Author: Becca Williams

Deacons Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

19 – 26

An ever growing Deacons side hoped to capitalise on the close win away a couple of weeks earlier. With some key regulars returning to the fold, both of the crowd went simply mild with the prospect of two 4th team heavyweights going at it for 80 minutes.

 

It was nervy from the off with the Deacons defending well but struggling to get across the gain line in possession.

As is often the case with the ever changing Deacons side, they quickly settled into the game mentality and went to work.

Despite picking up an early yellow (welcome back John after a season away for the birth of your daughter!) the defensive line was strong and counter attack was blistering.

Medway picked up a yellow to even the sides & Canterbury went on to score twice before half time.  Dan Head kicked the extras proving an asset from kicking wide to controlling the back line.

 

The second half bought some changes as the home side were honoured with some extra men.

Organisation and discipline were not our strong points across the second half first 20 and Medway dotted down twice quite quickly. Buoyed by their efforts the visitors had some wind in their sails & a desperate 5 minutes saw some more changes for the home side. With a reinvigorated scrum and set piece the game was on!

Medway were strong through the forwards scoring a try from a rolling maul, yet Canterbury were quick to reply, and with time against them, went for another.

Medway conceded penalty after penalty to see the home men get closer to their line.

But it was not to be. The clock went red. Medway had the game and celebrated like a crackhead on giro day.

Deacons needed 5 more minutes to finish the job.

Nonetheless. Spirit, effort, attitude, sportsmanship. Everything you expect from a Deacons side who gave it everything and played with heart.

We go again Saturday.

 

POTM – Ethan Tighe

Zingari Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Match Report. 04.10.25

Canterbury 5ths v Dartford Valley 2nd

Canterbury 12pts. Dartford Valley 2nd 33pts.

By Colin Scurr

 

The Zingari were away to Dartford Valley 2nds with a depleted side despite the lack of numbers and players out of position the city side gave they gave a good account of themselves against a strong well drilled opposition.  In fact, it was Canterbury who drew first blood with a crafty chip through gathered by Henry Collins to touch down out wide. However, Dartford soon rallied, and after some forward power play had a converted try under their belt followed fifteen minutes later with a similar play touched down under the posts for the simple conversion. The city side did well with some heroic midfield tackling stemming the tide but on the stroke of half time Dartford claimed another converted try after Canterbury just ran out of tacklers. At the start of the second half Canterbury looked as they might concede a Dartford ran in another converted try followed five minutes later with an unconverted try out wide. This looked as if this could turn into cricket score but the city side upped their game shutting down Dartford’s onslaught again with some aggressive tackling and winning turnover ball. It was a turn over ball in the last quarter that gave Canterbury’s Simon Jaynes space to jink his way through a scattered defense from halfway touching down under the posts. Just to add a little more to the final score line Piers Weigh stepped up for a drop kick conversion to give the final score a little more respectability.

 

Fighting Through the Storm: Canterbury Push Medway in Gritty Battle

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Final Score: Medway 29 – 10 Canterbury
Date: Saturday 5th October

The 5th of October brought a blustery challenge for Canterbury Women as they faced Medway away in the tail end of Storm Amy. With strong gusts affecting play throughout, both sides had to adapt quickly. Illness left Canterbury with reduced numbers, but this didn’t hold the team back from putting in a determined performance against strong opposition.

The game began with a knock-on from the kick-off, giving Medway an early scrum. Canterbury’s pack, however, were unfazed and dominated throughout the contest. The forwards set the tone with big carries from #5 Emma Alleyne, #1 Alex Mills, #8 Amber Waitimas, and #3 Lizzie Deverson, while #2 Inger Philpott, #4 Shepherd, #6 Payne, and #7 Brennan worked hard at the breakdown to secure possession and slow Medway’s attack. The strong winds made lineouts difficult to control, but #6 Rosie Payne worked tirelessly at the back bookend, collecting loose balls in both attack and defence and gaining valuable ground for Canterbury.

Medway were first on the scoreboard, breaking down the wing for the opening try. But Canterbury quickly hit back. A move called by #10 Layla Little opened up space and, after some excellent support play and offloads, #11 Alice Hayward crossed the line for Canterbury’s first try.

The back three, Hayward, #14 Lola Yuille-Clough, and #15 Emily Moriarty, worked tirelessly in the backfield, fielding Medway’s kicks and pushing play back up the pitch. In the centres, #12 El Crowe and #13 Lily Philpott combined well, using strong carries to punch holes in Medway’s defence and keep Canterbury on the front foot. Meanwhile, captain #9 Lucy Relf kept spirits high and the team organised, leading with encouragement and direction.

In the second half, Canterbury began to use the conditions to their advantage. Fly-half Layla Little managed the wind brilliantly, kicking downfield to relieve pressure and exit the 22, or finding touch with penalties awarded from Medway mistakes to gain territory and keep the side moving forward.

Canterbury’s second try came from Little herself, who intercepted a pass 30 metres out, dummied the defence and powered through with a hand-off to score. It was a moment that showed Canterbury’s willingness to fight for every chance.

With around 20 minutes left to play, Canterbury were forced to continue with 14 players after an injury. Despite the setback, the team kept their heads high and worked for each other, showing huge determination to try and prevent conceding any further points.

Despite their efforts, Medway made the most of their chances and stretched the score line to 29–10 by the final whistle. Still, in tough conditions and against the odds, Canterbury showed plenty of heart and resilience.

Forward of the Match went to Lizzie Deverson, who impressed with her work rate and physical presence just one game after her debut. Back of the Match was awarded to Alice Hayward for her tireless running, defensive effort, and leadership in helping to direct the backline.

A gritty performance from Canterbury Women, proving that even in defeat, the team’s fight and spirit remain strong.

The Women’s 1XV now look ahead to their next fixture, which is part of the Papa Johns Community Cup against Beckenham at home on Saturday 26th October. Please come down and support our women.

Scrum Kitchen Serves Up Another Match Day Winner

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury Rugby Club’s Pilgrims Pre Match Lunch is fast becoming a fan favourite, and it’s easy to see why. With delicious food, great company, and a buzzing clubhouse atmosphere, it’s a fresh way to kick off match day in style.

Following the success of our Brighton fixture lunch, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who booked and joined us. It was a fantastic way to prepare for the game, and your support helped make the day extra special.

Next Up: Saturday 18th October 2025

Scrum Kitchen returns with another mouth-watering menu ahead of our next home game:

Main Course: Thai green chicken curry served with rice

Dessert: Coconut cheesecake with pineapple & passion fruit coulis

Price: £15 per head

Schedule: Welcome drinks at 1pm, lunch served at 1.30pm in the clubhouse

Whether you’re a regular or joining us for the first time, we’d love to welcome you to the table. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of club spirit, shared stories, and the build-up to kick-off.

Thank You to Our Partners

Special thanks to our event supporters: Marine Travel, Preston Family Butchers, and Foodari—your contributions help us deliver a top-tier experience every time.

Bookings are now open—don’t miss out on the next one! Email Scrumkitchen@cantrugby.co.uk

Poppy Selected for Kent

Posted on | by Becca Williams
As a club, we are incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved, from her outstanding community work to now earning her place on the Kent squad.
We hope she had an amazing training session and can’t wait to see what’s next on her journey in and outside of the club.
Poppy, you’re a true asset to our club- well done!

Match Report: Canterbury Women’s 1XV vs Horsham – League Fixture


Posted on | by Becca Williams

Final Score: Canterbury 37 – Horsham 5

By Amber Waitimas

Canterbury Women’s 1XV opened their league campaign with a strong 37–5 win over Horsham, delivering a full team performance from start to finish.

The tone was set early on with a powerful run from debutant and Number 8 El Crowe, who crossed the line just five minutes in for the opening try. The scoring continued shortly after with a well-taken try by fly-half and co-captain Kate Rutherford, followed by efforts from prop Alex Mills and another debutant, winger Lola Yuille-Clough.

Canterbury showed solid structure throughout, executing moves from the training pitch while also adapting with some free-flowing phases. The forwards laid strong foundations with hard carrying and support play, allowing the backs to move the ball with confidence.

Horsham found a gap early in the second half and was able to convert their pressure into points with a deserved try for their afternoons hard work and efforts. However, Canterbury responded well, maintaining composure and control. Tries followed from Emily Kent, converted by Layla Little, co-captain Lucy Relf, and a second from Kent to round off the match.

Set-piece work in the second half was particularly strong, with hooker Inger Philpott winning the ball in the scrums and the pack putting in a dominant shift around the field.

Defence played a key role throughout, with Canterbury staying focused and aggressive in the tackle. Tries were well spread across both the forwards and backs, reflecting a true team effort.Forward of the Match: Lily-Inger Philpott
Back of the Match: Emily Kent
Both players stood out for their work rate and defensive contribution.

Further honours to all of our debut players this afternoon go to El Crowe, Rosie Payne, Lizzie Deverson, Ellie Rowe, Mary Trimmer and Lola Yuille-Clough. We are excited to follow their journey with us!

Canterbury’s next fixture is away at Medway on Sunday 5th October. Based on previous meetings, it promises to be a well-contested match. All supporters are welcome to come along and be part of the day.

Match Report: Gravesend 3’s v Deacons

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The mighty Deacons travelled to Gravesend and took their first win of the season in a close game of 43-41. When the boys arrived they expected to have 16 players, however travel issues and some late drop out meant that they started the game with 13 players.

Gravesend had a quick start scoring their first try within the first 5 minutes of the game. The Deacons weren’t going out without a fight. The boys defended with everything they had making hit after hit. But Gravesend weren’t letting up either. After they had scored 3 tries the boys faced another player loss due to concussion.
It wasn’t looking great for Deacons but they kept fighting. Two tries late in the first half meant that the boys stayed in the game finishing the first half with a score of 34-12 to Gravesend.

The boys knew they had their work cut out for them but were ready to leave it all on the field. The second half marked a turn around with deacons scoring quickly after kick off. But they didn’t stop there. The Deacons kept the ball in the second half fighting Gravesend with everything they had. The boys worked hard to stay in the Gravesend half and eventually were in the lead. But another injury and a yellow card meant that the deacons were now down to 10 players on the field. Gravesend seized this chance and converted their own try to make the score 41-36. The Gravesend crowd roared with excitement but the Deacons didn’t let this get to them. The Deacons answered this with their own converted try in overtime to win them the game.

MOTM – Josh Lamb for great kicks from hand and from the tee, an unrelenting effort in defence and great running with the ball

Match Report: Zingari 85 Sheppey 2’s 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Colin Scurr

The Zingari swept aside Sheppey with an overwhelming display of power and handling from the kick off opening their account with a Henry Collins converted try within the first five minutes after Sheppey lost possession in their own twenty-two. This was followed with Will  Raynor bursting through a tackle touching down near the posts for the simple following conversion. Next in line was wingman Piers Weigh finishing off a move to score in the corner for both his second try in his second game at senior level, with Horan adding the conversion from the tight angel. The city side looked in control their forwards especially in the loose setting up their backs with quick ball exploited first by Will Raynor, and then by Henrey Collins with successful converted try’s. With halftime approaching the final act was Jon Foster making his first appearance for the Zingari and making sure the forwards got in on the act powered over the line for another converted try to give the city side a commanding 42-point halftime lead.

The Second half started looked its was going to be much the same with Henry Carruthers touching down out wide within minutes of the kick off, but Sheppey had other ideas using their forwards to set up position near the Canterbury line before powering over for their first converted try, however, this was soon neutralised with Will Raynor completing his hat trick. Sheppey to their credit started a fight back with their forwards leading the charge giving their backs a few more opportunities with a kick in behind the Canterbury defence that was collected for a well taken converted try. This inspired  Sheppey and they redoubled their efforts putting the city side under some pressure only to find Canterbury could defend, and as the game went into the last quarter the Zingari were back in control winning quick ball from the breakdown that started a try frenzy. First to benefit was Simon Jaynes, and Jon Foster for his second try, followed by Henry Carruthers for his hattrick. Now deep into injury time Callum Townsend Henry Carruthers completed the try tally, and along with Rob Horans accurate boot  gave the Zingari one of their best starts to the season possible.

Match Report Dartford Valley 19 Canons 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Canons continue to chase their first win of the campaign as they fell to defeat against Dartford Valley.

In blustery conditions, the Canons absorbed pressure well in the first half playing into a strong wind. Knowing that they would have the advantage of the weather in the second half, the Canons restricted Dartford Valley to 2 tries, both scored from close range. 12-0 to DV at half time.

With clear instructions at half time as to how the team needed to play, the second half did not go to plan with DV scoring in the first minute from the kick off. Not deterred, the Canons fought back begin, with Liam Browne scoring the first of 3 penalty kicks 10 minutes into the half. Handling errors plagued the Canons however, which nullified any momentum that was building. In the 60th minute, Josh Lamb crossed the try line for the Canons, following some good play in the midfield. Penalties started to rack up against DV, but the Canons could not capitalise. Browne kicked his third penalty in the final play of the game to ensure the Canons scored a losing bonus point. Full time 19-14.

It was an improved performance for the Canons, who continue to settle into life in Kent Counties 3. With the next league game not until 11th October, the Canons have plenty of time to refresh themselves before facing early league leaders Sittingbourne.