Category: Match Preview

MATCH PREVIEW

I have never fully understood bogey teams. Why should one team be harder to beat than any other. Our record in recent seasons against Barnes suggests that they are a challenge for us, I am not saying they are a bogey team though! Barnes are a good team that are physical and play for the full eighty minutes. That last point is what I credit our last two losses to, as in our last two encounters we have failed in the last few minutes and on the final play.

For sixty minutes away at Barnes we controlled the game and went in at half-time ahead and deservedly so. We scored early in the second half to take a 12-24 lead and then traded scores to maintain the lead. An unfortunate yellow card for Harry Sloan for a high tackle proved to be a defining ten minutes as we conceded twice closing the gap. A penalty extended our lead to five points going into the final ten minutes and this final period in the game saw some good defence and character from the team. There was also some poor execution. When we had the opportunity to relieve pressure, we gave the ball back to Barnes and gave a good team too many chances. Two points was the difference at the final whistle.

When I stack this next to our three-point losses to Old Albanian’s and Esher, and the fact that we were within a score at Oundle going into the last five minutes, our four losses nearly went the other way. Nearly. The danger with nearly is that you think that last step will happen all by itself, it looks small in distance but the effort needed to make it is not.

Regardless of where Westcombe Park are in the league currently we know that our derbies with them are always a battle. They have been bolstered by some loan players in the last few weeks and I expect Saturday afternoon to be no different from our games over the last few seasons.

This season we don’t want to nearly be a good team; we don’t want to nearly be at the top end of the league; we don’t want to nearly win any more games. This week it is about showing what we are capable of.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

I always enjoy saying a few words to our amazing sponsors and supporters in the marquee before every home fixture. There is always a great atmosphere and I love that sense of anticipation as we get closer to kick-off.
Last Saturday, I spoke about the work we have been doing on our defence and my expectation that we would see an improvement. Some of you may have noticed that it is a challenging time to be a defence coach! Rugby attacks are operating at lightning speed, with incredibly accurate ball movement that is becoming increasingly difficult to handle. This weekend, Phil Downson of Northampton Saints referenced Mike Friday in an interview, quoting him as saying: “You can’t defend good rugby.” I think that is very much what we are witnessing at the moment.

With every player in a team, regardless of the number on their back, now capable of catching and passing to a high standard, defences are faced with 15 genuine attacking threats, alongside the challenge of covering a backfield for fifty twenty two’s. The game is evolving rapidly and we have to evolve with it.
Our game against Leicester Lions started exactly as we had planned. Two early tries put us in control, but our reaction to finding ourselves in that seemingly comfortable position is something we need to learn from. The result was the intensity in our collisions evaporated. Leicester, a team packed with National One experience and highly motivated to climb the table, took full advantage and fought their way back to level the scores.

From my perspective, what followed was a big moment. We had an attacking lineout just outside Leicester’s 22 and ran a set play that we have rehearsed hundreds of times. We failed to execute, then conceded a scrum penalty and found ourselves defending in our own 22. A sequence of lost collisions followed, culminating in Leicester’s third try. We were behind and they had the wind in their sails. To fight back and win the game is something we can be proud of. Our final defensive set lasted almost three minutes and to withstand that pressure, with everything on the line, before winning a turnover was a fantastic demonstration of this team’s resilience and determination.

However, we also recognise that we put ourselves in a position we should have avoided. If we want to continue our winning form, and secure a result away at Barnes this weekend, we must do a better job of controlling the game’s momentum and maintaining our intensity for the full 80 minutes.
We haven’t won away at Barnes for a long time, but as a group we know what it will take to come home with a result and the focus now is on delivering the performance required.

The Pilgrims ran Sevenoaks 2nd XV close at home last week, eventually losing 27–32 on the top pitch. The scoreline suggests a tight contest, but we gave Sevenoaks a 19-point lead inside the opening 15 minutes. The fight shown in coming back to challenge them was encouraging, but if we want to beat the best teams we cannot afford to give them such a significant head start.
Tomorrow, the Pilgrims travel to Heathfield and Waldron, who sit just one place above us in fourth. A positive result on the road could see us climb the table and the opportunity is there for the boys to make a statement.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

On review, I felt our attack against Havant was at the standard I knew we were capable of. Nine tries, combined with some accurate and exciting ball movement, is exactly how we want to play. Owain Collion finished with a personal tally of 19 points, thanks to an excellent day off the tee and a try of his own, while Garry Jones helped himself to a hat-trick.

The fly in the ointment was the 34 points we conceded. Havant are a good side with a strong attacking game of their own, but 34 points is also the average we have conceded across our three defeats so far this season. As I said to the team after the game, our attack has gone through the roof but we had not delivered the defensive improvement we were looking for. This will remain our main focus as we head into our final two games before the week off.

The Pilgrims also enjoyed a strong home win, running out 45–10 winners against Beccehamians. The team continues to go from strength to strength as we welcome more high-calibre, experienced players back into the side. This weekend brings another double home Saturday for the 1st XV and Pilgrims as we welcome Sevenoaks 2nd XV to the Marine Travel Ground. Sevenoaks are one of the strongest sides in the league and this is exactly the kind of challenge the Pilgrims are ready for.

On the main pitch, the 1st XV take on Leicester Lions, who return to the league following relegation from National 1 last season. They have had a challenging start to the campaign, with their only win in their first five games coming at home against Jersey.

For the 1st XV, Saturday is about continuing our trajectory of improvement and pushing ourselves to get better every week. I believe there is plenty more to come from this group as the season progresses, but our focus remains on one week at a time. We know where we want to get to, and the only way we will get there is by constantly improving and delivering on the pitch every Saturday.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

Oundle are a good side and very few would argue otherwise. They are well resourced, experienced and on Saturday only two of their twenty hadn’t played in the Championship or higher. In contrast, nine of our match-day squad were twenty-two or younger, with an average age just over twenty-four. Even with those contrasting profiles, I came away feeling we had more than enough opportunities to win the game and proud of the way the players applied themselves. The pressure the top teams apply is different and Oundle exposed cracks in our defence that we are determined to eradicate. That said, we scored three excellent tries and the real disappointment was leaving empty-handed for the first time this season.

Reflecting on September, we have scored an average of 30.5 points per game — more than enough to secure four wins. In our three losses, however, we have conceded an average of 35 points and that is why we sit with only one win on the board. We’ve dug into this thoroughly during the week and we know tightening our defensive output is the key to turning results around.

This weekend we welcome Havant to the Marine Travel Ground. They are a side who play an attacking brand of rugby similar to our own. This is their third season in National 2 East and in our last meeting they edged a close contest 28–21. We know we must show improvements in the areas we’ve focused on this week if we are to secure our first home win of the season.

The Pilgrims finally had their long-awaited first game last week, away to Tonbridge Juddians 2nd XV. The match was unfortunately ended early due to the referee injuring himself, but enough rugby had been played for the result to stand and the lads returned home with a 21–21 draw. For a young group in their first outing it was a strong start to their campaigns: as a result the Pilgrims take on Beccehamians with a high-quality side full of high-quality players. With both teams playing at the Marine Travel Groun it’s a Saturday not to miss.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

There is nothing quite like the heartbreak of losing last play of the game. Last season we were on the other side of that coin with several final play wins and to be on the losing side last Saturday was the bitterest pill to swallow.
After an indifferent first half we went in 7-19. Esher had capitalised on their chances and we had struggled to get out of our own half for long periods. We started the second half on plan and after some early pressure won a penalty to kick to the corner and score our second maul try in the first two minutes. For the rest of the half we exchanged scores and the lead changed hands three times before we scored our final try, with eight minutes to go.
When reflecting on those final eight minutes, the benefit of a painful experience is the learnings that we can take from it. The league is more competitive than ever and I expect us to be faced with a National 2 arm-wrestle each week. Our ability to control possession and territory in the closing stages is something that we have worked on this week and will be equally as important on Saturday.
Oundle need very little introduction this season after their summer signings have been making headlines. They are a well resourced team and have players with experience from different levels of the game. This is a well-timed test for us and we know we will face a team full of confidence who sit at the top of the table. Our experience in the last few seasons has taught us the importance of the set piece battle whenever we play anyone in the top four and this is the foundation of Oundle’s strength. I have enjoyed the players attitude in training this week as we look to put in a performance to be proud of.
The Pilgrims season finally begins as they travel away to Tonbridge. It is a big game for them to start their league campaign and after a long wait the lads are ready and raring to go. I am looking forward to seeing how this group performs as the growth they have shown in the last few weeks has really impressed me

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW
Dorking away, ever since they arrived in our league, has always been a tough fixture. The only time we’ve left with a win was by a single point after Dorking missed a final kick of the game. It had also been one of our strongest first halves of rugby that season.
Even though we had very little possession for the first twenty minutes last week and spent that entire period defending inside our own twenty two, the scoreline was only 3–0. When Harry Sloan crossed the line twenty four minutes in, we then went on to control the rest of the half. Lucas Eule crossed twice from strong driving mauls and Harry added his second. We were clinical in our execution and made the most of nearly every visit inside the Dorking twenty two.
The second half started much like the first, with the players putting in long defensive shifts to keep Dorking to just three points. After weathering the storm we progressed up the field, culminating in Olly Frostick crashing over from short range. It would have been a great achievement to keep Dorking try less, but we fell short as they scored twice in the final five minutes. Still a strong result at a difficult place to win.
The young players who have been making their first starts over the last few weeks continue to improve while putting in eye catching performances. The strength of their development is something the whole club can be proud of. So many people have played a part in getting them to this point and they all have very exciting futures in the game.
The Pilgrims also had their first friendly of the season. A very young side beat Westcombe Park 2nd XV 45–10. It was a great warm up for the season that starts next week and has given the coaches some clear focus areas for training as we prepare for Tonbridge away on the 26th.
Our visitors tomorrow at the Marine Travel Ground are Esher. They’ve also had a strong start to the season against tough opposition. In these early rounds we’re all still working out how the deck will settle in this first block of games. I’m expecting two attacking teams to go all in tomorrow — one you won’t want to miss.

MATT CORKER’HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

And just like that, ten weeks of pre-season come to an end. By this point players and coaches alike are always chomping at the bit for the league campaign to begin and this year is no different. Hard pitches and high temperatures have thrown up some scorching sessions, but in this game your ability to adapt is crucial. Over the last few weeks it feels as if the group has really pulled together, both in their understanding of how we want to play and in the way they interact with each other.

There are some new and returning faces In the team this weekend. Tomorrow’s squad includes two returning colts making their 1st XV debuts. Lucas Eule, back with us after studying Economics at Loughborough, starts his new career with Burgess Hodgson on Monday and takes his place on the bench today. George Trapp, also studying at Loughborough (we should be on commission) is on a placement year with Pfizer in Sandwich and makes his first 1st XV start at six.

It’s great to see Lewis Hollidge back in the side. After a few seasons playing rugby league in the north, he returns south with his young family and starts at fly-half. Max McCormack makes his first start at No 8 and Owain Collins earns a first start at fullback. Sam Rogers returns to the side at hooker after successfully completing his knee rehab, while Olly Ashley-Jones is set for his first appearance from the bench.

The Pilgrims have had their season delayed by hard pitches across the country and play their first friendly next week against Westcombe Park 2nd XV at the Marine Travel Ground. It will be a great chance to see some of the new and emerging talent in the squad. The extra time has allowed these players to upskill and the graduating colts have really started to find their feet and push standards forward.

Our battles with Old Albanians are always close-run affairs and our last meeting was decided by a last-minute penalty. OA’s left with the win, so if we want to start the season on the right foot we will need to deliver a performance to be proud of. There’s been a lot of hard work from the players — now it’s time to find out exactly where we are.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

SATURDAY PREVIEW

Last Saturday was tough one to take and one of my most disappointing in rugby. Six points across the two games was all that separated us from very different emotions. When I look in the mirror, I know we came up short and that has made processing our weekend so important. I can’t question the pride that every player had in wearing the Canterbury shirt, it was clear for all to see, but our execution at key moments sealed out fate. In big games small margins become deciding factors.

I said last week that this was the end of the season where destinies are decided and seeing the Pilgrims relegated by such a small margin, after a long campaign where we finished outside the relegation places, was another reminder of how unforgiving sport can be. I shared a quote on Tuesday from my new favourite Chinese philosopher. Confucius is credited with saying “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising ever time we fall”. It has been a long journey to get our Pilgrims playing at level 6 and this knock back won’t deter us from preparing the squad to return next season.

One of the most rewarding parts of this year has been watching our young players grow and develop. Seeing them progress, gain confidence and push toward national league level and beyond is exactly what we want this club to stand for. Creating an environment where players can arrive, improve, and realise their potential will always be at the heart of what we do.
My thanks must go to Mal Graves and Will Hilton who have worked hard with the team and Saturday’s result does not take away from their efforts all season. Dan Gill has also helped the Pilgrims wheels continue to turn as the Pilgrims team manager as well and notching up another handful of performances.

A big thank you as well to Tom Short, who has led the Cannons through another strong season, keeping them in Counties 3 Kent after last year’s promotion. Thanks to his work, there continues to be a clear and effective pathway between the Pilgrims and Cannons, which is incredibly valuable and not easy to maintain.

Against Barnes, the 1st XV made exactly the start we had prepared for and went into half-time in control, with Aiden Moss crossing for two tries on his final appearance for the club.
In the second half, however, a series of handling errors at crucial moments limited our ability to build on that lead. Combined with coming off second best in the set-piece, it shifted momentum and placed us under increasing pressure. Too often, that pressure was self-inflicte and the penalties we conceded gave Barnes the opportunities they needed to stay in the game. We held the lead until the very last play, which makes the outcome an especially bitter pill to swallow.

As a group we feel fortunate to have the opportunity this weekend to finish the season on a different note and put in a complete performance against Oxford Harlequins who visit the Marine Travel ground tomorrow.

I write this column every week, but as the season comes to a close its essential for me to recognise the people that the team could not function without.
Alex Veale has put up with me for another year and has developed new and inventive ways to captivate the players imaginations and focus on our attack. Even Clive has been involved in some of the demo’s!

Nathan Morris was coaching on the pitch until Christmas and since has been supporting our scrum virtually, maximising the use of technology at our disposal. Thanks to him, our young front row have continued to develop and he is constantly fielding questions for myself.
I must also thank our Director of Rugby, Taff Gwilliam, for all his hard work and support throughout the season. There is a great deal of work that goes into enabling the club to thrive and operate cohesively and Taff is at the heart of that.

Chris Fullbrook aka Vinnie, has continued to be in charge of many different roles including 1st XV team manager, fourth official, registration secretary, head of discipline as well many things in between. I am continually grateful for his knowledge and the amount of time his gives to the team, without it we wouldn’t be able to function.Thanks to Ernie and Darren for taking their annual cruise to Guernsey with a car full of kit! This makes all the difference and greatly simplifies our travel as a team on the day.

Charline Bannigan has been working his magic in the treatment room, supported brilliantly by Ben Cassidy, Leon Benning and Malek, our fantastic student from the University of Kent.

Thanks also to David Haigh, our ever-reliable press officer and matchday announcer, and to Rebecca Williams for leading our communications so effectively.
As a squad we will complete our annual review next week and as a 1st XV and Pilgrims this is the first time in recent seasons that we haven’t made obvious progress from a league table perspective. Irrespective of this, I have still seen a great deal of growth in the group and across the board we are doing things to a higher standard and in greater detail compared to this time last year. My immediate reflection is that this shows how keeping pace in the competitive landscape that we battle in each season is essential. For us to take the next step forward more is needed from every area and we will use pre-season to make sure we leave no stone unturned. That isn’t for now though.

For now, I have three final thank yous. Firstly, to everyone who has supported us throughout the season. We’ve shared some special moments at home — Oundle and Dorking stand out in particular — and those occasions are made even more memorable by the energy and passion from those on the sidelines.
We know that anyone who pulls on a Canterbury shirt is representing more than just themselves — they’re representing a community — and that’s something the players feel every time they step onto the field.

Secondly I would like to thank the committee for allowing me to lead the team for another season. Our Club continues to grow against the external prevailing winds and I am so proud to be able to contribute my own part to such a special community. I am fortunate to see how hard our committee works to make this all possible.

My final thank you goes to the players. Watching this group of young men develop, not just as players but as people, is something I never take for granted. Seeing the friendships they build and how they balance life with rugby at the centre of it all is a big part of what makes this team special and it’s clear to see the impact it has week in, week out. I’m incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and energy they invest into the team. It’s that commitment that makes this group what it is — a side that’s stronger together and far greater than the sum of its parts.

I hope you all have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you at the start of another exciting season in September.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

MATCH PREVIEW

I call this the business end of the season and as this is when destiny’s are decided. I have been fortunate to be part of some big Saturdays in my time with the club but they don’t come much bigger than this one, with two massive fixtures back to back on the main pitch.
First up, the Pilgrims have their biggest game of the season, facing Dartfordians in a relegation playoff match that will decided which league we play in next season. Its 10th vs 11th at the Marine travel ground kicking off at 12 Noon and this is the type of fixture we have been preparing for. The journey the players have been on this season has propelled this group forward and that is why playing in Regional 2 next season is so valuable for us. Just because the stakes are higher than usual the road to success is always through a focusing on our own performance. The players know what they need to do and have prepared well this week.
The 1st XV will then follow with their own season defining fixture. A win against Barnes will put us in pole position to finish 4th with our game in hand to follow next week also at home against Oxford Harlequins. Barnes have beaten us in everyone of the previous seven games. This season We have overturned several records similar to this and having the opportunity to meet this last outstanding challenge is something myself and the squad are focused on.
The sun is going to be out, as it always is on sponsors day, and the stakes are high in both games, I wouldn’t miss this one if I were you.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH