As the season draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what has been one of the most remarkable campaigns in our club’s proud history. From Minis to Seniors, at every level of the Black & Amber journey, there has been something to celebrate – from hosting county tournaments for the first time, to exacting revenge in hard-fought rematches, and of course, lifting multiple league titles and championship trophies.
There’s never been a better time to be part of Canterbury Rugby Club.
As we look to the future, change is inevitable, and we’ll be sharing more about that in the final issue of Around the Ground later this season. But one farewell deserves special mention now – the imminent departure of Ted Phillips and the end of an era with Saucy Flo’s.
Ted joined the club 25 years ago and has been at the heart of nearly every event we’ve hosted – from pre-match lunches in the marquee, to steak and curry nights in the clubhouse, and post-match meals for players young and old. His food has fuelled generations of players and helped bring our community together week in, week out.
So next time you see him, shake his hand and wish him well. As the saying goes, an army marches on its stomach – and the Black & Amber march has certainly been made all the more enjoyable thanks to the brilliant service of Ted and his team at Saucy Flo’s.
Watch this space though, in June we will be taking the club’s catering function back in house.
Scores roundup
1st XV 42 – 35 Dorking: Two late tries from a dominant Canterbury pack sealed a thrilling victory over Dorking and guaranteed the city side a fourth-place finish in National 2 East – their best in three seasons. The result also ended Dorking’s hopes of a league title, handing the crown to fellow Kent side Tonbridge Juddians.
A bumper crowd at the Marine Travel Ground were treated to a pulsating contest featuring ten tries, four lead changes, and emotional farewells for long-serving club legends Tom Best and Danny Herriott, who both made their final home appearances.
Canterbury built an early 13-0 lead through two Frank Reynolds penalties and a try for Frank Morgan, set up by a sharp Harry Sloan kick following a Dorking handling error. But the visitors responded strongly, and by half-time had edged ahead 21-20, despite a stunning solo effort from Aiden Moss, who carved through the defence from 45 metres.
The second half followed the same end-to-end pattern. Dorking’s Bryan Hotston crossed early on, but after a Reynolds penalty and a yellow card for the visitors’ captain Will Scholes, momentum began to shift. Harry Sloan capitalised on the change in pack power with a try, only for Dorking to hit back immediately via Henry Anscombe.
But the final ten minutes belonged to the Black and Ambers. With their forwards in full flow, Tyler Oliver and Eoin O’Donoghue both crashed over from driving mauls to complete an epic comeback and a memorable home finale.
A fitting end to a fantastic campaign – and a fond farewell for two club stalwarts.
U23’s Prodigals 27 – 24 Sevenoaks U23’s: The Prodigals claimed their first win of the season in dramatic style with a hard-fought 27-24 victory over a quick and physical Sevenoaks side, showing grit and determination to overturn an early deficit.
After a heavy loss earlier in the season to Tonbridge Juddians U23s, the squad regrouped and came out firing. The match opened at a blistering pace with both teams trading breaks, but it was Sevenoaks who struck first, capitalising on a resolute but stretched Prodigals defence.
A second try for the visitors threatened to open the floodgates, but captain Isaac Divine powered over to pull one back, narrowing the gap to 5-14. Canterbury’s physicality began to tell, and a dominant spell saw Emmanuel Fisher bulldoze over from a quick-tap penalty, followed by a try from Patrick McCully to give the home side a slender 15-14 half-time lead.
The second half continued at high intensity, with both teams vying for control. Divine and Lucas Eule led by example, putting in huge shifts in contact and providing the platform for two more scores, allowing Canterbury to edge ahead in a thrilling encounter.
Sevenoaks pushed hard to the final whistle, but the Black & Ambers held firm to secure a well-deserved and long-awaited victory.
Canterbury Colts A 29 – 22 Sidcup:
Canterbury Colts B: Goblet runners up – Kent Colts 7’s
Next fixtures
Friday
Canterbury Colts Year 13 Leavers v CRFC ACE Barbarians Home – Friday Night Lights KO 7.00pm
Saturday
Canterbury Sin Binners v RC Emmen Home: KO 2.00pm
The will be no Mini & Youth activity due to it being Easter Weekend.
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.
Big Chop Raises Big Money
Mention 1st XV player Kurt Heatherley around the club and you’ll usually hear, “Oh, the fella with the massive hair.” Well – not anymore!
Last Saturday, Kurt took to the stage in the Marquee and had his famous locks shaved off, all in support of Donations With a Difference. In the build-up, it was impossible to miss the flurry of fundraising activity, with Ella Brocklebank doing an outstanding job raising awareness and encouraging donations across the club.
Come 5.00pm, all eyes were on Kurt and Martyn from Chaps Male Grooming, who was prepped and ready with clippers in hand. The initial target was £7,000 – a bold goal. But by the time the final curl hit the floor, the running total had rocketed past expectations to an incredible £12,352.
A phenomenal achievement and a shining example of what happens when the rugby family rallies together. Huge congratulations to Kurt, Ella, and everyone who donated – you’ve truly made a difference.
Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!
Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.
Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.
Parking at the MTG
We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.
Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.
To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.
