Category: 2nd XV

Won 51-5 (H-T 31-0)

Olly Ashley-Jones 5+6, Sam Rogers 10, Tom Ashley-Jones 10, Will Calder 10, Adrian Geddes, James Read 5.

This game saw the return of some of the clubs’ stalwarts from the past! Three national one players, and it was great to see their contribution.

Within one minute the Pilgrims had made a statement, Sam Rogers got the ball to Tom Ashley-Jones who scored an unconverted try, 5-0. The visitors lost a player through injury just after, and then the Sam Rogers road show started for real! He scored his first try, converted by Olly Ashley-Jones, 12-0. Then a great run, with a sublime back pass from Sam Rogers to try scorer Will Calder, and an Olly Ashley-Jones conversion saw the home side take a 19-0 lead within 17 minutes, Rogers involved in all three tries.

Then followed perhaps the team try of the day, poetry in motion, involving most of the team, with Tom Ashley-Jones scoring his second try, converted by Olly, 26-0. The Pilgrims were in control, but the difference in ability caused issues! Hastings received a yellow card for kicking a player on the ground. Sam Rogers went on a great solo run with a number of dummies, a try nearly followed but was brilliantly help up by the visitors. Another good pattern of play saw Olly Ashley-Jones score an unconverted try, and the home side went into half time 31-0 up. Five tries to one, and the bonus point secured.

Another excellent move by the home side saw Adrian Geddes score an unconverted try, 36-0. Captain Harry Andrews, who put in an excellent shift, got the ball to Sam Rogers to score his second try, and consolidate his ‘man of the match’ award, 41-0. James Read was making inroads with some great runs. Champagne rugby was being played and Will Calder, who was also mentioned in dispatches by the home supporters, who were excellent, walked in a try, literally, but again, not converted, 46-0.

Hastings and Bexhill, to their credit, never gave up and were rewarded with a late try 46-5. James Read, making his first appearance of the season, after recovering from injury, ran through to score and make it 51-5. The pilgrims, due to an unexpected defeat for Dover moved into clear second, four points off the leaders Sevenoaks, but with a game in hand.

Next week the Pilgrims play Old Dunstonians at Simon Langton Astro at 3:00, why not come along and watch? If you really are a rugby fan then put the 24th February in you diary, Friday night under lights, Pilgrims v Dover, the giant East Kent rivals will go head to head, in an attempt to win the title.

Gillingham Anchorians 10 Canterbury Pilgrims 27

Pilgrims stepped up their challenge for the Counties Kent 2 title with a solid victory which lifted them to second place in the league table. They took an early lead  with a try from Tom Ashley-Jones and were in front for the rest of the game.  Will Calder and Jake Upward made the try, converted by Olli Finn . Within four minutes poor defending by Pilgrims allowed the home side to get the ball out wide and score. In the strong winds a kick was never going over.    What came to mar the game was reckless tackling which too often went unpunished and with it came injuries.  Rob Knott was the first to suffer but more serious was the damage to Alex Evans as he crashed over for a try in the 20^th minute but had his afternoon cut short by a hospital visit. Will Calder, a young man with lots of potential, added a third Canterbury score to take the half time lead to 17-5  The first twenty minutes of the second half were awful, mistakes, stoppages, even the referee got injured. Then Eoin O’Donaghue received a lovely inside ball from Ross Howard and side-stepped the full back to score, Ollie missed the conversion but the bonus point had been secured. Anchorians kicked out to relieve pressure, took a quick throw in but it was intercepted by alert full back jack Weave who set his backs in motion. He then has looped around to take the ball and run through to score try number five. The last five minutes saw a yellow card handed to a home player, the first card of a game where arguably there could have been more. Ironically, it was Pilgrims who were then punished as Calder and Dan Gill were sent to the sin  bin. Canterbury must learn to keep quiet, play what is in front of them and not question the official. Anchorians took advantage with a consolation try.

Canterbury: A.Malik, E.O’Donoghue, J.Everatt, R.Knott, D.Gill, O.Finn, H.Furneaux, A.Evans, W.Calder, R.Howard, A.Geddes, J.Upward, V.Meredith, T.Ashley-Jones, J.Weaver. Replacements: B.Dunkerley, O.Ashley-Jones, F Holland-Oliver.

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,