Denys Andrianjafy, Author at Canterbury Rugby Club

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 EAST	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
17-Aug-24	Esher	H	26 - 45
24-Aug-24	Harpenden	A	7 - 52
30-Aug-24	Blackheath	H	12 - 41
NATIONAL EAST LEAGUE 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Colchester	H	53 - 13
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks	A
21-Sep-24	Worthing	H
28-Sep-24	Guernsey	A
05-Oct-24	Havant	H
12-Oct-24	Westcombe Park	H
19-Oct-24	Tonbridge Juddians	A
26-Oct-24	Barnes	H
09-Nov-24	Old Albanian	A
16-Nov-24	Bury St Edmunds	H
23-Nov-24	Henley	A
07-Dec-24	Oxford Harlequins	H
14-Dec-24	Dorking	A
21-Dec-24	Sevenoaks	H
11-Jan-25	Worthing	A
18-Jan-25	Guernsey	H
25-Jan-25	Havant	A
08-Feb-25	Westcombe Park	A
15-Feb-25	Tonbridge Juddians	H
01-Mar-25	Barnes	A
08-Mar-25	Old Albanian	H
15-Mar-25	Bury St Edmunds	A
22-Mar-15	Henley	H
05-Apr-25	Oxford Harlequins	A
12-Apr-25	Dorking	H
26-Apr-25	Colchester	A

WOMEN'S NC 1 SOUTH EAST (SOUTH)	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH EAST 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
15-Sep-24	Horsham Women	A
22-Sep-24	Medway ladies	H
13-Oct-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	A
20-Oct-24	Heathfield & W Ladies	A
10-Nov-24	Jersey RFC Women	H
24-Nov-24	Pulborough Women	A
15-Dec-24	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	H
05-Jan-24	Medway ladies	A
19-Jan-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	H
09-Feb-25	Heathfield & W Ladies	H
23-Feb-25	Jersey RFC Women	A
09-Mar-25	Pulborough Women	H
23-Mar-25	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	A
06-Apr-24	Horsham Women	H

COUNTIES 1 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
24-Aug-24	Deal and Betteshanger Lions	A	MATCH CANCELLED
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 1st	H	0 - 10
COUNTIES 1 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Crowborough	A	15 - 21
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks II	H
20-Sep-24	Ashford	H
28-Sep-24	Charlton Park	H
12-Oct-24	Park House	A
19-Oct-24	Deal & Betteshanger	H
26-Oct-24	Bromley	A
09-Nov-24	Beccehamian	H
16-Nov-24	Dover	A
23-Nov-24	Cranbrook	A
07-Dec-24	Heathfield & Waldron	H
14-Dec-24	Sevenoaks II	A
21-Dec-24	Ashford	A
04-Jan-25	Charlton Park	A
11-Jan-25	Park House	H
18-Jan-25	Deal & Betteshanger	A
01-Feb-25	Bromley	H
15-Feb-25	Beccehamian	A
01-Mar-25	Dover	H
08-Mar-25	Cranbrook	H
22-Mar-25	Heathfield & Waldron	A
05-Apr-25	Crowborough	H

COUNTIES 4 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 2	H	5 - 3
COUNTIES 4 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Medway III	H	60 - 12
14-Sep-24	Sheppey	A
21-Sep-24	Rye	H
28-Sep-24	Dartfordians II	A
12-Oct-24	Old Colfeians II	H
19-Oct-24	Foots Cray	A
26-Oct-24	Kings College Hospital	H
09-Nov-24	Bromley II	A
16-Nov-24	Cliffe Crusaders	H
23-Nov-24	Old Williamsonians	H
07-Dec-24	Faversham	A
14-Dec-24	Sheppey	H
21-Dec-24	Rye	A
04-Jan-25	Dartfordians II	H
11-Jan-25	Old Colfeians II	A
18-Jan-25	Foots Cray	H
01-Feb-25	Kings College Hospital	A
15-Feb-25	Bromley II	H
01-Mar-25	Cliffe Crusaders	A
08-Mar-25	Old Williamsonians	A
22-Mar-25	Faversham	H
5-AprIl-25	Medway III	A

KENT RURAL B
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	SHEPPEY 2NDS	H
21-Sep-24	LEIGH 1ST	A
28-Sep-24	GRAVESEND 3RDS	H
05-Oct-24	DEAL 2NDS	A
12-Oct-24	VIGO 2	A
19-Oct-24	MAIDSTONE 2	H
26-Oct-24	THANET 3	A
09-Nov-24	SITTINGBOURNE 2	H
23-Nov-24	DOVER 3	H
30-Nov-24	LEIGH	H
14-Dec-24	SHEPPEY 2	A
04-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 3	A
11-Jan-25	VIGO 2	H
18-Jan-25	MAIDSTONE 2	A
25-Jan-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	H
01-Feb-25	THANET 3	H
15-Feb-25	SITTINGBOURNE 2	A
08-Mar-25	DOVER 3	A
22-Mar-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	A
05-Apr-25	DEAL 2	H

KENT RURAL C
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	H
21-Sep-24	DEAL 3	A
05-Oct-24	FAVERSHAM 2	A
12-Oct-24	FOLKESTONE 3	A
19-Oct-24	GRAVESEND 4	A
09-Nov-24	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	H
16-Nov-24	GILLINGHAM 2	A
23-Nov-24	LORDSWOOD 2	H
30-Nov-24	DEAL 3	H
07-Dec-24	WHITSTABLE 2	A
14-Dec-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	A
11-Jan-25	FOLKESTONE 3	H
25-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 4	H
15-Feb-25	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	A
01-Mar-25	GILLINGHAM 2	H
08-Mar-25	LORDSWOOD 2	A
29-Mar-25	WHITSTABLE 2	H
05-Apr-25	FAVERSHAM 2	H

Match report – Tunbridge Well 3rds v Zingari

Posted on 23rd September 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Zingari 40pts. Tunbridge Wells 3rd 39pts.

The Zingari take maximum points by the narrowest possible margin against a highly competitive Tunbridge Wells 3rd team. The city side were made to work hard from the outset with Tunbridge laying down a marker in the opening minutes with a try out wide. Canterbury’s response minutes later was equally swift with centre Will Rayner breaking the line to touch down and Simon Crossly conversion put Canterbury ahead. This state of affairs didn’t last long with the Tunbridge forwards forcing over out wide, followed by Canterbury wingman Joe Rumsey outstripping the defence in the corner. Tunbridge again hit back through their forwards this time with a converted try followed by Canterbury’s Will Rayner interception running the ball unopposed under the posts for Crossley’s conversion, that was to prove crucial with the final score. With Half time approaching Tunbridge hit a purple patch aided by some poor Canterbury tackling racking up three quick tries, and a conversion giving them a comfortable half time lead.

The second half started with Canterbury pulling one converted try back thanks to a jinking run by Will Rayner, and crossly conversion, before we saw Tunbridge’s best try of the afternoon with their wingman diving into the corner to touch down. However, from this point onward the city forwards raised their game producing attacking ball that stretched the Tunbridge defence. The city backs exploited the overlaps with Will & Joe running in tries for Simon Crossley conversions to give the city side the narrowest margin to sealed the game.

Tries
Will Raynor 4
Joe Rumsey 2

Conversions
Simon Crossley 5

Canterbury Women re-building

Posted on 19th September 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women 24 – 0 Farnham Women

After a challenging season in Championship 2 last year with a plethora of injuries in the squad, Canterbury Women have had a successful re-build during pre-season and are ready to take on NC1 this year, with the hope of topping that league again! Their first league game of the season, at home, was against Farnham, a strong club with two women’s teams. However, it didn’t take long for Canterbury to get themselves on the scoreboard with a try and conversion by Anneka Willis after only 13 minutes, making it 7-0.

Canterbury looked dominant for most of the first half, winning numerous penalties, but struggled to capitalise on these. After 28 minutes, there was a ferocious hit put in by fly-half, Kate Rutherford, leading to another Canterbury penalty and Farnham yellow card. Although a player down, Farnham dug deep, putting pressure on Canterbury who defended their try line valiantly, unfortunately giving away a penalty in the process. Farnham went for the quick tap, which was beautifully read by fullback, Anneka Willis, who took the intercept. Willis brought Canterbury back up to the halfway mark, with outside centre, Sienna Farrance, close by in support. Canterbury lost the ball in the tackle, resulting in a Farnham scrum, and a yellow card for Canterbury fly half, Rutherford, with four minutes left of the half. Last minute errors from Canterbury saw them going into half time just 7-0 up.

Going into the second half, with the Farnham yellow card back on, and Canterbury fly-half still in the bin, the kick off was taken by flanker, Lucy Relf, who had an absolute stormer of a game, putting in massive hits and stealing lineouts and turnovers in open play. Canterbury maintained pressure, and kept the communications up to make sure they dealt with the overlap until Rutherford returned to the field, six minutes into the second half. Once Rutherford was back on, she resumed tormenting the opposition with her kicks in behind their defence, and lovely grubbers through to create options for the wingers. Canterbury continued to pin Farnham in their 22, until they won a penalty, and a quick tap from Rutherford earns Canterbury another 5 points, bringing them to 12-0. The conversion was narrowly missed by Willis.

More exciting play from Canterbury saw them attacking back in Farnham’s 22, very quickly after the restart, with another line break from Willis, finding Farrance for the offload, who then sent it out to winger, Mel Harding, who plucks the ball from the air with one hand and making more yards for Canterbury but ending up in touch. Credit here to Canterbury’s forward pack who were dominant in the scrum throughout, with hooker, Inger Phillpot, stealing opposition ball on numerous occasions. A snipe from scrum-half, Freddie Caspary-Pearson, off the back of the scrum brought Canterbury to five metres out once again, then a lovely one-two between 9 and 10, put Freddie under the sticks to make it 17-0. Willis then added the extra 2.

Canterbury looked hungry for the bonus point try as Farnham restarted. More handling errors cost Canterbury a couple more tries; however, they still looked comfortable camped in the opposition half and eventually won a penalty just outside the 22. Rutherford kicked for the corner. The lineout was taken nicely once again by Relf, and Rutherford secured the bonus point with her second try of the game, making it 24-0. The tricky conversion from out wide was missed by Willis.

This was a great start to the season for the Women’s team, and they now look to their next game, away to Guildford, who brought great contest last season in Championship 2.

Forward of the match – Lucy Relf (7)

Back of the match – Kate Rutherford (10)

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham

Job opportunity – Backs Coach

Posted on 24th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury RFC are looking to strengthen their coaching team.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Backs Coach in the Senior Squad. The suitable candidate would work with the 1^st XV squad but, primarily be responsible the Pilgrims (2^nd XV) backs, working with their, Head Coach Jon Foster.

If you are looking to help shape the on-field success of one of East Kent’s highest-ranked rugby clubs, and wish to be considered for this role please email CRFC’s Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam with your CV and a cover letter –dor@cantrugby.co.uk

Application deadline 31/08/2023

Its coming home!

Posted on 18th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

What a fantastic achievement for our Lionesses! First, they win the European Cup and now they are in the World Cup Final in Sydney Australia. Come and join us at the Club House Sunday 20th August, where the match will be shown on all screens. Cheer the Lionesses on and watch them roar as they take on Spain in what is anticipated to be a hotly contested match. Kick-off 11.00 am.

The bar will be open, teas, coffees, and snacks will be served from the cafe.

See you there

European Touch Championships medal haul

Posted on 17th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last week, 10 England Touch teams descended on the small city of Vichy, France. With the thermometer tipping 30◦C plus, our fitness and endurance were tested to the max throughout the 4 days of competition. Going in as favourites for most categories, we did not disappoint!

Canterbury had representation in both Mens and Womens Opens categories. Vaughn Meredith continued his success with the Mens Opens team, coming away with the gold! After a tight 10-10 draw with Ireland in the group stages, England showed their class in the final to run out 10-3 winners against the Irish.

Lydia Ticehurst and Erin Payten won gold with the Womens Open team! Erin stepped into the side to replace her sister Danni, who missed out due to injury. England were the reigning European Champions and came into the tournament as favourites. They did not disappoint and went undefeated throughout the tournament, beating France 10-4 in the final.

This year was the first time a Womens 40s category was run at a European Championships! It was a milestone moment for European Touch and touch rugby in general. Suz Wilson brought home the gold with England W40s who went undefeated throughout and beat Scotland 5-1 in the final.

Eddie French had his first outing as an Assistant Coach for the Mens 45s team. It was a rocky road in the group stages with 3 wins, a draw and a loss to Wales but they pulled it out the bag in the final to beat the Welsh side 6-3 and take gold!

As the dust settles on an amazing tournament, the attention turns to the World Cup which takes place in Nottingham UK, in July 2024. With less than a year to go, competition will be fierce for places and we look forward to seeing our Canterbury players and coaches represent in those World Cup Teams!

Mini’s Pre-Registration rugby and fun

Posted on 15th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

*When?* Saturday 19th August at 11:45,

*Where?* The training pitch at the Marine Travel Ground

*What?* ball drills and touch rugby tournament, mixed ages, with a visit from the first team all before the 1st team play a preseason friendly against London Welsh, kick-off 2pm.

Please bring a picnic or buy from the BBQ and take this opportunity beat the registration queue for our membership secretary and stay around and support the first team.

Please can you register your attendance so that we know numbers for the event – https://forms.gle/ryZwxt5mnt69nnhA8

We look forward to seeing you there.

2023/24 pre-season games

Posted on 6th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Get ready for the 2023/24 season, as the anticipation for the upcoming pre-season games reaches a fever pitch. With adrenaline-pumping action and pitchside excitement, these friendlies are set to ignite the passion of rugby fans and provide a tantalising glimpse into what the new season has in store. As our senior squad fine-tunes its strategies and welcomes fresh talent into the ranks, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. Join us and cheer our teams across the line, and watch the fierce rivalries that will unfold on the pitch. The stage is set, the battle lines are being drawn, and the countdown to an electrifying rugby extravaganza has begun!

Friday 11th August – FREE ENTRY

Friday Night Lights vs Tonbridge Juddians at the Marine Travel Ground

U22’s kick-off 6.30pm
1st XV kick-off 7.45pm

The BBQ will be fired up. Saucy Flo’s curries and filled baguettes available pre-match and during matches in the clubhouse. The coffee shop will also be open serving hot drinks and cakes, along with the fully stocked clubhouse bar serving from 5.30pm. We have something for everyone!

Saturday 19th August – FREE ENTRY

vs London Welsh. Will the one-time London Welsh hero Matt Corker turn into their villain?

1st XV kick-off 2pm
Pilgrims kick-off 2pm

Food and drinks will be available from the BBQ area and the clubhouse cafe and bar, as above. The bar opening time will be 1.00pm.

McElvis will be providing the post-match music and entertainment – Get ready to sing and dance!

Friday 25th August

vs Blackheath away. Newly promoted to National 1, this should be a tough game, but the team is up for the challenge,

1stXV kick-off 8.pm

Saturday 2nd September

vs Sevenoaks away. Our season opener for the 1st XV, and friendly for the Pilgrims.

1stXV kick-off 3pm
Pilgrims kick-off 3pm

Come the start of the competitive season, the cobwebs will be shaken off and the Canterbury machine should be at full speed. Pull on your colours, bring the cheers, bring the noise, and get behind the players.

Touch Summer League Finals

Posted on 5th August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

The exciting Miles & Barr Touch Rugby Summer League came to an end mid July, with Premiership and Championship plates and cups at stake. For seven weeks, sixteen teams of mixed ages have been battling it out every Wednesday evening over forty-minute games at the Marine Travel Ground. Each game was hard-fought, faced-paced, and played in the best spirit. There was certainly a lot of laughter, but on the field of play it was deadly serious, and all were focused on the opposing try line.

All who participated by sponsoring, organising, officiating, or playing deserve praise for the way in which the season ran and the spirit in which the games were played. When the dust finally settled, all that was left to do was hail the winners and celebrate with all the participants, match officials, organisers, and supporters.

Championship Plate Winners: Hawaii Try-O
Championship Cup Winners: Human Touch
Championship MVPs: Will Rayner and Vicky O’Sullivan
Premiership Plate Winners: Horndogs
Premiership Cup Winners: Invicta
Premiership MVPs: Dan Eaglestone and Mille Knight

Winners were presented with their coveted prizes by the Club President, Greg Mayne, who said of the event

“The Touch section of the Club is hugely popular and successful, with a large number of players taking part, many of whom are playing or coaching at national level in different age group categories. The commitment of players, coaches, referees, and above all, the tournament organisers, must be applauded, and the continued growth of the Touch section will be supported by the Club.”

Suzy Wilson, Touch section Chair added

‘’Seeing so many people enjoying playing touch makes all the organisation worth it! We also had lots of new referees stepping up to help out which is great. Looking forward to next year! ‘’

A huge thank you to Miles & Barr for their generous sponsorship of the Touch Rugby Summer League.

Golf Day

Posted on 2nd August 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Wednesday 11th October at Faversham Golf Club.

Registration with Tea/Coffee and Bacon Rolls from 11:30 am
1pm Shotgun Start – 18 holes in teams of 4 Followed by prizegiving and a 2-course meal.

Only £280. Hole Sponsorship £100

Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book in a team or for more information.

Canterbury represents!

Posted on 21st July 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

The Touch Atlantic Youth Cup kicked off in Nottingham this week with 10 nations competing across 3 days. Teams have travelled from across Europe but also from USA, Cayman Islands, South Africa and China. England has teams competing in all age categories from Under 15s to Under 20s and we have players and coaches from Canterbury representing England across these teams. Touch is a unique sport as we have girls and boys teams but also mixed teams where girls and boys play together on the pitch.

Abby Pritchard and Iris Nasir are part of the Girls U18s team. Both have been playing for nearly 8 years and have previously represented England at Under 15 and Under 18 level. Abby has also played for Middle East Under 15s. Canterbury also features on the coaching panel for Girls Under 18’s with Flori Nasir stepping into the Assistant Coach role for the first time this year after. She previously captained the Mixed U15s and was a junior touch coach at Canterbury for a number of years. Lola Sanderson is a newcomer to touch and the great progress she has made has resulted in her being named as a reserve player in the Mixed Under 15s team. She plays for both Canterbury and Wolves.

JJ Lister is playing in the Mixed Under 18 category and Danny Ticehurst in the Mixed U20s. Both are making their England debut at this tournament! Danny also plays touch for Bath University. Eliot Nye and Matt Mayall are playing in the Boys U20s category. They have both been playing for about 8 years and have represented England at previous junior tournaments. Eliot was also part of the Mixed Open squad for last years European Championships.

Alice Summers is playing in the Girls U20s team. She has previously represented England at Under 18 and Under 15 level. She was also part of the Mixed Open squad at the European Championships last year. Lydia Ticehurst is debuting as Assistant Coach for the Girls U20s and she is also an England Womens Opens player so is a great addition to the coaching panel!

Matches kick off on Thursday 20^th July with finals being played on Saturday 22^nd. Follow England Touch on socials for a link to the live stream and regular updates!

If you’re interested in coming along to play some Touch at Canterbury, we welcome all players from beginners through to elite level. Contact info@canterburytouch.co.uk for more information.