1st XV Archives - Page 11 of 16 - Canterbury Rugby Club

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 EAST	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
17-Aug-24	Esher	H	26 - 45
24-Aug-24	Harpenden	A	7 - 52
30-Aug-24	Blackheath	H	12 - 41
NATIONAL EAST LEAGUE 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Colchester	H	53 - 13
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks	A
21-Sep-24	Worthing	H
28-Sep-24	Guernsey	A
05-Oct-24	Havant	H
12-Oct-24	Westcombe Park	H
19-Oct-24	Tonbridge Juddians	A
26-Oct-24	Barnes	H
09-Nov-24	Old Albanian	A
16-Nov-24	Bury St Edmunds	H
23-Nov-24	Henley	A
07-Dec-24	Oxford Harlequins	H
14-Dec-24	Dorking	A
21-Dec-24	Sevenoaks	H
11-Jan-25	Worthing	A
18-Jan-25	Guernsey	H
25-Jan-25	Havant	A
08-Feb-25	Westcombe Park	A
15-Feb-25	Tonbridge Juddians	H
01-Mar-25	Barnes	A
08-Mar-25	Old Albanian	H
15-Mar-25	Bury St Edmunds	A
22-Mar-15	Henley	H
05-Apr-25	Oxford Harlequins	A
12-Apr-25	Dorking	H
26-Apr-25	Colchester	A

WOMEN'S NC 1 SOUTH EAST (SOUTH)	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH EAST 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
15-Sep-24	Horsham Women	A
22-Sep-24	Medway ladies	H
13-Oct-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	A
20-Oct-24	Heathfield & W Ladies	A
10-Nov-24	Jersey RFC Women	H
24-Nov-24	Pulborough Women	A
15-Dec-24	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	H
05-Jan-24	Medway ladies	A
19-Jan-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	H
09-Feb-25	Heathfield & W Ladies	H
23-Feb-25	Jersey RFC Women	A
09-Mar-25	Pulborough Women	H
23-Mar-25	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	A
06-Apr-24	Horsham Women	H

COUNTIES 1 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
24-Aug-24	Deal and Betteshanger Lions	A	MATCH CANCELLED
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 1st	H	0 - 10
COUNTIES 1 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Crowborough	A	15 - 21
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks II	H
20-Sep-24	Ashford	H
28-Sep-24	Charlton Park	H
12-Oct-24	Park House	A
19-Oct-24	Deal & Betteshanger	H
26-Oct-24	Bromley	A
09-Nov-24	Beccehamian	H
16-Nov-24	Dover	A
23-Nov-24	Cranbrook	A
07-Dec-24	Heathfield & Waldron	H
14-Dec-24	Sevenoaks II	A
21-Dec-24	Ashford	A
04-Jan-25	Charlton Park	A
11-Jan-25	Park House	H
18-Jan-25	Deal & Betteshanger	A
01-Feb-25	Bromley	H
15-Feb-25	Beccehamian	A
01-Mar-25	Dover	H
08-Mar-25	Cranbrook	H
22-Mar-25	Heathfield & Waldron	A
05-Apr-25	Crowborough	H

COUNTIES 4 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 2	H	5 - 3
COUNTIES 4 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Medway III	H	60 - 12
14-Sep-24	Sheppey	A
21-Sep-24	Rye	H
28-Sep-24	Dartfordians II	A
12-Oct-24	Old Colfeians II	H
19-Oct-24	Foots Cray	A
26-Oct-24	Kings College Hospital	H
09-Nov-24	Bromley II	A
16-Nov-24	Cliffe Crusaders	H
23-Nov-24	Old Williamsonians	H
07-Dec-24	Faversham	A
14-Dec-24	Sheppey	H
21-Dec-24	Rye	A
04-Jan-25	Dartfordians II	H
11-Jan-25	Old Colfeians II	A
18-Jan-25	Foots Cray	H
01-Feb-25	Kings College Hospital	A
15-Feb-25	Bromley II	H
01-Mar-25	Cliffe Crusaders	A
08-Mar-25	Old Williamsonians	A
22-Mar-25	Faversham	H
5-AprIl-25	Medway III	A

KENT RURAL B
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	SHEPPEY 2NDS	H
21-Sep-24	LEIGH 1ST	A
28-Sep-24	GRAVESEND 3RDS	H
05-Oct-24	DEAL 2NDS	A
12-Oct-24	VIGO 2	A
19-Oct-24	MAIDSTONE 2	H
26-Oct-24	THANET 3	A
09-Nov-24	SITTINGBOURNE 2	H
23-Nov-24	DOVER 3	H
30-Nov-24	LEIGH	H
14-Dec-24	SHEPPEY 2	A
04-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 3	A
11-Jan-25	VIGO 2	H
18-Jan-25	MAIDSTONE 2	A
25-Jan-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	H
01-Feb-25	THANET 3	H
15-Feb-25	SITTINGBOURNE 2	A
08-Mar-25	DOVER 3	A
22-Mar-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	A
05-Apr-25	DEAL 2	H

KENT RURAL C
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	H
21-Sep-24	DEAL 3	A
05-Oct-24	FAVERSHAM 2	A
12-Oct-24	FOLKESTONE 3	A
19-Oct-24	GRAVESEND 4	A
09-Nov-24	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	H
16-Nov-24	GILLINGHAM 2	A
23-Nov-24	LORDSWOOD 2	H
30-Nov-24	DEAL 3	H
07-Dec-24	WHITSTABLE 2	A
14-Dec-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	A
11-Jan-25	FOLKESTONE 3	H
25-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 4	H
15-Feb-25	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	A
01-Mar-25	GILLINGHAM 2	H
08-Mar-25	LORDSWOOD 2	A
29-Mar-25	WHITSTABLE 2	H
05-Apr-25	FAVERSHAM 2	H

WORTHING GIVEN EASY RIDE

Posted on 2nd October 2022 | by David Haigh

WORTHING RAIDERS 38 CANTERBURY 18

by David Haigh

An out of sorts Canterbury were made to pay heavily for poor discipline and basic errors which made for life all too easy for Raiders who cruised to a six try victory. The city side shipped four of those scores in the first half as they repeatedly gave away penalties and brought crushing pressure on themselves. By half time they were sixteen points in arrears and struggling to find a way into the game. Worthing took an early lead with a try from full back Fergus Guiry, converted by Harrison Sims, and they were always in front. A Frank Reynolds penalty goal put Canterbury on the scoreboard but they were soon on the retreat and a yellow card for Will Calder brought the inevitable punishment with a catch and drive try for Raiders hooker Elliott Luke. The one bright spot of the half for Canterbury came in the 29th minute when Cameron Murray powered over for a close range try but an attack plagued by handling mistakes and stray passes fell well below the required standards. Worthing forged further ahead with two tries before the break. A yellow card for Tyler Oliver and a penalty try was quickly followed by the bonus point score. Canterbury coughed up another penalty and Jonny Smith was driven over from the lineout. It wasn’t until the last quarter of the game that the city side came to life. By then Raiders were out of sight thanks to Luke’s second try, converted by Sims, and the best Canterbury could hope for was a losing bonus point. The late momentum brought two tries for the hard working Billy Young, sandwiched by Raiders’ last touchdown, another close quarter blast finished by Ethan Clarke. That consolation bonus point was clearly on offer as Canterbury’s backs launched the final attack of the game but the accuracy that was missing all afternoon denied them again.

Canterbury: M.Halliday, F.Morgan, W.Waddington, T.Best, G.Hilton, F.Reynolds, W.Calder, B.Young, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, C.Murray, T.Oliver. Replacements: A.Cooper, E.Lusher, R.Cadman, B.Cooper, R.Howard

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

WORTHING V CANTERBURY PREVIEW

Posted on 30th September 2022 | by David Haigh

From Head Coach Matt Corker.

Last Saturday was a tough day. I said after the game on the live stream that we must be humble, and I stand by that. Blackheath were ruthless in their attack, and we paid for our mistakes. The thing that I was saddest about is that we didn’t fire a shot. We have an exciting and high energy attack. I can back that up with the tries we have scored this season, twice having periods of scoring three tries in quick succession, but we didn’t see any of that last weekend. The other obvious shortcoming on our stat sheet was the number of missed tackles. This isn’t a feature of our defence, something that we take great pride in. We know it is not possible to win a game against the best team in the league and miss that number of tackles. This will be an area we will be looking for a big turn around on Saturday.
The lads are driven to create an environment to be proud of and turned up on Tuesday ready to work and right the wrongs of the weekend. Worthing away has always been a tough fixture and this season will not be any different. We have focused on some clear targets that will get us back to using our strengths and the way we want to play. I have made some changes to the team as I believe that with the strength we have throughout the squad it is important to give other players their opportunity to show what they are capable of. Our unbeaten away record will be tested, and it is just what we need after the result against Blackheath.

The changes to last week’s squad see scrum half Will Calder make his first start and wing Max Halliday switch to full back. Cameron Murray will be at open side flanker and skipper Jamie Stephens wears the Number 6 shirt. Lock Royce Cadman makes his first appearance of the season as a bench replacement.after recovering from injury.

CANTERBURY TALES

Old Boys Club

Last week’s all Kent clash with Blackheath saw a continuation of the strong links with Canterbury over many seasons. The front rows needed no introduction as the Canterbury three, Billy Young, Nathan Morris and Danny Herriott, are all recent wearers of the Blackheath shirt. The exchange of players with Blackheath has always been a two way street with Matty Stewart leaving Canterbury and heading to South East London before winning over 30 international caps for Scotland. Highly rated back row players Ken Aseme and Leon White played great rugby for both clubs and Baden Meeu was a hooker who swapped Merton Lane for the Recreation Ground, Blackheath’s old headquarters. Before them it was Nick Kingsman, father of Charlie, who represented both clubs with distinction Let’s not forget, also, that Aiden Moss started his senior rugby journey at Blackheath but it was Canterbury who moved him to full back where he found his natural home. As well as the playing side we benefited from the coaching skills of Mark Hanslip when his playing career at Blackheath was cut shot by injury while Danny Vaughan and Matty Stewart coached at both clubs.. The connections run deep but the rivalry goes on.

Looking For A Career?

The club is extending its already wide community reach next month when we host a Careers Fair. The event, on October 28th, is aimed at all age groups who wish to meet and talk to locally based professionals from a wide range of career paths. Among the fifteen local employers providing advice and guidance will be the Construction Industry Training Board, Christchurch University & Canterbury College. Leading motor sales group Barretts, one of the company’s welcoming the initiative, said: “As a family run business that has been operating for 120 years in the heart of Canterbury and Ashford, Barretts are delighted to be supporting Canterbury Rugby Club Careers Fair. As a group that operates with 450 staff across 7 franchises, including Sales, Service and Parts we have widespread opportunity for people at any stage in their life to start their new and fulfilling career.”
The fair will run from 10.00 to 14.00 with welcome talks at 11.0 and113.00 For further information contact Kirsty Walder: admin@cantrugby.co.uk Or pre-register at:https://bit.ly/cfc-oct-careers-fair

Blackheath Class Tells

Posted on 25th September 2022 | by David Haigh

Canterbury 12 Blackheath 57

by David Haigh

The score line does not lie and the gulf between these two sides in this Kent derby was plain to see. Blackheath took the city club apart with display of of pace, skill and organisation which brought them eight tries and confirmed them as unbeaten leaders of National 2 East. With players of the calibre of centre Jake Hennessey and wing Alex Harris they rarely let an opportunity go to waste. Between them the pair claimed five of Blackheath’s tries, Hennessey getting a hat trick and the elusive Harris grabbing a couple and making another for Freddie Owen. The real shocks to Canterbury’s system dd not surface for half an hour despite the visitors dominating possession. A kick and chase try for Harris plus a penalty goal and conversion from Tom Ffitch had Canterbury eyeing a manageable first half. That optimism was then shattered in a devastating six minute window which saw Harris, Owen and Hennessey, with tremendous footwork, exploit the city club’s defensive frailties. Ffitch converted all three tries, it was 31-0 at the break and the match had ebbed away from the home side. At the start of the second half and with the wind now in their favour, Canterbury raised faint hopes by making the first score. A yellow card for Blackheath’s Marcus Burcham brought a penalty and a catch and drive opportunity and Alex Evans got the touchdown. That, however, was a minor blip for a side that revealed its class with another four tries. Canterbury’s best efforts were at the set pieces where the pack did a solid job but when ball was moved wide it was a different story. Clever off loading and support work, with players always available either side of the ball carriers, was in sharp contrast to a pedestrian and wilting Canterbury. Hennessey, twice, Steve Leonard and Jake Lloyd crowned all the good work and Ffitch slotted three conversions. An outplayed city club did make a defiant final statement through an 80th minute catch and drive score by Jamie Stephens which Frank Reynolds converted.

Canterbury: R.Howard, G.Hilton. W.Waddington. T.Best, (rep F.Morgan), M.Halliday, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (repl W.Calder), B.Young (repl A.Cooper), N.Morris, D.Herriott (repl E.Lusher), D.Irvine (repl J.De Vries), J.Stephens, C. Murray, A.Evans, T.Oliver

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

CANTERBURY v BLACKHEATH

Posted on 23rd September 2022 | by David Haigh

“Another five points on the road means that we have equalled our away wins from last season, ” writes Head Coach Matt Corker. ” We have put an extra focus on when we are away, as we know to be a team at the top of the league our strong home form needs to travel with us. Westcliff was a case of job done, but the performance lacked the intensity that we displayed against Tonbridge, something we will be looking forward to putting right on Saturday afternoon.

“The new league gives us another exciting local derby with Blackheath visiting us for the first time since we played in National 1. The team remains very similar to last week. Jesse De Vries returns to give us second row cover off the bench and Max Halliday is brought into start on the wing with Frank Morgan dropping to the bench after struggling with illness this week. Harry Andrews and Tom Halliday will both be playing for the Pilgrims at Dover this weekend and they were both very difficult selection decisions. It reflects the strength of our squad and how competitive it has become this season.

“I look forward to seeing you at the Marine Travel Ground for another great afternoon of National league rugby.”

Another Maximum Return

Posted on 18th September 2022 | by David Haigh

WESTCLIFF 14 CANTERBURY 34

by David Haigh

Away days are proving profitable for Canterbury when, for the second time this season, they scooped up a maximum five league points which lifted them to second place in the National 2 East table. They were always in control of a scrappy affair against a limited Westcliff outfit and six tries was a decent return from a mixed performance.
Three of those scores came in a first half in which Westcliff’s indiscipline cost them three yellow cards and their failure to convert three penalty kicks stopped them getting any sort of foothold.
Guy Hilton celebrated his birthday with the opening score, a smart finish to some good handling as the wing slipped his markers. Tom Best converted. The forwards, controlled and efficient, took the credit for the next two with Nathan Morris peeling off a driving maul and Dave Irvine crashing over from a lineout. Unnecessary penalties stifled some of Canterbury’s momentum but a seventeen point lead at the break was comfortable enough and they nailed down a bonus point three minutes into the second half. Centre Will Waddington made the break and did the support work for the fourth try and the city side were soon looking for more. Instead, Westcliff grabbed an opportunity as Jimmy Rea intercepted near his own line and made the running for Jimmy Hogarth to touch down and Brad Robbins to convert. The last fifteen minutes of the match, full of errors and little structure, were forgettable but at least there were three late tries to keep supporters interested. Westcliff gifted one to Harry Andrews as they messed up a goal line drop out before Robbins gave the home side consolation with a score converted by Harry Mount. Two minutes from the end Waddington, in excellent form, ran on to Frank Reynolds’ delayed pass to complete Canterbury’s set and Reynolds converted with the last kick of an undistinguished game.
.
Canterbury: R.Howard, G.Hilton, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan (repl T.Halliday), F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (rep W.Calder), B.Young (repl A.Cooper), N.Morris, D.Herriott (rel E.Lusher), D.Irvine, J.Stephens, C.Murray, A.Evans (repl H.Andrews), T.Oliver

Match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

MATCH PREVIEW

Posted on 16th September 2022 | by David Haigh

Last week’s physical battle against Tonbridge Juddians took its toll with injuries dictating the make up of the squad travelling to Westcliff. Debuts are given to backs Ross Howard and Tom Halliday while Frank Reynolds and Tyler Oliver are fit again and named in the starting line-up. Head Coach Matt Corker says: “Local derbies are always highly charged affairs and last Saturday was no exception. After playing some great rugby in the opening thirty minutes, and giving ourselves over a twenty-point lead, to finish losing was hard to take. Tonbridge’s two scores before half time reduced the deficit and in the second half scoring first put us back in control. From that point, though, we struggled for territory and errors in the Tonbridge half prevented us from adding to our tally. I was really proud of the commitment the team showed. Players left the field with injuries but were willing to return to try and give all they had for the team. This is a great reflection of how much our performance means to the group. The lesson for us is, if we want to beat teams that are expecting to be at the top end of the table, we have to be able to play at a high intensity for 80 minutes and be able to win the territorial battle.

“After that physical encounter, both Aiden Moss and Charlie Kingsman will be unavailable to play at Westcliff due to injury. Frank Reynolds returns to fly half after a short injury lay off. He doesn’t like missing games and will be keen to get his hands on the ball again. It is also good to see the return of Tyler Oliver into the back row. Westcliff lost narrowly in their own local Derby against Rochford and will go into the weekend hunting for their first win. We know from our visit last season that we will have to start with intensity to come away with the result that we want.”

PILGRIMS AT HOME
There is league rugby at The Marine Travel Ground on Saturday where the Pilgrims play their first home match in Counties East 2 against Southwark Lancers with a 3pm kick-off.

Canterbury Lose Physical Battle

Posted on 11th September 2022 | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 35 TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS 44

by David Haigh

An epic derby battle ended in huge disappointment for Canterbury who saw a 23 point lead wrestled from their grasp as Juddians turned up the power in the second half. After seeing his battered troops just fail to hold the line Head Coach Matt Corker said: ” I could not fault the effort the boys put in but towards the end we were struggling physically and that was the difference.” An absorbing National 2 East game produced twelve tries and Canterbury, after conceding an early score to Josh Groocock, rattled in four in the first half hour. With fly half Charlie Kingsman converting the lot they seemed irresistible. Aiden Moss made all the running for Ben Cooper’s opener and when an under pressure Juddians lost Rob Louw to a yellow card they were punished with two scores in three minutes. Tom Best joined a driving maul to touch down and in the 25th minute his switch of play and good handling paved the way for Will Waddington. There was more come as the fragile visitors were carved open again and Guy Hilton had the simplest of run ins. As a platform for victory this was as good as it gets, but before half time the cracks appeared and the momentum swung, almost imperceptibly, to the visitors. With former Canterbury man Harvey Young always a danger they had passed up earlier chances but now hit back with tries from forwards Luke Boon and Charlie Munnelly. With a couple of conversions from Tom White Canterbury’s lead was down to eleven. A lucky break early in the second half, when KIngsman’s sliced drop goal attempt fell into the path of Moss, ended with Frank Morgan trotting under the posts but from then on Juddians were a controlling force. Now it was their turn to dominate possession, build the phases, win penalties and and suck the life out of Canterbury. Tries from Matteo Petrozzi, Duncan Tout and Young brought them within a point of a fading and injury prone team. The telling blow came four minutes from the end as wing Bryan Hotston was sent across the line and White converted. To add to Canterbury’s many frustrations, White’s late penalty goal denied them a second bonus point.

Canterbury: A.Moss, G.Hilton, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan, C.Kingsman, B.Cooper, B.Young, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens, H.Andrews, A.Evans, C.Murray.

Replacements: A.Cooper, E.Lusher, F.W Edwards, H.Sansbury, W.Calder

Match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Match Preview

Posted on 9th September 2022 | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY V TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS

We go into the second round of National 2 East with a full blown Kent derby against a Tonbridge Juddians side smarting from a home defeat last week. We could not have wished for anything better than this fixture for the first home game of the new league season. The Canterbury side shows changes from the squad that made such a good start at North Waltham with injuries ruling out fly half Frank Reynolds (hamstring strain) and lock Jesse De Vries who took a knock to the head and stands down for a minimum two weeks under concussion protocols

Tyler Oliver and Tom Williams are still recovering from injuries sustained in pre-season games, In the starting line-up for the first time are back row players Cameron Murray and Harry Andrews while another newcomer, Harry Sansbury who has joined us from Westcombe Park, is in the squad together with Freddie Edwards.

Head Coach Matt Corker says:. “It feels great to be returning home after a long trip on the road last week at North Walsham. After a slow start, we came out after half time and showed how we want to play, and what we are capable of. In a 20-minute period we scored 26 points, and although we did concede a few tries late on, we were proud of the way we turned the game in our favour and earned 5 points in the process.

“I am looking forward to welcoming our rugby neighbours, Tonbridge Juddians to The Marine Travel Ground on Saturday. They return to our league after a season in National 1 and will be full of ambition to return at the soonest opportunity. They will have learnt a lot from their experiences in the league above and I am expecting the match to be a physical encounter, just like all the previous games between these two proud clubs.”

Canterbury; A.Moss, G.Hilton, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan, C. Kingsman, B.Cooper, B.Young, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens (captain), H.Andrews, A.Evans, C.Murray;

Replacements: A.Cooper ,E.Lusher, H.Sansbury, F.Edwards, W.Calder

CANTERBURY TALES

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

The National 2 East season got off to an intriguing start last week with defeats for Tonbridge Juddians and Worthing. With both clubs tipped to be strong title challengers those results, Judds losing at home to Rochford Hundred and Worthing away at Barnes, were a surprise. One game does, not, of course, define a whole season but it does suggest that this league is not going to be a walkover for any side. Worthing’s website put their defeat down to the absence of all their dual registered Harlequins players, none whom were available. Not a great advert for team building you might think Our own policy is now very much focused on producing young players through the club’s systems and surely that is the right way to go. One benefit of the revamped league set up was reduced travel. North Walsham away knocks that theory slightly on the head. The long trek to Norfolk last week was just like the bad old/good old days of National 2 South with the Summer festival of road works in full swing. Still, to play and win in front of a crowd of over 1000 made it worthwhile.

CHAMPION HILTONS

Last Saturday proved to be a good day for the Hilton brothers, Will and Guy. While Guy was strutting his stuff on the wing at North Walsham Will was playing a major role in St Lawrence and Highland Court cricket club’s successful title-winning promotion bid to reach the Kent League’s Premier division. Will, the team’s leading run scorer this season, added another half century to his total. For Guy, scoring our sixth try at North Walsham, it was a double celebration. As joint captain of St Lawrence & Highland Court second team he was able to dash back and join in the fun as his side also won promotion to the Second Team Premier division. For Will, it’s time now to ditch the whites and pull on the black and amber.

OFF TO A FLYER

Posted on 4th September 2022 | by David Haigh

NORTH WALSHAM 22 CANTERBURY 38

by David Haigh

A flying start to the new season for Canterbury with a six try performance that earned them a maximum five league points. A burst of 26 points in the first 20 minutes of the second half swung the game decisively their way and despite a late surge from newly promoted North Walsham they never looked in danger of being caught. It was an eye-catching transformation for a city side who were behind at the break and failed to shake the long journey to Norfolk out of leaden legs and minds. They were also faced with a home side keen to make an impression in front of a record crowd and who exploited weak tackling to take a seventh minute lead with a try for prop Frank Scott, converted by sharp fly half Matt Hodgson. Tom Best pulled one back after Canterbury forced a five metre scrum but they were dull and lacking any go forward. Hodgson’s penalty pushed Walsham into a deserved five point lead by half time. After forty minutes of flat and dispiriting rugby Canterbury’s change of mood caught everyone by surprise, not least the home side’s defence. It took only one minute of the second half for Aiden Moss to open a gap and Best to grab his second try. Frank Reynolds converted and Canterbury were on the march. The ball carriers were suddenly eating up vital yards, everyone was on the front foot and when a catch and drive opportunity came Nathan Morris finished off. The back division, now enjoying quicker service, joined in the rampage and came up with tries for Charlie Kingsman and Ben Cooper, and with conversions by Reynolds and Best Canterbury coasted into a 31-10 lead. For Walsham the last quarter was a catch-up situation as they searched for a losing bonus point. They fought hard but found it beyond them despite a touch down by Will Hodgson, converted by brother Matt, and a last gasp score from Ethan Sikorski. Those tries were sandwiched by Canterbury’s sixth when a fumbled kick set up the chance for Guy Hilton to stroll over and Best to put the seal on a day that, in the end, turned out very well.

Canterbury: C.Kingsman, G. Hilton, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper, E.Lusher, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.De Vries, A.Evans, H.Furneaux, J.Stephens. Replacements: A.Cooper, B.Young, C.Murray, A.Moss, W.Calder

MATCH PREVIEW: NORTH WALSHAM

Posted on 2nd September 2022 | by David Haigh

It is sixteen years since Canterbury were last at North Walsham, Saturday’s opponents in the opening round of the National 2 East season. On that day, in 2006, it was our introduction to rugby at National level while Walsham were established members of the old National 3 structure. Now the situation is reversed with the Norfolk side being promoted last season after several years playing at lower levels. In that first match we lost by ten points and Head Coach Matt Corker is expecting another tough encounter with the home side keen to make an early impression after their successful promotion campaign. He says: “Ten weeks of preseason flies by and even though it has not all gone our way, we have had lots of opportunities to learn, and the group has grown so much over the summer. The players decided that the way that we “gel” is important to us, and they have backed this up by welcoming all our new players into the pack. This has been great to witness, and I love watching characters emerge especially last season’s graduating colts who are experiencing adult rugby for the first time.

“Injuries are unfortunately part of the game and there are a few faces missing for Saturday, but I am a strong believer that this offers an opportunity for someone else to show what they are capable of. We are traveling to North Walsham with a strong squad, and I fully expect them to come all guns blazing. We know from first-hand what it is like being promoted and they will be very keen to have a strong start and we are expecting a physical contest.”

Those injuries have given chances to scrum half Will Calder and flanker Harvey Furneaux, two young and home grown players who have bright futures. There are league debuts also for newcomers Nathan Morris and Cameron Murray. Kick-off is 3pm.

CANTERBURY TALES

Fresh Challenges

So, a new season gets under way and this time the threat of Covid does not hang over it so heavily. With the revamped National 2 league structure in place it feels like a fresh start for everyone. The benefits of splitting the league into three regional divisions could not have come at a better time with fuel and energy costs soaring. There will be less travel and, hopefully, fewer large bills to absorb. Healthy competition remains as,unlike the Premiership, promotion and relegation will keep all the clubs honest. The top club in the three divisions, West, North and East, will be promoted and at the other end of the tables, the bottom two will go down. Our own league looks strong with clubs like relegated Blackheath and Tonbridge Juddians looking for return to National One. All clubs will start with an advantage over Westcliff who have been deducted five points, the price of failure to play their fixture at Worthing last season. Newcomers Sevenoaks have also been under investigation, for different reasons, but there has as yet been no news of any decision by the rugby authorities

Friday Night Bonus

One of the many positives of a busy pre-season programme in August has been the popularity of Friday night rugby. The attendance for the Bishop’s Stortford game was good but was dwarfed by the turnout for the visit of Westcombe Park There were over 400 at The Marine Travel Ground and on the same evening another a healthy crowd at the Simon Langton where the Pilgrims met Thanet Wanderers. It was a real Canterbury ‘old boys’ night where there were familiar faces both on and off the pitch. ‘Combe had our former wing Kieran Thompson in their starting line up while Thanet featured front row men Jimmy Green and Neil Wakefield. Kieran’s time in the Canterbury shirt was blighted by a series of injuries so it was good to see hm fit and well. In the ‘Combe dugout were two former members of our coaching team, Darren Molloy and Dave Marshall, This will be a season where we renew acquaintance with several local clubs because of the new league structures and that, too, was reflected in the size of the crowds..