Category: 4th XV

Loss aside, a combined points score of over 100 points in 80 minutes is testament to the Deacons resolve.

 

We’d been looking to put out a strong squad and win this fixture since the away debacle. With all 5 Men’s senior teams playing a number of our regular players were called up to the Canons while a couple dropped to the 5’s. Nevertheless, we still had a strong team and a couple of subs.

The was out and it was a great day for rugby – the atmosphere around the club was great as we shared the MTG with the first team as they played Esher. We opted for the top pitch as we thought the 1st team would prefer the attention of the crowd, despite the ground being harder than Ross Kemp wearing a vest drinking a can of Stella.

 

Folkestone had a full contingent travelling. A young and well organised team with a few rapid players dotted around the park. We had a blend of UKC players, regular Deacons, CCCU players & a couple of others we’d lured out of Greggs with a sausage bean and cheese melt.  On paper the team was fierce. If we ever had a rehearsal it might be unstoppable……

 

The first half started with us recovering the kick off. It was clear ‘the Stone’ had pace and that we were still yet to find the footing where we could comfortably get some go forward in attack. If I could count to 15 it might’ve helped as we started with only 14 on the pitch before someone pointed out we were short 🤦

 

Our own set piece was looking good, Matt Burchell had a fantastic game at hooker & his darts from the sideline were on point.

Ethan Mussell repeated his superb appearance from last week and was even better in the air at line out time – serving our very own little French bulldog Freddie at 9 with quality ball.

Defence was a different story however & Folkestone used their well prepared line out moves to great effect playing as much for penalties as possession.

 

So. Anyone who reads these will know the story by now. The first half started, there were some gaps in defence and the oppo started fast.

We went down a couple of tries quite quickly, which absolutely wasn’t the game plan. Folkestone seemed to be returning the ball towards us as such speed after a restart we couldn’t catch our breath and were stunned.

After 15 minutes we’d barely touched the ball and had nothing on the scoreboard to answer the visitors 12 points.

 

It was time to dig in. To try and retain the ball a bit & play our way. We had a fantastic team, Dan Head was back at 10. The back line comprised of Jake Upward and Aidan Demery in the centres and strong presence on the wing in Joseph Butler-Moor & Josh Pinnock and with Jake Vovell at full back our try line was well defended and counter attacks from deep were guaranteed.

We started to warm up. And in a move that lifted our spirits Canterbury stalwart Jake Upward went over the line allowing Dan to convert. At 7-12 the scoreline looked healthier.

 

We would have to dig in, but didn’t as quick as we might’ve liked. With Folkestone crossing the line once more, but missing the con. When the visitors struck again immediately after the restart the ref spotted (what I can only assume was accidental) some unsportsmanlike conduct and Josh P was off to the bin for 10 minutes.

The rest of the first half would be like running uphill in water wearing lead wellies. It was hot and hard we were a man down in defence; Folkestone were looking for a cricket score and a couple of them were being real dicks about it.

 

Fortunately though, once again the pack were the visitors nemesis. The phrase ‘scrum please sir’ was as welcome to Folkestone as a Monday morning alarm clock. Brad Nicholson was turning his opponent on the tighthead into a human squeezebox, and the loose side was going just as well.

The formidable second row pairing of James Newman and Alasdair Kite providing the drive as time after time the City boys dominated the scrum and defensively Carter Jeffereys & Ted Field were dynamite hitting the 9 & 10 to slow the attackers progress.

 

Despite this and while battling to get back in the game we lost Jake to injury before half time. And Folkestone scored once more.

The score going into the break was something like 7 – 36.

Half time Haribo saw heads down. We were back to 15, but the bench was now empty going into the 2nd half and some words of wisdom were required. Sadly it was me, so I waffled a bit and handed around the star mix.

 

Act 2 began. We kicked off. They scored.

So we had another go. This time, we settled and we started to work our way up the pitch. As we began to work through phases and move the ball around.

Freddie Vion had the best game he’s had in a couple of seasons hitting breakdowns and pulling balls left and right working with his fly half.

Within 15 minutes of the second half starting tries from Ted field, Josh Pinnock & Joseph Butler-Moor safely converted by Dan meant the scoreboard was looking closer.

Folkestone struck back to keep their tally ticking over, exploiting every mistake we (even me) made, with a couple of easy tries to keep them just out of reach. But with some of the away supporters on the sidelines uttering ‘we may not win this’ the visiting side had to resort to some ‘gamesmanship’ declaring they had lost all bar 2 of their front row and scrums would now be uncontested.

 

Ted Field struck once more to bring the score within 2 tries only for the Stone to get one back and towards the end of the game both teams were suffering from injuries dropping numbers to 14. With 90 seconds remaining and an uncontested scrum with Folkestone’s put in, their backline put the ball in the air only to find Jake Vovell who had been threatening for 80 minutes. He skipped through a number of tackles and crossed the try line (Ted said we wouldn’t score again) dropping the conversion through the posts to bring us to 40 points vs the visitors at 63. What a comeback!

Quite the game, if they could kick more than 1 or 2 conversions it would’ve been hideous.

 

Huge shout out to the ref who was refereeing his first senior game and had a great game.

 

1 more to go. Gravesend 3’s 25th April at home. Earlier kick off at 1pm most likely.  See you there.

 

Tries :

Jake Upward

Joseph Butler- Moor

Ted Field x 2

Josh Pinnick

Jake Vovell

 

Cons:

Dan Head x 4

Jake Vovell

 

MOTM – Ted Field

 

Thoughts are with Jake Upward now out for the foreseeable.

And huge thanks to Si Crossley for being our super sub covering various positions across the back field as he was needed.

Deacons away to Gillingham Anchorians 2’s

Grit, graft and determination pave the way.

Another revised Deacons outfit lined up against a very different Anchorians team from the fixture played at the MTG. Anchorians brought out some young talent with a number of colts enjoying their first taste of senior rugby. With Zingari’s fixture cancelled we picked up some youth and wisdom to bolster the squad & once again featured a Father/Son combo. Finally, after years of ‘weighting’ 😉 Jez & Piers Weigh took the field together.

Buoyed by a full bench, the sun shining and knowing we had been improving with every game confidence was high amongst the Deacons & receiving the kick off the game was on!

Intent was clear from the off with some strong carries into contact. Anchorians were strong at the breakdown and competition for the ball was fierce.
The first scrum was intense with the City boys unable to capitalise on what has been a strong area of the game all season. Fortunately with some quick analysis from Alasdair Kite and smart changes across the back row it didn’t take long to fix the set piece.

Once again it took the Deacons some time to settle. The first 30 was tense. Anchorians had much of the ball meaning we had to defend hard for long periods of time. As hard as we tried it was difficult to keep the home side at bay & we went 2 tries behind. The wind was in our favour and neither were converted, the kicker choosing to aim for an entirely different pitch on both occasions.

When we did have the ball we looked dangerous. With Rob Horan acting at 10 (our infamous Dan Head suffered an ouchy ruling him out) combining with the centre partnership of Canterbury stalwart Jake Upward and incredible developing talent Ed ‘the excorcet’ Exley we looked really sharp on attack.
With the backline being marshalled by Piers Weigh playing out of position at fullback, it was clear we would get across the line if we could maintain possession and after a period of pressure built through the forwards we celebrated Jake Upward steaming across the try line setting up an easy conversion for Rob.
At 10-7 we could get back in this game…..

Once again we received the kick off with some purpose, setting a platform to work forward from. Things were starting to click with forwards working together to move the ball into space & release the backs.
It was off the back of some fast hands from Dylan Coyle (9) hitting no8 Ethan Tighe working his way through a couple of tackles and keeping his feet before offloading the sweetest of passes to the Deacons hooker running a ‘world class hard line’ beating a tackle and leaving only 25m between him and the try line before the referee called them back for an infringement from some time before – we all agreed that was a monumental turning point in the game.

Deacons scrum set a platform allowing Jake to once again cross the line for a sympathetic conversation and we went up 10-14.
We’d waited a lot of match minutes to be ahead, but the lead didn’t last long, Anchorians taking the opportunity to capitalise on our lapse of concentration to once again take the lead.

But with the wind in our sails the Deacons continued to apply pressure in all areas of the park before a loose ball and some fantastic handling skills saw Joseph Butler-Moor dot the ball down to increase our lead in only his second game this season.

Going into the half time Haribo we were up on points and ambition, the second half was gearing up to be a real battle if we wanted to maintain the lead and win the game.

Restarting with some half time changes Deacons drew first blood. Brad Nicholson powering over the line like a beautiful balletic bear.
For the forwards, Ronnie West thrived under the pressure of stiff competition from his oppo in the front row, Alex Acaster moved selflessly to second row allowing Carter Jefferys to thrive on the flank – moving at such a pace off the scrum to effectively shut down any momentum from their 9. Ethan Mussel on the other flank had a phonomenal game, tackling with power and precision and being a nuisance at the breakdown; and Lennie West’s guest appearance for 7 minutes gave us all a boost because he’s got a wonderful demeanour that lifts us all.

The rest of the game was an arm wrestle. Jez Weigh came on for some of the textbook shithousery he’s been known for for years. Gillingham scored again to narrow the scores.
Dylan Coyle took a moment off from moaning & whinging to score a try (we’re all still waiting for another drop goal attempt) which bought us some breathing space.
Once again, Gills came back at us going back ahead. Any mistake from either side would result in points – it was tense.

But cometh the hour – cometh the men. In a blistering attack combining forwards and backs, some slick passing and watching through our fingers, the ball ended up with young Jorge who has been learning his craft with us quietly over a couple of seasons. He also understood he was going to come up short and fizzed a pass that none of us knew he had in him to Callum Townsend (returning from a horror injury earlier in the season) to score under the posts so Rob could slot the extras.

Up by 4 points. With less than 2 to play!
There was nothing else to be done. Get the ball back and finish the game.
We did so, the ball finding its way back to DC to kick it to touch with the nonchalance of another fine 9, DC formerly of Quins.

We’d done it.
Beaten our fellow league foundation team with a really great, close, good natured, well contended game of rugby.
Thanks Anchorians.
But it was just a rehearsal for next week’s big game against Folkestone 2’s – at home at 3pm.

MOTM – Alasdair Kite – silent but deadly, floating like a butterfly, stinging like a Bee. He was everywhere in defence and a menace in attack.

It’s the twilight of our season, with a couple of games to win to finish strong. There’s still time to get involved as a player, or a supporter. Come and be a part of the Deacons family community rugby with us. #oneclub

Deacons vs Whitstable 2’s Away

Deacons winter of discontent finishes on a high. Young guns having some fun……

After a month without any on pitch action the Deacons ventured to Whitstable. A heavy home defeat early in the season and a really tough January playing the top 3 sides didn’t dampen our spirits.

We welcomed some new talent from UKC, prop Nigel Joseph and Jake Vovell at 10, some old talent returning from injury, Freddie Vion & Jake Beesley keeping the bench suitably warm, and Zingari talisman Leon Goode being every bit his namesake starting in the second row.

Returning from injury CCCU’s Brad Nicholson’s led another uncustomary Deacons set up, Ed Exley moving to the centres allowing Kirk Taylor another start on the wing.

Whitstable started fast but Canterbury defended well repelling the advances of the boys in blue who are well drilled and train regularly. The Deacons held their ground and tackled well organising themselves around the breakdown to great effect.
After a sustained period under pressure Whitstable struck first scoring and converting giving the home side the lead. Before long they added to their tally, a strong runner slipping out of some tackles to get across the line.

The quality of rugby was good, the Deacons were soon inside the home teams 22, testing their defence and moving the ball effectively. Just as it seemed a try was inevitable the tables turned and a penalty against the Deacons saw Whitstable kick to the corner, 10 metres out they threw their pack into a maul, driving over the line. A missed conversion saw the score at 19 – 0, the boys had worked hard but had nothing to show for it, yet.

Jake Vovell’s restarts were on the money. High and deep into Whitstable’s territory, some excellent chasing from Ed Exley, Kirk Taylor and Josh Pinnick pinning them down and not allowing a counter attack.
Not to be outdone, the forwards made some devastating runs, owning the collisions and working well on the floor.
Ronnie West had an extra weetabix for breakfast and punched powerfully through tackles. The big Skipper, Nigel & Reuben Kerr linked up to support Sam Roud at 9 and give him options at the breakdown while Leon Goode and Craig Marsh cleared out rucks relentlessly. Piers Weigh had an outstanding game, demonstrating his tackling prowess despite some dubious officiating when he was tip tackled.

Carter Jeffreys was the first to get across the line, running a lovely line picking off a couple of defenders and powering in, he’s really taken to senior rugby & is growing in confidence with every game he plays, the hard work being rewarded with his first senior try.
Jake V added the extras and half time arrived with the scoreline looking healthier at 19-7, Haribo, substitutes and some encouragement from the sideline was on hand – the momentum was shifting in our favour.

The second half begun with all to play for. The Deacons had their tales up, there was lots of positive play & the changes at half time injected more urgency, James Read & Jake Beesley with fresh legs causing chaos all over the pitch.
After some loose ball handling by Whitstable, Kirk Taylor pounced and used his footwork, power and pace to dot the ball down (also his first senior try) as we edged closer to our opponents.
Desperate to take the wind out of our sails the home side replied, scoring not once but twice, converting 1 to take them back into a commanding lead at 36 – 12.

The Deacons weren’t finished yet. Whitstable had learned not to kick the ball to Rob Horan at fullback early in the first half, and he showed them there was still life in the old dog picking up the ball using his footballing skills and scoring in the corner.
With a couple of players back on but out of position through injury & subs Freddie Vion & Steve Rutt having an impact (especially at scrum time) it was looking increasingly difficult to hold the home team at bay.

Whitstable tried to finish with a flourish only to run into James Read stripping the ball on his own try line before kicking an inspired 50/22 after a few more phases of play.
Going quickly and catching the opposition napping the forwards went to work running the ball hard towards to try line. After some great control and a number of passes the ball hit James as he flew across the line setting up an easy kick for Rob Horan to slot for the extras.

Full time whistle went at 36 -24.
Although not a win for the Deacons, it was a victory. To challenge as we did with a number of players new to the team, with little time together against a strong Whitstable set up is outstanding.

MOTM – Ed Exley

Back next week at home to Sittingbourne 2’s. Another challenge we’ll be looking to carry this week’s momentum into.

Lastly – one of our Deacons Development Pathway alumni broke a collarbone representing North Petherton in the Somerset leagues on Saturday. Speedy recovery Reilly!

Deacons step things up & worry TJ’s 3’s.

The sun came out for the last of the 171 weekends in Jan ‘26 as we welcomed TJ’s 3’s to the MTG. Being the only team playing at home we were excited to be back home but knew our opponents would be formidable. It’s been a tricky January where we’ve played the top 3 teams in our league on consecutive weekends. Such a tough schedule brings its own challenges has & we lost a few of our key players to injuries.

Calling up our teammates from across the Zingari, wider club, uni and Colts we fielded another team filled with youth, experience & greying hair and even had some subs to call on.
To our delight the ever capable Jake Upward & Dan Head were available in the back line alongside Herbie Bowler to bolster some serious talent in the pack with Milo Kubicki, Rueben Kerr, Freddie Philpot and Aidan Demery all making appearances for everybody’s favourite Canterbury team.

Losing the toss Canterbury received the kick off playing uphill on the Orchard pitch and started with good intentions. After a number of phases TJ’s got to show us what they had in their arsenal. They tested us across the pitch in the face of some fierce defending by the City boys, tackling hard and shutting down the TJ’s runners. After a prolonged period camped on the Deacons 5m line TJ’s struck first despite the defensive heroics.
It didn’t take long before the visitors found some space on the opposite wing and darted in for a second try, this time converted.

Chasing the restart the Deacons set about making sure TJ’s didn’t have it all their own way with some great carries from the forwards & strong presses against the counter attacks. The game was tougher than a Wetherspoons steak, so much so Oli Toms destroyed his boots through his blistering pace.
Following a strong Canterbury scrum and Dylan Coyle whipping the ball around for some phase play, Milo Kubicki spotted the gap and barrelled through fending off some defenders & setting up an easy conversion for Dan Head’s ever reliable boot.
We were off the mark at 7-12 and not much of the half left.

Sadly the next 12 minutes did not go in our favour. Fatigue set in, we lost some of the communication, focus and confidence that had seen us pull ourselves back into the game. TJ’s ran in a couple of quick, easy tries.

The half time Haribo was in dire need as the whistle went and we headed to the break 7-31 down. A few personnel changes on the cards – Piers Weigh had to stand down due to injury having had a superb game, Connor Langley joined at flanker and young superstar Kirk Taylor moved to fullback.

With Dylan & Herbie trading places we were ready for the second half. Unfortunately we didn’t realise it had already started and TJ’s seized the chance to score once more. Bugger.

So off we went again, chasing another restart worried it was history repeating itself, TJ’s with the wind in their sails and still with most of the half to go.
But once again, as with most of this seasons games the Deacons clicked & worked together. Freddie Philpot was instrumental in so many attacking runs (he also played in 3 different positions by the end of the game) & he deserved to score powering over the line.
Jake Upward & Dan Head controlled the defensive line and the attacking moves and once again the big man Milo got his second with some impressive footwork.

With Dan putting away the extras we found realised the scoreboard was at 21-31 & it was game on! TJ’s were rattled & set about pressuring us to try and find a crack in our defense. With tiring bodies & an empty bench they crossed our line once more but another missed kick saw us trail by 15 points with plenty of time remaining.

With a period where both teams made as many mistakes as each other, up stepped Freddie again tearing into the try area and stopping just short of between the posts to allow a simple conversion. Remarkably now 28-36 and the Deacons were chasing a massive comeback. With a converted try in it & 6 or 7 minutes on the clock (yeah, 6/7……) we were within range.

TJ’s were shook. They came back strong using territory and a well rehearsed set piece to their advantage. A strong rolling maul which (accidentally) collapsed leading to a penalty meant TJ’s were eventually able to cross our line again to take the score to 28-41.

We thought we were still in it, and wanted more. When the final whistle went we all celebrated, 2nd in the league had beaten 2nd from bottom. But the Deacons re-discovered their form & went to the sheds full of pride.

Back on St Valentines Day away to Leigh, lovers (hope it’s not a massacre!)

MOTM x2 – Carter Jefferys for work rate & Jake Upward for intensity

Tries –
Milo Kubicki x 2
Freddie Philpot x 2
Conv – Dan Head x 4

Entertaining the top of the table side was always going to be a challenge. Babarians have only lost 1 game all season & their quality was never in question on Saturday.

However, the Deacons aren’t afraid of a challenge; the Babarians soon realised they weren’t going to have it all their own way as they struggled to break the deadlock in the midst of a ferocious home defensive effort and a string of intense counter attacks managed by the half backs around the pitch.

After 25 minutes Babarians managed to take the lead before scoring once more 10 minutes after.

Never deterred & buoyed by a disallowed try, the Deacons replied shortly before halftime ending 5-12 at the break.

The second half was a different game altogether. Babarians showed their class and strength in numbers & enjoyed a couple of lucky bounces. A pair of quick tries around the hour mark & a second disallowed try for us saw the visitors build a healthy lead.

Not content with letting them have it all their own way, we continued to stretch their defense with the ball in hand & challenge their pack at scrum time despite the Babarians significant front row size advantage.

FT 5-41
Player of the match Oli Turton
Jadyn Moore stand out player
Honourable mentions to the entire team – we keep building!