Canterbury talent shines as Kent U20s secure opening win

Kent U20s kicked off their Jason Leonard Cup campaign with a hard-fought 28-22 victory over Hertfordshire at Blackheath RFC on Sunday, 30th March. The match not only marked a strong start for Kent but also showcased the exceptional talent being developed at Canterbury Rugby Club, with six of our young players selected for the squad – Owain Collins, Aidan Demery, Max McCormack, Isaac Divine, Bartholomew Johnson, and Brett Smith.

At Canterbury Rugby Club, we take immense pride in nurturing young players and providing them with the training and opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Seeing so many of our homegrown players representing Kent at U20 level is a testament to the dedication of our coaching staff and the hard work of these talented individuals.

a strong performance from Canterbury players

The match itself was a tense battle, with Kent taking an early lead before Hertfordshire responded to level the score. Aidan Demery was in fine form, crossing the line twice from driving mauls to help restore and extend Kent’s lead. Brett Smith also made a key contribution, finishing off a well-worked move created by Owain Collins, who later added a penalty to put the game beyond reach.

Despite a late push from Hertfordshire, Kent held firm to secure the victory. The performance of our Canterbury representatives played a crucial role in the win, demonstrating not only their individual skill but also the strength of our club’s player development pathway.

looking ahead

Kent’s next pool game is against Hampshire at Havant on Sunday, 11th May. We wish Owain, Aidan, Max, Isaac, Bartholemew, and Brett the best of luck as they continue their campaign.

This result highlights what we strive for at Canterbury Rugby Club – developing young players and preparing them for success at higher levels of the game. Congratulations to our players on their selection and their contributions to Kent’s opening victory!