Category: 2nd XV

Pilgrims push for Counties Kent 2 honours was boosted in emphatic style as they ran in nine tries and extended their winning run to four games. Only one point now separates them from second placed Dover who they are scheduled to meet at home in two weeks time. In this latest win the city side were looking to make a statement against a team who beat them in the opening game of the season and after an even first quarter, they went about the business in ruthless fashion. Luke Webber got an early catch and drive try but Vigo, kicking effectively for territory, were five points ahead by the fifteen minute mark through two unconverted touchdowns. It was, however, a situation they could not sustain. The first of fly half Ollie Ashley-Jones’ hat trick of tries, which he also converted, recaptured the lead and after that Pilgrims pace, clever handling, and adventure gave them increasing control. Vigo got a yellow card for a late challenge, Ollie Finn and outstanding flanker Harvey Furneaux punished it with tries and at 24-10 the game was slipping away from the visitors at the half way mark. They were given a taste of things to come in the opening minute of the second half when full back Jack Weaver’s penetrating run set up position before Adrian Geddes claimed Pilgrims fifth try. With the city pack in powerful control of scrums and much else it became a holding operation for the visitors. There were frequent injury stoppages, one to repair a good referee who happily survived without damage, but the serious blows were increasingly to the Vigo defence as Furneaux grabbed his second try and Eoin O’Donoghue showed a fine burst of speed to join him on the scoresheet. That try sandwiched two more by Ashley-Jones as he topped off Pilgrims fine afternoon and added three more conversions to take them past the half century and bring his personal haul to 23 points.

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Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham

The Canterbury Pilgrims inflicted the first home defeat on Park Hosue for two and a half years, to consolidate third place in the league at the half-way point.

Canterbury started well, but after giving away a silly penalty they found themselves 3-0 down within minutes. Pilgrims then, with the help of good kicking from the hand  by Alex Williams, won a succession of line outs and from one of these Will ‘Bacon’ McColl drove over for Ollie Ashley-Jones to convert.  With Pilgrims dominating the scrums and Park House receiving a yellow card for a no arms in the tackle it became one way traffic but the home side held firm. Alex ‘Man of the Match’ Evans was making immense tackles, he and James Everett were also making good yardage in the drives. Then, on his debut, Ross Gladish dodged through, for Ollie to convert, 3-14. Alex Evans was taken out in the air and the home side went down to thirteen, with another yellow card.  Good runs by Jack Weaver,  and a Ross Howard kick chased by in form winger Adrian Geddes nearly produced a try but Pilgrims failed to score while the home side had two players off the field! James Everett then received a yellow for collapsing a maul ans the home side, back to full strength,  pressurised the visitors and scored a converted try before half-time to make it 10-14. Game on. The second half started in a dramatic way as Canterbury chased down a long kick, the bounce favoured them and Max Halliday scored for Ollie to convert, 10-21. Within minutes the Pilgrims won a penalty, duly converted by Ollie who next made a great interception and ran in a solo try. He missed the conversion but the lead was now 19 points. The game took another shift when Ollie Finn got a yellow for a neck roll, quickly followed by Freddie Holland-Oliver for a high tackle. It was Pilgrims who were now down to thirteen but it did not halt their momentum. A long kick was chased by Harry Andrews and Max Halliday and between them they won the ball for Max to score and Ollie Ashley-Jones converted. Park House hit back with an unconverted try but there was no stopping Jack Weaver, having another excellent game a full back, scoring a rollover try to push his side past the 40 point mark. Park’s consolation was the game’s final try after Harvey Furneaux received a yellow card for a high tackle,

Dover have gone top of Counties Kent 2, with Sevenoaks second and the Pilgrims third. December 17^th will See Dover come to the Marine Travel ground, don’t miss it, 3:00 kick off. Book your lunch on line to see this titanic struggle between two East Kent rugby rivals and friends. Next week Vigo come to play, 3:00 kick off. See you there.

A bonus point victory saw Pilgrims maintain their challenge to the leaders and consolidate their third place in Counties Kent 2. The winning margin may have been comfortable but Canterbury were made to work hard by ‘Combe before stretching away with two converted tries in the last ten minutes. Four first half tries put them in a strong position despite the visitors controlling much of the territory but they had to dig in after the break. Pilgrims took an early lead as they intercepted in their own half and Ollie Ashley-Jones scored and converted his own try. The visitors levelled matters with a catch and drive score and Canterbury’s poor discipline, punished by a mountain of penalties, hobbled their attack. When they did break free their extra pace told and the elusive Jack Weaver made inroads before Number Eight Luke Webber got the first of his two touchdowns. Weaver scored the third try after a scorching run from wing Adrian Geddes and in the final minute of the half a tapped penalty saw Webber plunge over again. With Ashley -Jones kicking flawlessly from the tee Pilgrims were 28-7 ahead and in control. ‘Combe responded positively after the break and a chip and chase try, which was converted, put them back in the picture. Pressure now built on a Pilgrims side which had lost fly half Liam Browne to injury and they had plenty to do in defence. They passed the test and then came that late surge with Tom Williams, in sharp form after a long injury lay-off, setting up a try for Tom Ashley-Jones. Brother Ollie, who ended up with a haul of seventeen points, made the break which saw Williams score the final try.

Pilgrims: J.Weaver, T.Ashley-Jones, A.Williams, J.Upward, A.Geddes, L.Browne, O.Ashley-Jones, A.Malik, B.Dunkerley, W.McColl, D.Gill, R.Knott, O.Finn, B.Howard, L.Webber, Replacements: T.Williams, S.Rogers, J.Everett

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Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham

Another hard fought game at the Marine travel ground. The Pilgrims started well, but with wind, a wet surface and a slippery pitch, they knocked on too often. Then from a line out, the ball got to Vaughn Meredith, who skipped past the Sidcup defence to score a good try, but Ollie Ashley-Jones failed to convert, 5-0.

Vaughn then went on a 40 metres run, a few more good runs followed, then Ollie got involved with a kick and chase, which just ran out before he and Sherif got there!

Then Sidcup got to grips with the wet and windy conditions. Some poor play by the home side allowed the visitors to gain some territorial advantage. Canterbury then put some great drives together, but could not break the Sidcup defence. Then after another good set of drives, Jack Weaver dived over for a great try, this time Ollie hit the crossbar, 10-0.

The game was getting scrappy, penalties were given to both sides, Pilgrims were playing some good rugby, but were making poor choices in the conditions. Ollie Finn and Jake Dengate were making good yardage. The half-time lead of 10-0 was poor, the second half was going to be interesting!

Early Sidcup pressure, a certain try was avoided because they dropped the ball just short of the line! Within a minute they had scored a converted try, 10-7. Things were not looking good for the home side! Canterbury got a penalty and Ollie Ashley-Jones kicked, 13-7. Within minutes Sidcup got a penalty, between the posts, but missed. Could this be the Pilgrims lucky day. The home side were getting the rough end of the deal in many decisions, maybe it was not going to be their day!

Lots of penalties, but no cards.

Then after a lot of pressure, and a decision going their way, for once, Jake Dengate, Man of the Match, scored, Ollie converted 20-7. Jesse de Vries was leading the pack, Vaughn Meredith was leading the backs, a good team performance, with decisions just not going their way!

In the dying minutes Dan Gill received a Yellow card, but the game was won, but without a bonus point. The pilgrims moved back into third place, the leaders Sevenoaks. Lost to Park House, the league is hotting up.

This weekend Westcombe Park visit the Marine Travel ground. Don’t miss another clash of the Titans. Kick off 3:00 under lights. Book a lunch on line. Have a day out.

Won 20-7 (H-T 10-0) Ollie Ashley-Jones 2+3 (5), Dengate, Weaver, Meredith 5.

SEVENOAKS 2nd 15 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 14

This game went to the wire in a nip and tuck affair with Pilgrims playing some of their best rugby of the season. They came close to opening the scoring but after a couple of impressive driving mauls Eoin O’Donoghue was held up and it was Oaks who went ahead with an unconverted try. Still, it was Pilgrims who were looking the livelier side but Oaks weathered the storm and when a couple of missed tackles gave them territory on the stroke of half time they went further ahead with a converted touch down.

The second half started with the Pilgrims on the front foot. More pressure and Luke Webber came away with a great try, converted from out wide by Ollie Ashley-Jones. Shortly after, a silly penalty allowed the home side an easy three points. This would prove to be costly! Will McColl went on an amazing powerful run. More pressure, the Oaks received a yellow card for a deliberate knock on, and Canterbury made them pay. A line out, a swift backs move from left to right and Sherif Lanre went over to score and Ollie kicked another excellent conversion. Alas, time ran out on the Pilgrims for whom full back Jack Weaver had an outstanding game. They were the first team to take a point from Sevenoaks all season and gave them their sternest test to date.

This weekend the Pilgrims welcome Sidcup 2nd to the Marine Travel ground. Go online and book a lunch and come and watch. See you all on Saturday for a 3:00 o’clock start under lights.

HASTINGS & BEXHILL 20 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 29

What a game of rugby with the result only sorted in the last few minutes as Pilgrims registered a first Counties Kent 2 away win of the season. Canterbury started well, built pressure which brought a yellow card for the home side and a try for Jake Dengate. A great 70 metre solo try from scrum half Ollie Ashley-Jones, converted by Alex Williams, saw them go twelve points ahead and begin to look comfortable. That did not last. What eroded Pilgrims lead was a spell in which they conceded needless penalties and Hasting put themselves back in the frame by converting two of them before half time.
The second half started with the home side in ascendancy and Pilgrims errors were punished as they conceded an early converted try to find themselves a point in arrears. They were now far from their best but Alex Williams fine kicking and a try saving tackle from man of the match Sherif Lanre kept a confident Hastings at bay. Ashley-Jones won back the lead with a penalty goal but the home side went ahead again as they exploited errors and poor tackling with a converted try. Then suddenly, Vaughn Meredith scored a sole try from nowhere, a 40 metre run ending under the posts and converted by Ashley-Jones. It was still anyone’s game but in the last two minutes it was Pilgrims who exerted heavy pressure and forced Hastings to concede a penalty try to seal a hard fought win which lifts them to fourth in the league table.

This coming Saturday Pilgrims play Old Dunstonians at home, kick-off 3pm. Book on line for a two course lunch for £12-50 and come and watch the team make a charge towards the top of the table.

Pilgrims 58 Maidstone 0

Maidstone found the Pilgrims eager to prove themselves as they cruised to a third Counties Kent 2 victory. From the off the home side attacked with pace, accurate passing and excellent support play. Harry Andrews got the first of his side’s ten tries, with Ollie Ashley-Jones converting.
After more good possession James Everatt went over to score, Ollie supplied the conversion. Ollie, Will Calder, Tom Halliday and Adrian Geddes then combined to put Max Halliday away for an unstoppable unconverted try; Pilgrims were 19 points up after 15 minutes. It was all Canterbury, and the visitors could not get close to the home side as the ball was moved quickly around. Rob Knott, who was voted supporters ‘man of the match’, was getting involved in everything. He had another outstanding game and is one to watch for the future. The Pilgrims pack were in control and the backs kept running, their fitness is beginning to show, but there is a long way to go ad it is still early season! Gus Lister, making his long awaited debut, went off with a recurring injury, Ross Howard replaced him and there were further changes as Dan Gill joined the front row and Calder got a Yellow card. Once the home side had reorganised they ramped up the pressure which brought Eoin O’Donoghue a converted try. Then second row man Jesse De Vries 70 yards run and try, handing off all tacklers, pushed Pilgrims lead to 31 points at the break. The momentum was sustained in the second half with another five tries and one conversion. Adrian Geddes went over first, Ross Howard got a brace and Tom Halliday completed the family try scoring.
Will Calder, back after his card, was the other try scorer. For the second week running the Pilgrims shut out their opposition. Next Saturday they travel to Hastings and Bexhill.

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 33 GILLINGHAM ANCHORIANS 0

Pilgrims took control of this Counties Kent 2 game in the first half as they built a commanding 26 point lead. Although they let those high standards drop after the break this was still a morale boosting performance as they bounced back from the previous week’s defeat at Dover. Apart from the five tries they scored Canterbury put in an excellent defensive shift which they needed in the early stages as Anchorians started well. Having absorbed the pressure they took the lead with a try from flanker Eoin O’Donoghue topped up by the first of Ollie Ashley-Jones’ four conversions. It was the second quarter that saw Pilgrims at their best as they counter attacked effectively , handled sharply and made few mistakes. Prop Will McColl got their second try after 22 minutes and a great run and dummy by full back Dan Eaglestone pushed the lead to nineteen. Man of the match Ashley-Jones then broke =from his own half and profited from a favourable bounce to hit Anchorians with the fourth try. The second half was a disappointment as standards slipped and a yellow card for Dan Gill also slowed Canterbury’s efforts. They survived his ten minute absence without mishap, gradually took control of possession and Luke Webber’s converted try rounded off the victory. Pilgrims will look for more on Saturday when they host Maidstone first team in a postponed league game,

Pilgrims travelled to Dover for an early season local derby. The visitors started well, but within two minutes, lost possession missed tackles, and allowed the home side to break through and score an unconverted try, 5-0. Canterbury exerted more pressure, they won a line out 5 yards out but were harshly penalised for a throw that was not straight. Dover broke free, Martyn Beaumont, ex-first team captain, created an easy try which was converted, the lead was now 12-0 to the home side.

More good play and possession followed by the Pilgrims, but they lacked the final pass and were making errors and giving the ball away.  A penalty saw them go 15-0 down within 20 minutes. Then Dan Gill received a yellow card for stamping, Pilgrims lost their cool and Dover walked through for another 7 points. Half-time could not come sooner, 22-0 down and needing a very good second half to get back into the game!

Within minutes of the restart Canterbury messed up again and allowed Dover in for an easy try under the posts, 29-0.

The pilgrims started to get things going, good pressure on the Dover defensive line saw Beaumont transgress and get a yellow. Eoin O’Donoghue did a quick touch and go to score, Ollie Ashley-Jones converted, 29-7. A number of the pilgrims were having a good game individually, but still needed to gel as a team. More possession, but no points. Still errors when in good position, excellent defending by Dover, and the game got scrappy.

The home Partisan crowd played its part, the pilgrims got rattled playing away from home, they could not get the ball wide enough, quick enough, and the home side did not miss any tackles!

Then Eoin O’Donoghue, who had a good afternoon, scored again, Ollie did his bit and it was 29-14. At least Pilgrims won the second half! This new, young side still has much to learn, but there were many positives to take away from the game. Dover travel to Merton lane for the Christmas return game on December 17^th, let us hope they do not play so well and Canterbury improve.

Pilgrims now have two games at home on the trot. This Saturday v Gilligham Anchorians, and the following week v Maidstone. Book into lunch and come along and watch two exciting games.

17th Sept.

Pilgrims 55 v Southwark lancers 7 (H-T 24-7)

Within the first few minutes of the game, Ollie Ashley-Jones got the ball and Ran in a 90 metre try, alas he missed the conversion, 5-0 to the Pilgrims. Eight minutes later Nico Englbrecht, playing his last game before going to University, went on an unstoppable darting run to make it 10-0, this time Ollie converted, 12-0.

After 16 minutes, a poor box kick, which really just went straight up, was pounced on by the visiting Number ten, who proceeded to break through the home defence to score under the posts for a converted try, 12-7. The home side then proceeded to put a lot of pressure on the visitors. Taking control of nearly every scrum they pushed The Lancers back, and were thwarted on a number of occasions by resolute defending. The Canterbury pack were having a good day, and Jake Dengate, went on to have a very good day. James Everatt came on for Dan Gill, as part of the prop rotation, the props swopped sides and within minutes Jack Green was able to lose two tackles, make 40 yards, and used his pace to score, but again, due to a difficult cross wind, Ollie, just missed again, 17-7. The pilgrims were passing the ball quickly through their players, and it was just a matter of time before more points would be added!

From a scrum, and the ensuing 20 yard push, Ollie got the ball out to Max Halliday, whose weaving run deceived the visitors, and he scored a converted try to lead 24-7. On the stroke of half time Southwark Lancers pushed hard and were only stopped from scoring by good defensive work, the home side holding the ball up from what was going to be a certain try, half time arrived with the home side 24-7 up. 4 tries to 1.

The referee was having an excellent game, you hardly noticed him throughout the game. Royce Cadman was captaining the side after his return to rugby from his recent marriage, the squad benefitted from his experience and leadership.

Eoin O’Donoghue, came on immediately looked at home, and make some excellent runs and tackles. The team try of the day soon came. Excellent work from the combined forwards and backs resulted in Jack Green playing Adrian Geddes in for an unconverted try 29-7.

Vaughn Meredith went on a dazzling 25 yard solo run to score, Ollie converting 36-7. Within minutes after a scrum and another excellent push, Luke Webber, who won the supporters player of the day award, got the ball to Ollie Ashley-Jones to score an unconverted try 41-7.

Adam Malik latched into to a good drive by the home side, the ball was given to Meredith who dived and reached with one hand to score a converted try, 48-7. With time running out Meredith completed his hat trick with a superb solo run, Converted by Ollie, 55-7. Pilgrims secured their first league win of the season, scoring 9 tries, 5 converted.

The whole squad played their part, this was a very good team performance.

Their next game is against local rivals Dover at the Crabble on the 24th September, 3:00 kick off, and so it might! Don’t miss it.

Scorers:-Tries – Ashley-Jones, Nico Englebrecht, Jack Green, Max Halliday, Adrian Geddes, Vaughn Meredith, Ashley-Jones, Vaughn Meredith, Vaughn Meredith.

Conversions 5, by Ashley-Jones