Match Preview: Canterbury v North Walsham

It’s an unchanged squad that takes on North Walsham for the last game of the National 2 East season and it’s a significant day for the visitors who need to earn one league point to ensure they avoid relegation. It is also a special match for two Canterbury players. Sam Rogers will be making his 250th appearance for the first team and prop Billy Young plays his final game before heading for Championship club Jersey next season.

Head Coach Matt Corker writes:

“The final day of the season is upon us again. The first season of the new structure has provided more local derbies and all the excitement that these occasions bring with them. We have had some great Saturdays at the Marine Travel Ground (and one at the Langton!) with the all-action win against Worthing at home and the intense victory away at Tonbridge Judds as the highlight. When we have played to our potential, I believe we have put in some great performances worthy of the Canterbury badge. My honest reflection is that great performances have been too few this season and that is why we are at the opposite end of the league table to where we want to be.

The Pilgrims, on the other hand, have been such a fantastic success story. The turn around in 12 months has been phenomenal and to go from begging to get a team out to earning promotion and joint champions is something I think the club should be enormously proud of. Jon Foster and Jack Bairstow have created a great place for players to develop and create memories and John Mitchell puts in many hours to ensure that the boat stays afloat

The players have all been on their own journeys this season and there are seven players who have played in the National Leagues for the first time, four from our own Colts. This is a massive credit to the hard work the individuals themselves have put in, the development path within the club and the support they have received from coaches and family. I see the development of our own and East Kent’s finest as the future of the club and this will be something that we continue to focus our energy on next season.

When we travel around our league you can’t fail to notice how well Canterbury RFC is run and supported. The club is built on the hard work of the army of volunteers who give their time so generously to make our club a great place to play and watch rugby. I am extremely grateful to the many individuals and business that enable all players at Canterbury RFC to create memories for life. The amazing ten year commitment from Dave Thompson and his company Marine Travel to the club as principal sponsor to be highlighted, you don’t see commitment like that anywhere in world rugby!

It wouldn’t be possible for me to do my job without the support of so many people. My assistant coaches Alex Veale, Mark Livesey and Danny Herriott. Their input continues to raise the standards and move us forward. Mark will not be coaching with us next season due to his time becoming more squeezed. He has given so much energy in his time with us and I know he won’t be a stranger to Merton Lane after all he has given over the years. Chris Musgrove has continued to support the players and coached with his mental skills wizardry, and Carrick’s analysis support continues to expand and give us deeper insights into the way we and oppositions play. Charlie Bannigan has chalked up another season and he continues to get players back onto the pitch. He has been assisted again by Ben Cassidy, who has also looked after the Pilgrims on a match day, and Roz South and Skye Vurnum providing a high calibre massage service to the players. Andy Rogers has, as always looked after the team, and kept us pointing in the right direction and Chris Fullbrook always gives his sage advice on any tricky situations way beyond his role as a 4th official.

My final thanks go to the committee, for allowing me to lead the team for another season. It will always be a privilege for me to be part of such a great club. The other must go to the players. I am so fortunate to be able to coach such a motivated and entertaining group of people. My focus for us next season is to hit the ground running.”