Canons Begin with a Bang

The Canons began 2026 with a bang, beating Dartford Valley 72-3 at the MTG in their Counties 3 Kent clash.

As the second half of the season starts, the fixture was the first of 6 that the Canons sought to avenge following a close loss against Dartford in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

The intent was clear from the start, with Joel Poulter finding space in a first phase play in the opening minute to put the Canons on the board with the first of their 12 tries of the afternoon.  The game settled and following some resolute defence from the Canons after ill-discipline gave Dartford field position, a quick break was by a try from Ollie Jeffery, before Poulter grabbed the teams third.  The Canons began to dominate and within the opening 22 minutes, the Canons has scored the bonus point try through Will Rayner.  A flying Terrell Thomas scored the teams fifth try of the half to put the Canons 29-3 up at half time.

As the second half began, quick starting Poulter grabbed his hattrick after a marauding run from the kick off.  As injuries started to hit a depleted Dartford Valley, Canterbury scored a further 6 tries, through Poulter (x2), Jake Forrest, Rayner (x2) and Ed Reid.  5 tried from Poulter and 3 from Rayner ticked off a successful afternoon for the centre partnership, who’s strength and footwork found gaps all afternoon long.

The Canons have a break week before welcoming undefeated league leaders Sittingbourne to the MTG on 24^th January, in what is expected to be a physical and exciting fixture following the teams’ meeting earlier in the season.