead.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Jones, now at center, found a gap to score his second try, again converted by Reynolds. Despite a late surge from Guernsey, Canterbury’s tenacious defense held firm, securing the win and showcasing the team’s remarkable progress since their earlier season defeat to the Raiders.

Thank you to our sponsors Burgess Hodgson, CIO Investment Club, Maypole Marquees, On Architecture, and MMS 360 for your ongoing and invaluable support.

Deal & Betteshanger 15 – 54 Pilgrims: Canterbury Pilgrims claimed a commanding 50-15 win over local rivals Deal & Betteshanger in the “Battle of the Bests,” with Tom Best outshining his brother Ollie.

Pilgrims started strongly, with Al Evans, Max Campbell, and Gus Lister among the first-half try scorers, giving them a 40-3 halftime lead. Owain Collins orchestrated attacks with precision, adding conversions and exploiting gaps in the defense.

Deal responded in the second half with two tries, but further scores from Campbell and Henry Kenny sealed the Pilgrims’ dominant performance. They now prepare for a crucial match against Bromley on February 1st.

Canons 102 – 5 Footscray: The Canons delivered a masterclass in rugby with a commanding win over Footscray. From the outset, their dominance was clear, with clinical execution and unrelenting teamwork setting the tone.

The forwards laid a strong foundation, driving Footscray back and enabling the backline to exploit gaps with sharp offloads and precise passing. By halftime, the Canons had stormed to a 50-point lead, combining offensive brilliance with a resolute defense that left Footscray with limited opportunities.

The second half saw the Canons maintain their intensity, with bench players seamlessly adding to the attack. The backs dazzled, delivering multiple tries with pace and agility. Despite their struggles, Footscray showed commendable spirit, earning a score that was warmly applauded by the crowd.

This emphatic win solidifies the Canons’ top-of-the-table position, highlighting their dominance and teamwork.

Maidstone 2nds 12 – 35 Deacons: The Deacons claimed a hard-fought win against Maidstone in a spirited match that showcased their discipline and flair. Despite an early Maidstone error leading to Craig Fuller’s opening try, the home side responded quickly, keeping the score close. Finn MacCabe broke the deadlock with a try and conversion before halftime, leaving Maidstone a man down due to mounting penalties.

The second half saw Maidstone intercept for a try, leveling the scores at 12-12. However, the Deacons regained control with a rolling maul finished by Jadyn Moore and a string of well-executed running plays that led to two tries from Johnnie Gaylor and another from debutant Ano Masaka.

Player of the Match went to Johnnie Gaylor, with the entire team earning praise for their effort. The Deacons continue to grow their entertaining style of rugby—new players are always welcome to join the journey!

Sunday 19th January

Canterbury Women 36 – 0 Dartford Valley Ladies: An unbelievable effort from every single player! From the very first whistle, the team stepped up the physicality, hungry for the win and determined to dominate. Today, they played as one—and the scoreline says it all. To defeat the league leaders with a zero score is not just a victory, but a statement of intent from a team growing stronger and more confident with every game.

But this triumph wasn’t just about the players. Everyone played a part – the amazing supporters who cheered them on, the sideline family and friends bringing energy and love, the incredible Canterbury Girls match day squad, and of course, legendary photographer, Ken Matcham, capturing the magic.

Boys U12’s  Black 45 – 45 Sevenoaks
Boys U12’s Amber 45 – 15 Dartford
Boys Ash 25 – 45 Canterbury U13’s
Boys U14’s 7 – 35 Old Elthamians Kent
Boys U15’s 54 – 26 Beckenham
Boys U16’s Dev 38 – 21 Medway
Boys U16’s 36 – 29 Thanet
Girls U16’s 12 – 59 Ashford
Colts 2nd XV 50 – 0 Gravesend
Deal 50 – 5 Colts Dragons
Westcliff 24 – 36 Colts Tigers: Despite traveling with just 15 players, Canterbury Tigers pulled off a fantastic victory against Westcliffe. Facing early pressure, the team rallied brilliantly, showcasing intelligent play and dazzling offloads. Their spirited performance and open rugby style earned them a well-deserved win on the road.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!

Next fixtures

Saturday 25th January

1st XV v Havant – KO 3.00pm
Old Colfeians 2nds v Canons Away – KO 2.00pm
Deacons – Ashford Barbarians Home – KO 2.00pm
Zingari v Gravesend 4ths Home – KO 2.00pm

Sunday 26th January

Minis

Mixed U6’s and U7’s Grids – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.00am
Mixed U9 and U10’s v Sevenoaks Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am – 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Sevenoaks Top Orchard – 9.00am – 10.30am

Youth

Boys U12’s v Cranbrook Kent College – KO 10:40am
Boys U13 Spitfires v Sevenoaks Bottom Orchard – KO 11.30
Boys U13 Hurricanes v Dartford Valley Bottom Orchard – KO 10.30
Boys U14’s v Gravesend Top Orchard – From 10:30am
Boys U14’s v Gillingham – Away
Boys U15’s v Dover Top Pitch – KO 10:30am
Boys U16’s v Westcombe Park – Away
Girls U16’s v Tunbridge Wells Simon Langton 4G – KO 11:30
Colts 1st XV v Dartford Valley Colts Away – KO 10.30am
Colts Dragons v Tonbridge Juddians Simon Langton 4G – KO 11.30am
Colts Tigers v Westcombe Park – KO 11.00am

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Have you checked if your children are eligible for a Child Trust?

If you have a child born between September 1st 2002 and January 2nd 2011, are you aware that a tax free savings account (Child Trust Fund – CTF) was set up for your child with funds deposited into it, depending on the child’s date of birth, and their family’s income. The idea was the long-term tax-free savings pot would go up in value by their 18th birthdays. BBC News recently reported “New figures suggest £1.4bn belonging to 728,000 people is ready to be claimed now they have turned 18 – but many do not know the accounts exist.”

There are numerous resources to find out more information. There is a GOV.UK webpage – https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds that breaks down all aspects of the CTF including how to find a Child Trust Fun. The Share Foundation – https://www.sharefound.org/ also offers resources to track down Trusts within the CTF Register.

If you are not aware of the CTF and have children born within the designated date range, it may be worth you taking a look. One recipient discovered she had £955 in a fund she wasn’t aware of – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr82gejlxno

6 Nations is back at the Clubhouse

The competition kicks off again, and the clubhouse welcomes you all to come and watch every match, streamed to all screens. The bar will be open and look out on social media for any available food.

The fixtures are as following:

ROUND 1 – Friday 31st January

France v Wales: Stade de France – KO 8.15pm

Saturday 1st February

Scotland v Italy: Murrayfield – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v England: Aviva Stadium – KO 4.45pm

ROUND 2 – Saturday 8th February

Italy v Wales: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
England v France: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th February

Scotland v Ireland: Murrayfield – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 3 – Saturday 22nd February

Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 23rd February

Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 4 – Saturday 8th March

Ireland v France: Aviva Stadium – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v Wales: Murrayfield – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 9th March

England v Italy: Twickenham – KO 3.00pm

ROUND 5 – Saturday 15th March

Italy v Ireland: Stadio Olimpico – KO 2.15pm
Wales – England: Principality – KO 4.45pm
France v Scotland: Stade de France – KO 8.00pm

Come cheer on your teams with other 6 Nations supporters!

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

We are now offering a pre-match Saucy Flo’s curry meal for the following Pilgrims home games. A fantastic way to fill up, and warm up before cheering the team on.

1st February v Bromley
1st March v Dover
5th April v Crowborough

The cost is £15 per head. Book your place now by emailing saucyflos@gmail.com

We wish you all the best of rugby!

 

Deacons Deliver a Spirited Victory with Grit, Flair, and Teamwork!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Maidstone II 12 – 35 Deacons

Another team with some new faces, some returning faces; some young at heart faces. Maidstone enjoyed the home advantage with a spirited start that had their supporters in full voice. Capitalising on a Maidstone error Craig Fuller pounced and took us into the lead early in the first half. Maidstone replied almost instantly with neither team able to convert. A very hard fought battle ensued before Finn MacCabe found some space, scored, and added the extras.

The Deacons discipline has been nothing but exemplary all season and as the home team became frustrated at their lack of scrum dominance the penalty count added up and Maidstone went into half time with 14 men.

The second half saw Maidstone score from an interception. With the scores at 12 a piece the Deacons started to apply pressure. The reply was a fantastically worked rolling maul from the forwards to put Jadyn Moore over the line. With solid work from the pack in the middle of the park, the backs went to work around the fringes.
Some brilliant running rugby saw 2 tries from Johnnie Gaylor & a further from debutant Ano Masaka.

Player of the Match – Johnnie Gaylor
Honourable mentions for the entire team.

The Deacons continue to build; our brand of enjoyable, fun, occasionally flamboyant rugby. Get involved!

Games Disruptions

Rugby disruption at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

❄️ Due to frozen pitches, all scheduled rugby on grass at the Marine Travel Ground is off this weekend. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of action and team line-ups to get excited about!

💪 What’s Still On:

Pilgrims: Their game moves to the Simon Langton 4G, kicking off at 2:00 PM.
1st XV: The away game against Worthing is still going ahead, with kick-off at 2:00 PM.
Old Colfeians: As of now, this game is still on, kicking off at 2:00 PM.
❌ Postponed:

Deacons v Vigo 2nds is postponed.

🏉 Mini & Youth Rugby:
The only sessions happening at Canterbury Rugby Club will be those already scheduled for the Simon Langton 4G.

Stay tuned for updates on our social media channels and club website. Thank you for your understanding—rugby stops for nothing, not even the cold! 💛🖤

Winning ways in the new year

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Sunday 5th January
Medway Women 0 – Canterbury Women 10

Kicking off the second half of the season with an away derby, is always something to relish, even with sub-zero temperatures, torrential rain and howling winds!

Canterbury started the game playing into the wind securing possession with a rapid chase, by flanker Hannah Sandeman, from the kick off. Dominant contact at the ruck from Inger Philpott and player of the match Jo Cole-Biroth ensured scrum-half Ella Jenkins could spark the back line into action. A well executed switch between fly-half Kate Rutherford and centre Emily Kent resulted in a busted tackle and twenty metres gained.

A quick tap penalty from Jenkins and powerful carry from Anneka Willis resulted in further metres gained but strong Medway defence halted the early territorial progress. Canterbury continued to attack in waves, there was no chance for the backline to get cold with fly-half Rutherford setting up attacking lines of play from every angle.

The scrum was a battle ground during the first half and Canterbury used this to continue to build pressure in the Medway twenty-two. However, despite building phases Canterbury kept falling agonisingly short.

A strong Canterbury break from Kent working in harmony with her centre partner Lily Adams took the ball hard to the gain line. Adams accelerated through contact with a precision fend. She delivered a sweetly floated pass to fullback Emily Moriarity who offloaded to winger Alice Hayward. Last ditch defensive effort from Medway denied Canterbury from scoring the opening try.

Medway used the wind to their advantage kicking and chasing hard to spark a period of attack, using their powerful centre and experienced number 8 to lead the charge back into the game. Here the entire Canterbury squad thrived on the defensive effort following in the ever enthusiastic Lucy Relf pushing up hard from the line and driving Medway back into the tackle.

With neither team converting any chances the score on the board at halftime remained 0-0. Captain Daniella Charles’ buoyed but the commitment in defence leading into the break gave a passionate team talk encouraging the same energy levels in attack.

From the whistle Charles engaged her impressive conviction at the breakdown turning the ball over and engaging wave after wave of attack. Rutherford continued to use her exceptional footwork to break the advantage line. Pressure continued to build but the 0-0 deadlock could not be broken.

Canterbury’s manager Tasha Weir utilised the bench effectively bringing on Olivia Crebbin to bring precision power into the front row and dynamic flanker Alexia Scarpulla. This change inspired a second wave of energy across the pitch.

With renewed commitment the ball floated down the back line. Wing Flori Nasar cut back into heart of pitch and offloaded to Willis. Engaging her powerful fend Willis broke through the heart of the Medway defensive line. Two hard carries and pods recycling the ball at pace. Rutherford quickly moved the ball to Adams cutting an exquisite hard line. The deadlock was broken as Adams dived for the first points.

Canterbury continued to build pressure attacking in a series of well-structured phases. Medway became increasingly frustrated and the penalty count began to rise.

Centre Amber Shepherd took to the field and made an immediate impact with several strong carries and rib crunching tackles. Relf, always a bundle of energy, made a sniping break down the left wing. Solid rucking and quick accurate passing from Jenkins unleashed Adams. With her trade mark side stepping Adams exploded with pace to score a hard fought team try. Adams was enveloped by the entire team, with the clock in the red that was the win.

It’s always an extremely competitive match against Medway but the fact a huge crowd braved the elements to enjoy a match played in the true spirit of the game is testament to both squads.

2025: The year of the Deacon

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Exciting Times at Canterbury RFC: The Revamped Deacons Side is Here!

Canterbury RFC is thrilled to announce the official re-launch of the newly revamped Deacons side, which will serve as the Club’s Senior Development XV. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering young talent and ensuring a seamless transition for Colts players into men’s rugby.

With the Canons sitting comfortably at the top of Counties Kent 4, holding a seven-point lead as we move into the New Year, Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam recognised the need for a fresh approach to player development. The revamped Deacons team will provide a supportive and positive environment for young Colts players to gain their first experiences in men’s rugby once they turn 18. This innovative structure aims to nurture their growth and prepare them for the next stage of their rugby journey.

One individual who has been instrumental in driving this transformation is Pete Demery. At the beginning of the 2024/25 season, Pete, the father of Pilgrim’s Hooker Aiden, stepped up to take on the dual role of captain and manager for the Deacons as they embarked on their Kent Rural B campaign. Despite navigating a challenging landscape, Pete has excelled in his role, creating opportunities for young players from recent Colts squads and current Christchurch University students to shine under his guidance.

This Saturday marks an exciting milestone for the Deacons with the official “Colts Takeover”. Seven current Colts players will don the Deacons jersey in an away game at Gravesend. They’ll be joined by four students from Christchurch University and three Colts coaches, forming a dynamic blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise. Adding to this balanced mix is the return of Jez Weigh, a veteran player and father of 2025 Colt Dragons’ Co-Captain, Piers, whose presence will undoubtedly provide valuable leadership.

We encourage all Canterbury RFC supporters to come down to Donald Biggs Drive and cheer on the lads this Saturday. The team’s blend of talent, ambition, and dedication promises an exciting game and a bright future for Canterbury RFC.

Join us in celebrating this new chapter for the Deacons and showing your support for the next generation of rugby stars. Go, Deacons!

Adrian Geddes - PotM - Prodigals v Tjs and West Kent U23's

Canterbury U23s Face Off Against TJs in Festive Clash

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

On Saturday 28th December, MTG welcomed TJs u23s and 34 of Canterbury’s sons back to the field for a thrilling encounter.

It was brilliant to see every Colts team for the past 5 years represented with 5 current colts also making a step up to U23 rugby.

200+ spectators got their Rugby fix over the Christmas League break and were not left disappointed.

Canterbury opted to head up the hill in the first half and started well with 10 minutes of sustained physicality and dominant ball carrying. However, TJs composure and skill set showed with two quick scores taking it to 0-12 after 20 mins.
Canterbury rallied well and worked their way up the pitch through pressure resulting in penalties. This sustained period of pressure saw Kyle Oliff break off of a driving maul and bundle over to take the scoreline to 12-7 with Owain Collins converting.

TJs, however, weren’t content with only 2 scores in the half. A turnover in midfield followed by some smart kicks in behind forced a handling error and TJs pounced on the ball over the line. Half time 7-17.

A brand new XV took on the second half with clear directives from the half time oranges: play in the right areas.
TJs, however, were fastest out the blocks with two more quick fire scores. With their 5th and final coming on the 60th minute making the scoreline 7-27.

There was still time for Canterbury to showcase the attacking brilliance they had threatened all game and this time the offloads stuck.
A 30m break saw a brilliant try in the far right hand corner to bring the final score to 12-27.

The boys worked hard and should be very proud of their efforts but alas were beaten by a clinical and well drilled TJs side. A side which boasts two U18 National champion cohorts in their U23s squad. Congratulations to Adrian Geddes for being presented with a much-deserved Player of the Match award.

We would like to thank all home and visiting coaches and management for allowing this fixture to go ahead and look forward to welcoming Sevenoaks u23s to MTG on Sunday 13th April (1500 KO).

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Well, that’s a wrap for 2024. The last game has been played, and we look forward to New Year’s Eve festivities before rugby kicks in again on the 4th of January 2025!

Message from the Club Chair

As Chair of Canterbury RFC, I hope you have all had a fantastic Christmas, and it is an absolute pleasure to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Your support to us is invaluable and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It absolutely goes without saying that at any stage you wish to reach out to us then we will always be #yourclub #oneclub
 ~ Giles Hilton MBE – Club Chair

Message from the Club President

I hope all involved with CRFC had a very happy Christmas. From the players, coaches, and helpers right through all areas of the club, to all who work hard behind the scenes to make the club function, and to all who stand on the touchline in all weathers supporting the team of your choice. I would also like to point out all our sponsors and donors who help financially to keep the club running. This would include anyone buying a raffle ticket or a beer at the bar, generous sponsors supplying playing kit, sign sponsors, and Marine Travel for sponsoring the ground we all use. We have a great 1st half of the season, but we cannot rest on our laurels.

I would like to wish you all a happy new year and wish you all the best in achieving all your rugby aims. If for some reason these are not met just remember to ENJOY your rugby experience in 2025.
 ~ Pat Goode – Club President

Last games roundup

21st December

1st XV 35 – 22 Sevenoaks: Canterbury secured a 33-20 win over Sevenoaks, cementing fourth place in National 2 East. Despite a narrow halftime deficit, they dominated the second half, scoring three of their five tries and controlling scrums and lineouts.

Eoin O’Donoghue and Tyler Oliver crossed in the first half, while Alfie Orris, Frank Morgan, and O’Donoghue added second-half tries. Frank Reynolds’ accurate kicking sealed the win. Sevenoaks managed a late consolation, but Canterbury’s clinical display ensured they ended 2023 on a high.

Ashford 3 – 76 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims delivered a commanding performance in their final game of 2024, defeating Ashford 76-3 to stay top of Counties Kent 1.

An early Owain Collins penalty set the tone, followed by tries from Harry Chubb, Gus Lister, Guy Hilton, and Max Campbell. Henry Kenny finished a flowing team move, and a powerful driving maul extended the lead to 46-0 at halftime.

The second half saw more attacking flair, with Yannick De Moubray scoring twice and converting one. Aggressive defense and set-piece dominance kept Ashford at bay, limiting them to a solitary penalty.

This comprehensive victory capped a successful year for the Pilgrims, showcasing their strength across the field.

Rye 7 – 12 Canons: The Canons wrapped up 2024 with a gritty 12-5 win against Rye on a windy Sussex coast. Herbie Bowler opened the scoring early, and Ben Jones added a second try just before halftime, giving Canterbury a 12-0 lead.

Playing into strong winds in the second half, the Canons delivered a resolute defensive performance, conceding just one try while withstanding sustained pressure. A final defensive stand on their 5m line sealed the win.

With 20 wins from 21 games in 2024, the Canons look to carry their momentum into the new year, starting against 3rd-placed Dartfordians on January 4th.

28th December

Canterbury & East Kent U23’s 12 – 27 Tonbridge Juddians & West Kent U23’s: On December 28th, the MTG hosted a thrilling U23s match as 34 Canterbury players, spanning five years of Colts teams, took the field alongside five current Colts stepping up to U23 rugby. Over 200 spectators enjoyed an entertaining encounter during the Christmas League break.

Canterbury started strongly uphill, showing physicality and dominant ball carrying, but TJs capitalized on opportunities to lead 12-0 after 20 minutes. A well-earned try by Kyle Oliff, converted by Owain Collins, brought Canterbury back to 12-7 before TJs struck again, closing the first half at 7-17.

With clear directives, a new Canterbury XV emerged for the second half but struggled against TJs’ sharp execution. Two quick tries and another in the 60th minute extended TJs’ lead to 27-7. Canterbury showcased their attacking flair late in the game, scoring a brilliant try in the corner to finish 12-27.

Congratulations to Adrian Geddes for being presented with a much-deserved Player of the Match award.

Despite the loss, Canterbury’s U23s displayed resilience and promise. Thanks to all involved for making the fixture possible. The next U23 match is against Sevenoaks on Sunday, April 13th, at the MTG.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!

Next fixtures

Saturday 4th January

Pilgrims v Charlton Park – Home kick off 3.00pm
Saucy Flo’s will be offering a curry lunch for £12.50 per head from 1.15pm – Book through chair@cantrugby.co.uk. The clubhouse bar will be open from 12.00pm.

Canons v Dartfordians – Home kick off 2.00pm
Gravesend v Deacons – Away 2.00pm

Sunday 5th January

Medway Ladies v Canterbury Women – Away Kick off TBC.

Mini & Youth

Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s to Mixed U11’s at Whitstable RFC – 10.30am

Youth, TBC. Please check the Mini & Youth web pages for updates

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last weekend’s games

Dorking 34 – 35 1st XV: Canterbury claimed a hard-fought victory against Dorking, ending the home side’s unbeaten streak this season. The match came down to the final kick, with Dorking narrowly missing a conversion in the dying moments, allowing Canterbury to celebrate a well-earned win.

Head Coach Matt Corker praised the team’s performance, calling it “a big step forward” and crediting their aggressive breakdown play and sharp ball movement. Canterbury overcame an early setback to dominate much of the game, with standout contributions including Aiden Moss scoring in his 200th league appearance and Frank Reynolds adding three penalty goals and three conversions.

Despite a late surge from Dorking, Canterbury’s resilience and strategic play secured the victory, marking a memorable success at a challenging venue.

Sevenoaks 47 – 24 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims faced a challenging match against Sevenoaks, ultimately falling 47-24 despite moments of promising play.

The city side started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges with strong link-up play between forwards and backs. Their efforts were rewarded when prop Nathan Morris powered over for a try, converted by Will Hilton, giving them an early 0-7 lead. However, Sevenoaks responded with a flurry of four tries in 20 minutes, capitalizing on defensive lapses and a yellow card for Will Hunt, to establish a commanding 28-7 lead. Al Evans’ late first-half try brought some relief, making it 28-12 at halftime.

After the break, Sevenoaks added a fifth try, but the Pilgrims fought back, leveraging dominant scrums to score again and close the gap to 33-19. With momentum building and Oaks reduced to 14 players, the next score was pivotal. Unfortunately, a well-executed 50/22 and lineout drive saw Sevenoaks extend their lead to 40-19.

The Pilgrims secured a vital fourth try for a bonus point through Max Campbell, but a final Sevenoaks score sealed the 47-24 result. Despite the loss, the Pilgrims remain top of the Counties 1 table and will look to bounce back in a crucial match against local rivals Ashford this Saturday.

Canons 55 – 0 Sheppey: The Canons started the second half of their season in emphatic style, overpowering Sheppey at the MTG. With a well-executed game plan, they showcased both attacking flair and defensive discipline.

Debutant fly-half Josh Lamb opened the scoring with a solo break under the posts within five minutes. From the restart, Fady Sheta exploited space out wide to sprint 60m for a second try. The forwards laid a strong platform, enabling the backs to shine, with Jake Upward scoring twice before halftime to make it 24-0.

The highlight of the day came from Ben Jones, whose dazzling run and offload set up Jon Murphy for a memorable try under the posts. As Sheppey began to tire, Upward completed his hat trick, while further tries from Murphy, Harry Chubb, and Lamb sealed the comprehensive win.

The Canons now look to close the year on a high as they face Rye on December 21, aiming to strengthen their hold at the top of Counties 4.

Sheppey v Deacons: Cancelled
New Ash Green v Zingari:  Cancelled
Canterbury Women v Tonbridge Juddians Ladies: Cancelled

Hellfire 2 games to 1 Brighton Bucanneers: Hellfire emerged victorious in a fiercely contested 2024 Gill Laurie Cup tournament, showcasing resilience and determination against a strong Brighton side.

The opening game saw Hellfire narrowly edged out 13-16 despite a spirited fightback. Undeterred, they battled to a nail-biting 17-16 win in the second game, keeping the competition wide open.

In the deciding match, Hellfire’s composure and organization shone through. Under intense pressure from Brighton, they held firm to secure a 16-11 victory and claim the coveted cup.

A fantastic achievement for Hellfire, capping off an exhilarating tournament and 2024!

Thank you to Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Centre for allowing us to hold the tournament at their fantastic facility.

Tunbridge Wells 13 – 20 Colts 1st XV: Despite missing several key players to Kent U18s duty, injuries, and even skiing holidays, the Colts 1st XV rose to the challenge and clinched a hard-fought 13-20 victory against Tunbridge Wells in League 1.

The first half saw Canterbury struggle to capitalise on favourable conditions, with missed opportunities and last-minute errors keeping the score tight. Ruben Kalonji’s late try ensured Canterbury led 3-5 at the break, despite Tunbridge Wells opening the scoring with a penalty.

The second half, however, tested Canterbury’s resilience as the hosts capitalised on the wind and slope to take a 13-5 lead. A penalty from Oli Crowther narrowed the gap before Gam Esan’s electrifying touchline run brought Canterbury back into contention. Though the conversion slipped wide, Ed Thompson’s powerful try and Crowther’s successful kick sealed the win.

Strong defensive performances from Harrison Cook, Oscar Sands, and Piers Weigh’s key turnovers were instrumental in this gutsy away victory.

Boys U13 Spitfires 35 – 5 Blackheath: The Canterbury U13 Spitfires capped off their Division 1 Kent league campaign with a commanding victory over Blackheath at the MTG.

Despite conceding an early try straight from the kick off, Canterbury quickly responded with a score of their own just two minutes later, seizing control of the game.

While the set-piece battle was evenly matched, Canterbury’s speed, precision in moving the ball wide, and superior fitness at the breakdown proved decisive. Their dynamic play led to a series of fantastic tries, showcasing their attacking flair.

This comprehensive performance marked the Spitfires’ most dominant display of the season, providing a strong finish to their league campaign.

Boys U13 Hurricanes 20 – 20 Tonbridge Juddians: The Under 13s Hurricanes delivered an exhilarating performance in their latest match, battling to a 4-4 draw against Tonbridge in a contest filled with skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The game began at a blistering pace, with both teams testing each other’s defences. Canterbury struck first with a well-executed try, but Tonbridge quickly levelled the score at 1-1. The second half saw both sides trading blows, with Canterbury taking a 2-1 lead only for Tonbridge to equalize at 2-2.

As the intensity grew, TJs edged ahead 2-3 before Canterbury responded to level the game at 3-3. In the closing moments, Tonbridge regained the lead, but Canterbury’s relentless determination saw them cross the line once more, ensuring the game ended in a well-deserved draw.

This hard-fought match highlighted the resilience and talent of both teams. Though neither side claimed victory, their efforts provided a thrilling spectacle and set the tone for more exciting matchups in the future.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!

This weekend’s fixtures

Saturday 21/12

Canterbury 1st XV v Sevenoaks – KO 3.00pm:

We’re calling all supporters to come down and cheer on the 1st XV in their final game of 2024! Let’s make it a festive send-off—dress in your favourite Christmas attire and bring the holiday spirit.

We’re also collecting chocolates for the NHS, so please bring along what you can to spread some sweetness this season.

After what promises to be an exciting match, the celebrations continue! Dune Acoustic will perform three fantastic 50-minute sets starting at 4:50 PM, and the bar will be open until late.

Let’s finish the year in style. Bring your cheers, your festive flair, and let’s make it a day to remember!

Ashford v Pilgrims – KO 3.00pm
Rye 3rds v Canons – KO 2.00pm

Sunday 22/12

Canterbury Colts will be playing a tri-match v Thanet and another club yet to be confirmed, from 11.00am.

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel warmly welcome Sevenoaks RUFC and all other visiting clubs, players, and supporters.

We wish you all A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

After the Canterbury U23 Prodigals v Tonbridge Juddians on December 28th, rugby resumes 04/01/2025 at the MTG with Canons v Dartfordians II and Deacons v Gravesend 3.