Category: Match Reports

Pilgrims Match Report v Bromley

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Bromley 38 Pilgrims 30

Two late penalty goals ensured Bromley ran out winners and Pilgrims hade to be content with a losing bonus point.
The home side opened the scoring with a chip over the top with Pilgrims defence out of position which allowed the left wing to race through and score an unconverted try.
Pilgrims reply was positive and set the tone for the remainder of the half as they looked dangerous when getting the ball to the edges. They spread good line out ball was spread wide to test the defence before a strong drive from flank forward Tom Mackenzie saw Pilgrims level the score. They were on the front foot again as they asserted their dominance at the lineout, forcing a number of Bromley errors, but it was soft defending that led to the home side taking the lead, slightly against the run of play. Pilgrims looked to have the attack covered, but a missed tackle allowed them in to exploited a simple two on one for a converted score.
Pilgrims responded well and again applied pressure at the set piece which saw Owain Collins reduce the arrears with a well taken penalty goal. The city side had clear ascendancy at the lineout and this was giving the backs a good platform to launch attacks. They moved the ball well before another great line from Mackenzie saw him race through a gap and his classy show and go sent the Bromley defence for a hot dog to put the Pilgrims back into the lead.
From the Kick off, Canterbury were straight back on the front foot with prop Cam MacMillan going on a punishing 20 metre run. Quick ball was moved well before Mackenzie again picked a great line, this time opting to offload to the supporting Paddy Parker who dotted down for the city sides 3rd try and a 12-22 lead.
Pilgrims then gave away needless field position with poor ruck management, giving Bromley a penalty which they kicked to the corner. From the resulting 5m lineout a short pass to the front of the line caught the defence cold and allowed Bromley to add a third unconverted try. Again the city side response was positive, attacking from good line out ball, and when momentum was stopped by a Bromley high tackle Collins stepped up to slot the penalty.
With the half drawing to a close, more suspect Pilgrims defence at the ruck allowed saw Bromley add another score against the run of play to limit Pilgrims half time le to 24-25.
The second half started as an arm wrestle with Pilgrims still having the better of the set piece, but Bromley playing the slope well and looking to keep the city side pinned in their own half.
A rare scrum penalty saw the home side recapture the lead with a penalty goa and then added a further try after a Pilgrims long clearance was returned with interest, poor defensive alignment a allowing them a simple score.
The city side continued to look dangerous and found a deserved bonus point try through a powerful run by AJ Masaka, leaving the game finely balanced 32-30.
Despite having opportunities to add to their tally, good home defence and some questionable decision making saw Bromley close out the game with two well struck penalties. as an entertaining g Pilgrims gave another improved performance with their next game at home to Dartfordians at the MTG in what promises to be a keenly contested affair.

Canons Match Report vs Sittingbourne

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Tom Short

With 4 weeks having passed since their last league fixture, the Canons faced a difficult trip to early league leaders Sittingbourne in a bid to kick start their season.  The task was made harder with 5 forced changes to the line up on Friday due to illness, injury and call ups to the Pilgrims.

With both teams lining up for a minute’s silence before kick off in memory of a Sittingbourne club stalwart who had recently passed away, the power and size advantage that ‘Bourne possessed was clear to see.   And this was soon shown on the pitch, with Sittingbourne using their power, combined with the skill of their fly half to race into a 3 try advantage after 20 minutes.   Canons heads did not drop, and they were finally kickstarted into life following a dominant tackle by Man of the Match Josh Lamb.  Suddenly passes went to hand, half breaks were made, and the Canons were rewarded with their first try of the game.  Sittingbourne overthrew at a lineout, before Jake Forrest collected and went on a powerful run.  The ball was recycled quickly, and made its way to Lamb who beat 4 defenders before being caught by the ‘Bourne winger 10m out from the try line.  He offloaded to winger Jimmy Carlton, who finished well to get the Canons on the scoreboard.  The Canons continued to dominate for the remainder of the half, but could not cross the whitewash thanks to Bourne’s well organised defence, and as the whistle blew for half time the score stood at 19-7 to the home team.

The Canons carried the momentum immediately into the second half.  Following a knock on from the kick off, Canterbury retained possession from their scrum before Lamb broke the line with silky footwork again to create a two on one with winger Harvey Lee, who finished to bring the Canons within 5 – the try was converted by the faultless boot of Kieran Shave.  As the Canons continued to threaten the Sittingbourne defence, ‘Bourne reverted to type when they had possession.  The ‘Bourne forwards dominated in scrum, and eventually the Canons momentum withered, and despite valiant defensive efforts Sittingbourne collected 3 tries in a 20 minute period, from a collective distance of around 9 yards.   Nonetheless, the Canons had the final say in the game, with hooker Ollie Jeffery powering over from 10 minutes in the final play of the game.  Final score, Sittingbourne 36, Canons 21

 

This Saturday brings what is now deemed to be a grudge match against Old Williamsonians.  The only team to beat the Canons in their victorious Kent Counties 4 season, the weekend presents an intriguing game with both teams searching for a first league win of the season.  Be sure to head the MTG to cheer on the Canons.

Fighting Through the Storm: Canterbury Push Medway in Gritty Battle

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Final Score: Medway 29 – 10 Canterbury
Date: Saturday 5th October

The 5th of October brought a blustery challenge for Canterbury Women as they faced Medway away in the tail end of Storm Amy. With strong gusts affecting play throughout, both sides had to adapt quickly. Illness left Canterbury with reduced numbers, but this didn’t hold the team back from putting in a determined performance against strong opposition.

The game began with a knock-on from the kick-off, giving Medway an early scrum. Canterbury’s pack, however, were unfazed and dominated throughout the contest. The forwards set the tone with big carries from #5 Emma Alleyne, #1 Alex Mills, #8 Amber Waitimas, and #3 Lizzie Deverson, while #2 Inger Philpott, #4 Shepherd, #6 Payne, and #7 Brennan worked hard at the breakdown to secure possession and slow Medway’s attack. The strong winds made lineouts difficult to control, but #6 Rosie Payne worked tirelessly at the back bookend, collecting loose balls in both attack and defence and gaining valuable ground for Canterbury.

Medway were first on the scoreboard, breaking down the wing for the opening try. But Canterbury quickly hit back. A move called by #10 Layla Little opened up space and, after some excellent support play and offloads, #11 Alice Hayward crossed the line for Canterbury’s first try.

The back three, Hayward, #14 Lola Yuille-Clough, and #15 Emily Moriarty, worked tirelessly in the backfield, fielding Medway’s kicks and pushing play back up the pitch. In the centres, #12 El Crowe and #13 Lily Philpott combined well, using strong carries to punch holes in Medway’s defence and keep Canterbury on the front foot. Meanwhile, captain #9 Lucy Relf kept spirits high and the team organised, leading with encouragement and direction.

In the second half, Canterbury began to use the conditions to their advantage. Fly-half Layla Little managed the wind brilliantly, kicking downfield to relieve pressure and exit the 22, or finding touch with penalties awarded from Medway mistakes to gain territory and keep the side moving forward.

Canterbury’s second try came from Little herself, who intercepted a pass 30 metres out, dummied the defence and powered through with a hand-off to score. It was a moment that showed Canterbury’s willingness to fight for every chance.

With around 20 minutes left to play, Canterbury were forced to continue with 14 players after an injury. Despite the setback, the team kept their heads high and worked for each other, showing huge determination to try and prevent conceding any further points.

Despite their efforts, Medway made the most of their chances and stretched the score line to 29–10 by the final whistle. Still, in tough conditions and against the odds, Canterbury showed plenty of heart and resilience.

Forward of the Match went to Lizzie Deverson, who impressed with her work rate and physical presence just one game after her debut. Back of the Match was awarded to Alice Hayward for her tireless running, defensive effort, and leadership in helping to direct the backline.

A gritty performance from Canterbury Women, proving that even in defeat, the team’s fight and spirit remain strong.

The Women’s 1XV now look ahead to their next fixture, which is part of the Papa Johns Community Cup against Beckenham at home on Saturday 26th October. Please come down and support our women.

Match Report: Canterbury Women’s 1XV vs Horsham – League Fixture


Posted on | by Becca Williams

Final Score: Canterbury 37 – Horsham 5

By Amber Waitimas

Canterbury Women’s 1XV opened their league campaign with a strong 37–5 win over Horsham, delivering a full team performance from start to finish.

The tone was set early on with a powerful run from debutant and Number 8 El Crowe, who crossed the line just five minutes in for the opening try. The scoring continued shortly after with a well-taken try by fly-half and co-captain Kate Rutherford, followed by efforts from prop Alex Mills and another debutant, winger Lola Yuille-Clough.

Canterbury showed solid structure throughout, executing moves from the training pitch while also adapting with some free-flowing phases. The forwards laid strong foundations with hard carrying and support play, allowing the backs to move the ball with confidence.

Horsham found a gap early in the second half and was able to convert their pressure into points with a deserved try for their afternoons hard work and efforts. However, Canterbury responded well, maintaining composure and control. Tries followed from Emily Kent, converted by Layla Little, co-captain Lucy Relf, and a second from Kent to round off the match.

Set-piece work in the second half was particularly strong, with hooker Inger Philpott winning the ball in the scrums and the pack putting in a dominant shift around the field.

Defence played a key role throughout, with Canterbury staying focused and aggressive in the tackle. Tries were well spread across both the forwards and backs, reflecting a true team effort.Forward of the Match: Lily-Inger Philpott
Back of the Match: Emily Kent
Both players stood out for their work rate and defensive contribution.

Further honours to all of our debut players this afternoon go to El Crowe, Rosie Payne, Lizzie Deverson, Ellie Rowe, Mary Trimmer and Lola Yuille-Clough. We are excited to follow their journey with us!

Canterbury’s next fixture is away at Medway on Sunday 5th October. Based on previous meetings, it promises to be a well-contested match. All supporters are welcome to come along and be part of the day.

Match Report: Gravesend 3’s v Deacons

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The mighty Deacons travelled to Gravesend and took their first win of the season in a close game of 43-41. When the boys arrived they expected to have 16 players, however travel issues and some late drop out meant that they started the game with 13 players.

Gravesend had a quick start scoring their first try within the first 5 minutes of the game. The Deacons weren’t going out without a fight. The boys defended with everything they had making hit after hit. But Gravesend weren’t letting up either. After they had scored 3 tries the boys faced another player loss due to concussion.
It wasn’t looking great for Deacons but they kept fighting. Two tries late in the first half meant that the boys stayed in the game finishing the first half with a score of 34-12 to Gravesend.

The boys knew they had their work cut out for them but were ready to leave it all on the field. The second half marked a turn around with deacons scoring quickly after kick off. But they didn’t stop there. The Deacons kept the ball in the second half fighting Gravesend with everything they had. The boys worked hard to stay in the Gravesend half and eventually were in the lead. But another injury and a yellow card meant that the deacons were now down to 10 players on the field. Gravesend seized this chance and converted their own try to make the score 41-36. The Gravesend crowd roared with excitement but the Deacons didn’t let this get to them. The Deacons answered this with their own converted try in overtime to win them the game.

MOTM – Josh Lamb for great kicks from hand and from the tee, an unrelenting effort in defence and great running with the ball

Match Report: Zingari 85 Sheppey 2’s 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Colin Scurr

The Zingari swept aside Sheppey with an overwhelming display of power and handling from the kick off opening their account with a Henry Collins converted try within the first five minutes after Sheppey lost possession in their own twenty-two. This was followed with Will  Raynor bursting through a tackle touching down near the posts for the simple following conversion. Next in line was wingman Piers Weigh finishing off a move to score in the corner for both his second try in his second game at senior level, with Horan adding the conversion from the tight angel. The city side looked in control their forwards especially in the loose setting up their backs with quick ball exploited first by Will Raynor, and then by Henrey Collins with successful converted try’s. With halftime approaching the final act was Jon Foster making his first appearance for the Zingari and making sure the forwards got in on the act powered over the line for another converted try to give the city side a commanding 42-point halftime lead.

The Second half started looked its was going to be much the same with Henry Carruthers touching down out wide within minutes of the kick off, but Sheppey had other ideas using their forwards to set up position near the Canterbury line before powering over for their first converted try, however, this was soon neutralised with Will Raynor completing his hat trick. Sheppey to their credit started a fight back with their forwards leading the charge giving their backs a few more opportunities with a kick in behind the Canterbury defence that was collected for a well taken converted try. This inspired  Sheppey and they redoubled their efforts putting the city side under some pressure only to find Canterbury could defend, and as the game went into the last quarter the Zingari were back in control winning quick ball from the breakdown that started a try frenzy. First to benefit was Simon Jaynes, and Jon Foster for his second try, followed by Henry Carruthers for his hattrick. Now deep into injury time Callum Townsend Henry Carruthers completed the try tally, and along with Rob Horans accurate boot  gave the Zingari one of their best starts to the season possible.

Match Report Dartford Valley 19 Canons 14

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Canons continue to chase their first win of the campaign as they fell to defeat against Dartford Valley.

In blustery conditions, the Canons absorbed pressure well in the first half playing into a strong wind. Knowing that they would have the advantage of the weather in the second half, the Canons restricted Dartford Valley to 2 tries, both scored from close range. 12-0 to DV at half time.

With clear instructions at half time as to how the team needed to play, the second half did not go to plan with DV scoring in the first minute from the kick off. Not deterred, the Canons fought back begin, with Liam Browne scoring the first of 3 penalty kicks 10 minutes into the half. Handling errors plagued the Canons however, which nullified any momentum that was building. In the 60th minute, Josh Lamb crossed the try line for the Canons, following some good play in the midfield. Penalties started to rack up against DV, but the Canons could not capitalise. Browne kicked his third penalty in the final play of the game to ensure the Canons scored a losing bonus point. Full time 19-14.

It was an improved performance for the Canons, who continue to settle into life in Kent Counties 3. With the next league game not until 11th October, the Canons have plenty of time to refresh themselves before facing early league leaders Sittingbourne.

Match Report: Zingari 75 Lordswood 2’s 28

Posted on | by Becca Williams

By Colin Scurr

The Zingari opened their seasons account with an emphatic win against an inexperienced Lordswood side, despite the final scoreline Lordswood showed resilience making Canterbury fight for every point. From the kick off the Zingari had Lordswood pined on their own line before Brad Alchurch making another return after taking a season out, burst his way over the line under the posts for the following simple conversion. The Zingari kept up the pressure with a kick and chase picked up by Henry Collins touching down near the posts for the following conversion, and twenty minutes into the half Ollie Simpson showed his pace outstripping the defence to score out wide. Within two minutes the city side struck again with Henrey Collins breaking the defensive line for another converted try. This was followed a few minutes later with the ball traveling down the line to find wing Piers Weigh making his first appearance at senior rugby scoring with a try out wide with the following conversion. Lordswood could have folded, but after period of scrappy play broke the city defence with a converted try of their own, however the Zingari had the last word of the half with another Brad Alchurch converted try, and with the bonus of Rob Horan slotting the conversions Canterbury a substantial halftime lead.

 

The second half started much the same this time Ollie Simpson picking his way through adding to his tally with another converted try, if Canterbury thought it was all over, they were in for a check as Lordswood although not so good in the loose had done well at the set piece took advantage, and ten minutes into the half  snatched back a converted try. The Zingari soon struck back with another try,  but were coming under pressure from that Lords wood set piece, only a wild pass from Lordswood allowed Jonny Gaynor the interception to go the length of the field to touch down. Again, Lordswood would not lay down and after some missed tackles

Lordswood snatched another try back. With the match going into the last quarter the Zingari hit back in the thirty-eight minutes with a ollie Simpson hat trick followed by another Jonny Gaynor try and his hat trick. However, with the game now well into injury time Lordswood refused to give up snatching a deserved consolation converted try with the last play.

Match Report: Horsham 41 Pilgrims 25

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Pilgrims travelled away to Horsham for their first away day in Regional 2 and were left frustrated as errors once again proved costly at this level.
They started brightly and exerted early pressure but this was quickly undone when a speculative kick in behind from Horsham was allowed to bounce and Horsham were 7-0 up after five minutes.

The city side regrouped and a series of well worked phases fashioned 2 kickable penalty opportunities which Olly Ashley-Jones slotted to bring the score back to 7-6 before Horsham added their 2nd try after poor pilgrims tackling allowed them to dot down beside the posts. 14-6.
The Pilgrims responded positively again and Horsham’s repeated attempts to slow the ball down at the breakdown saw them reduced to 14 men. A fine break from Al Evans was well supported by scrum half Lloyd who took a short pass and raced away to score under the posts 14-13.

An injury to centre Mitch Fielder saw Ed Thompson introduced and the back line reshuffled, and before they could settle more missed tackles created space out wide for Horsham to score and take the score to 19-13.
Pilgrims were looking dangerous on attack as they looked for an instant reply, but poor handling in midfield saw the ball spilled, Horsham reacted quickest to gather the loose ball and they added their 4th try to take the half time score to 24-13.

The pilgrims looked threatening as they began the 2nd half on the front foot with a series of strong carries and tackles by the forwards who were shading the physical contest. An injury to fullback Harvey Ingram and a yellow card for a late tackle by Tom Mackenzie made Pilgrims task more difficult and Horsham used the numerical advantage to good effect to move the ball effectively to space out wide and scored again to make it 31-13.

The pilgrims forwards then showed their desire with a series of good drives culminating in Stan Bull taking a tap penalty 5metres out and crashing over to score,31-18.

Horsham were then given another yellow card after a high shot on wing Adrian Geddes, but added a further try after another handling error allowed them to pounce and move the ball out wide to score. 36-18.

Pilgrims showed great heart to dig deep for a response and after a fine break by Stan Bull, wing Gary Jones was on hand to take the offload and score a converted try, 36-25.

Pilgrims were now firmly on the front foot and had momentum. Strong forward drives saw No.8 Al Evans power over only for the referee to not see the grounding and come back for advantage. The pilgrims then moved the ball wide and thought they had their bonus point try, only for the referee to judge the pilgrims had obstructed potential tacklers and award Horsham a pressure relieving penalty. With the clock running down, Horsham scored a well worked try to take the game away from the Pilgrims and make the final score 41-25.

Canterbury Falter On Day One

Posted on | by David Haigh

BARNES 26 CANTERBURY 14

by David Haigh

A strong start but a confused ending saw Canterbury falter on this opening day of the new National 2 East season. “That was our best start at Barnes for several seasons said a disappointed Head Coach Matt Corker. “We later went away from the game plan and that was fatal.” You could see why Corker found it so frustrating because the city side played a full part in an untidy but highly competitive game. With five minutes left they were trailing by only one score but over- ambitious play near their own line handed Barnes Number Eight Dan Robertson his fourth try and Canterbury were left without even a losing bonus point. Solid work from the pack put pressure on Barnes in the early stages but it wasn’t until the 25th minute that their defence cracked to a driving maul try by Eoin O’Donoghue, converted by Frank Reynolds. The hosts found momentum in the second quarter, won penalties and, taking their cue from the Canterbury score, the efficiency of their maul gave them a narrow 12-7 lead by halftime with two tries from Robertson and a conversion by Elliot Haydon. The city side were back in front six minutes into the second half. Following an interception and break by flanker Mo Pangarker, a player in outstanding form on his return from long term injury, they drove hard and patiently at the home line until Harry Sloan touched down between the posts and Reynolds again converted. It was their failures in defending the catch and drive that saw that advantage vanish after just two minutes as Robertson and Haydon clocked up another seven points. Barnes now began to dictate territory but if the close quarter mauls had been a problem for the city side the rest of the defending was beyond reproach as they kept the home side at bay, They still had opportunities to attack but runs by Luke Talbot, Will Waddington and Aiden Moss went unrewarded. With Barnes pressing again in the late minutes some wild Canterbury passing gave them that final opportunity and they did not miss out.

Canterbury: L.Talbot, H.Furneaux, H.Sloan, W.Waddington, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, L.Young, E.O’Donoghue, H.Drane, J.Stephens, C.McGovern, R.Thomas, M.Pangarker, T.Oliver, Replacements: O.Frostick, C.Macmillan, J.De Vries, A.English, A.Moss.