Canterbury U23s Face Off Against TJs in Festive Clash

On Saturday 28th December, MTG welcomed TJs u23s and 34 of Canterbury’s sons back to the field for a thrilling encounter.

It was brilliant to see every Colts team for the past 5 years represented with 5 current colts also making a step up to U23 rugby.

200+ spectators got their Rugby fix over the Christmas League break and were not left disappointed.

Canterbury opted to head up the hill in the first half and started well with 10 minutes of sustained physicality and dominant ball carrying. However, TJs composure and skill set showed with two quick scores taking it to 0-12 after 20 mins.
Canterbury rallied well and worked their way up the pitch through pressure resulting in penalties. This sustained period of pressure saw Kyle Oliff break off of a driving maul and bundle over to take the scoreline to 12-7 with Owain Collins converting.

TJs, however, weren’t content with only 2 scores in the half. A turnover in midfield followed by some smart kicks in behind forced a handling error and TJs pounced on the ball over the line. Half time 7-17.

A brand new XV took on the second half with clear directives from the half time oranges: play in the right areas.
TJs, however, were fastest out the blocks with two more quick fire scores. With their 5th and final coming on the 60th minute making the scoreline 7-27.

There was still time for Canterbury to showcase the attacking brilliance they had threatened all game and this time the offloads stuck.
A 30m break saw a brilliant try in the far right hand corner to bring the final score to 12-27.

The boys worked hard and should be very proud of their efforts but alas were beaten by a clinical and well drilled TJs side. A side which boasts two U18 National champion cohorts in their U23s squad. Congratulations to Adrian Geddes for being presented with a much-deserved Player of the Match award.

We would like to thank all home and visiting coaches and management for allowing this fixture to go ahead and look forward to welcoming Sevenoaks u23s to MTG on Sunday 13th April (1500 KO).