Category: Match Reports

CRFC vs BSRFC

Canterbury 21 Bishop’s Stortford 38

Posted on | by David Haigh

Pace and accuracy shifted this game decisively Bishop’s Stortford’s way as they dominated the second and third quarters. Just one score in front after the opening 20 minutes the Division One side ran in another five tries to remind Canterbury of their status. When the chances were created through sure handling and quick thinking they put them away and while the home side’s competitive instincts never deserted them their lack of accuracy and basic errors hobbled their ambition. That said, Canterbury did hit back strongly in the final quarter of a match played in 20 minute blocks and frequent changes to accommodate expanded squads. Stortford had to defend solidly in the early stages before their backs served notice by creating an overlap try for Charlie Parkhouse converted by Dan Cole, The lead didn’t last long as Will Waddington latched on to a shrewd kick from fly half Frank Reynolds for a Canterbury touchdown which Reynolds converted. Scrum half Connor Lloyd sniped over to recapture the advantage for Stortford but in the next 40 minutes they took command. Tries from Jake Morris, Parkhouse, Charlie Garwood and Luke Bury, plus three Cole conversions, put them well clear, The final session, however, saw Canterbury roar back into the game thanks to a pack which dominated the set scrums. Their work rewarded with a pick up and strong finish from Number Eight Harry Andrews. Tom Best converted and on a pitch that was in top class condition in this hot, dry summer they ended on high note when Best’s break set up a converted score for fellow centre Frankie Morgan.

Tom Williams

Match report – End of Season Spectacular, Canterbury Mens 1st XV v Bury St Edmunds

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

END OF SEASON SPECTACULAR

CANTERBURY 31 BURY ST EDMUNDS 34

by David Haigh

Canterbury’s season may have ended as it began with a narrow loss to Bury, this time to Charlie Reed’s last minute penalty goal, but this was still a game to savour. The biggest crowd of the season were treated to a feast of ten tries, some of them spectacular, in a cracking contest that had none of that end of term feel about it. Victory was important for Bury as it gave them a top six finish in National 2 South and after building a fourteen point lead in the second half their job seemed almost done. But Canterbury, who had lost their earlier intensity, rediscovered it to dominate the final fifteen minutes and draw level with two exhilarating tries. To then concede that late penalty was a frustrating own goal leaving them with two league points instead of three from the draw their efforts probably deserved. The game was alive from the off with Canterbury taking an early lead through a catch and drive try from Billy Young and Bury hitting back quickly when Ruraidh Williams’ break made a try for Matt Bursey. From then on it was nip and tuck until half time. Lovely foot work from Reed set up the first of Bury wing Ross Taylor’s three touchdowns, Alex Evans rewarded more close range work by the city pack and hooker Fin McCartney claimed Bury’s third try to edge his side ahead again. Canterbury clawed it back in the closing minute of the half, Young again finishing an organised driving maul. Reed’s two conversions against one by Will Hilton saw Bury two points in front at the break and everything nicely poised. However, one of Canterbury’s regular failings has been a drop in concentration in the third quarter and here it surfaced again. Bury’s fast moving wide game exposed them and Taylor completed his hat trick in the space three minutes, the first following a fine break by scrum half Chris Bolton and then capitalising on work by fellow wing Ciarian Leeson. Reed converted both tries and Canterbury had all the work to do. Inspiration for the fight back came from replacement scrum half Tom Williams who spotted space on the blind side and outpaced the Bury defence in a searing 70 metre run. Hilton converted and was left a much easier kick when clever footwork by fly half Frank Reynolds took him over between the posts to bring everything level and ten minutes remaining on the clock. Canterbury seemed to have the momentum but paid the penalty for hanging on to the ball at a ruck and Reed cooly slotted the winner with the last kick of a brilliant match.

Canterbury: W.Hilton, G.Hilton, F.Morgan (repl D.Heads), T. F.Reynolds, B.Cooper (repl T.Williams), A.Cooper, B.Young, E.Lusher (repl D.Herriott), J.De Vries (repl R.Cadman), J.Stephens, A.Evans (repl S.Churchyard), T.King, T.Oliver

View match photos

v Bury St Edmunds - 30 April 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Match Report – Guernsey Ladies v Canterbury Ladies

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

GUERNSEY 11 CANTERBURY 60

By Claire Bernthal

Canterbury Ladies took to the Footes Lane fields in Guernsey, through a tunnel of rapturous applause from the Canterbury Men and travelling supporters.

Starting at great pace the dynamic fullback, Jemma-Jo Linkins, ran in a fantastic solo try side stepping her way down the pitch. Swiftly converting it herself.

Canterbury built a steady lead as they put on an impressive display of aggressive defence and well-structured attacking play. Adding to an already strong debut season for the City side, Jess Pettafor added 5 points with an impressive display of pace down the right wing, following a line out steal from flanker Lucy Relf. Anneka Willis then scored after Liz Spruin turned a Guernsey ball over in defence. Linkins converted both setting up a 21-0 lead.

Guernsey opened their account with a penalty in front of the posts.

Player of the match, fly-half Rachel Austerberry, opened her account with a dominant break. Following a slick pick and go from the base of a centre field scrum by no. 8 Mimi Montgomery, a cheeky offload from scrum half Charlotte Andrews.

Dominant scrummaging, inspired by the formidable front row of Daniella Charles, Inger Philpott, and Tasha Weir, opened up the field for the backs to attack. Linkins ran in her second of the afternoon which she converted.

A lapse in discipline in front of the Canterbury posts saw Guernsey secure a further 3 points from the tee.

The half concluded with centre Olivia Haywood intercepting a ball and quickly popping in the tackle to fly-half Austerberry. In a stunning break she ripped through the heart of the Guernsey defence with a series of incredible fends. Linkins converting once more.

Starting the second half with a 38-6 lead Canterbury were keen to kick on and enjoy the final 40 minutes of the season.

Kate Rutherford added a further 5 points following an impressive rolling maul. But with the wind against her Linkins failed to convert.

The next try saw winger Alice Hayward turn the ball over with one of her aggressive tackles. Centre Tilly Chilton pounced on the ball then popped to Pettafor who ran in the try.

Forward of the match Philpott made a bust through the centre and offloaded to Austerberry. She accelerated away from the tiring Guernsey players to secure her first hat trick in the amber and black jersey.

Guernsey never gave up the fight and their fly half scored out on the wing following and swift series of pick-and-go plays.

With the minutes slipping away Canterbury fought back from the kick off. Impact substitutes: Alexis Scarpulla, Chloe Oakley, Lauren Windsor, Amber Waitimas and Octavia Andall bought much needed energy into the attack.

Captain Andrews took advantage of a penalty and put Guernsey on the back foot. With the forwards storming up the centre of the pitch. Veteran member of the team Claire Bernthal made a break round the fringes of a ruck. A slick offload to flanker Alice Crabb, who came sprinting through at pace to score a final try of the season which Linkins converted.

The squad undoubtedly put on a fantastic display of passionate, energetic, attacking rugby which demonstrated to all watching why they ladies were crowned league champions.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

v Guernsey Ladies

Match Report – Guernsey RFC v Canterbury Mens 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

GUERNSEY 33 CANTERBURY 33

In a terrific climax a penalty try in the last minute of this National 2 South game gave Canterbury a late share of the points after they had squandered a healthy lead.

They opened a 21-point gap in the first nineteen minutes but poor discipline, which cost them three yellow cards, handed Guernsey all the incentive they needed to dominate the second half.
It was the Channel Islander’s own indiscretions, however, that denied them victory as they came under sustained pressure in the dramatic closing minutes.

An impressive driving maul was stopped illegally, and referee Neil Sweeney had no hesitation in awarding the penalty try to Canterbury.

It was all so different in the early stages with Canterbury cruising ahead smoothly with tries from Ben Cooper, half back partner Frank Reynolds and Alex Evans, all converted by Tom Best.

Guernsey got their breath back with a converted try from Anthony Armstrong but despite temporarily losing Frank Morgan to the first of their yellow cards, the city side soon claimed a bonus point with a fourth touchdown when full back Aiden Moss delivered one of his scorching runs.

Guernsey made their extra man count just before half time through Callum Roberts’ try but Canterbury were still sitting in box seat with a fourteen point advantage.

It was a cushion that quickly became deflated in the second half which the home side dominated and as the yellow cards flew, first for Will McColl and then Sam Sterling, the city defences crumbled.

Going into the last quarter Guernsey had forged ahead with tries from Ciaran McGann, Owen Thomas, and Oscar Baird, with Thomas converting them all.

But when Canterbury found themselves in the last chance saloon they kicked down the doors in powerful fashion and it earned them three league points.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

v Guernsey

Match Report – Canterbury Ladies v Guernsey

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY LADIES 49 GUERNSEY LADIES 20

A final home fixture of the season saw a strong victory for Canterbury’s ladies, confirming themselves as champions.

Upon kick off some untidy catch-attempts from Guernsey saw Canterbury gain the upper hand with an early turnover penalty which was taken as a tap-and-go, only to be shortly turned back over by Guernsey who also opted to tap the ball, a commonly chosen route throughout the game.

Some well executed offloading, paired with a huge line-break by Mimi Montgomery which left Guernsey disorganised landed the ball in the hands of Jess Pettafor, who needed only to sidestep a player to score the first try of the game in the fifth minute. With her attempt at conversion being charged down by a Guernsey player.

Shortly after kicking back off, Mimi Montgomery once again made herself the centre of attention with a swift interception and 30 metre dash before being reached by the opposition, however the defence had already been opened for Canterbury to run the ball almost to the Guernsey 22 – only to be stopped by a well timed tackle into touch.

All was relatively quiet from then, until the 13th minute when Montgomery once more made a dash through the defensive line from 15 metres out to score the second try of the match.

A well placed box kick by Charlotte Andrews bounced almost perfectly in Canterbury’s favour, with Guernsey misplaced to collect it out the sky, and chasing Ella Jenkins was quick to strike a tackle, and Rachael Austerberry’s keen eyes made sure it played out perfectly by spotting the ball and scooping it up as it came loose from the ruck: enabling yet another pitch-long run for the team as they offloaded from player to player, however a knock-on scuppered their hopes of furthering their lead.

A high tackle in the 20th minute on Alice Hayward saw the referee show a red card, leaving Guernsey with only 14 players with an hour of play remaining.

Canterbury seized upon this opportunity by kicking to touch, playing a classic catch-and-drive which took advantage of the lacking backline and allowed Anneka Willis to dive for the line – giving Canterbury a lead of three tries to nought.

Guernsey were not to be taken so easily, however, finding a straight shot at the uprights after a penalty was given in their favour, ensuring they would not head home empty handed.

A quick retaliation from Canterbury on the back of a scrum was once again spearheaded by Mimi Montgomery being unstoppable in her pace, scoring the fourth try for Canterbury, her second.

A clean cross-field kick by Olivia Haywood paired with some good footballing by Jess Pettafor allowed the fullback to score her second try of the match, making the score 25 – 3 where it would remain until half time, despite the best efforts of both sides to improve their position further.

The second half became quite different, Guernsey took the time to assess what their weaknesses were, as well as figuring out where Canterbury were struggling, and despite having a player deficit came back stronger.

The assessment showed through, with Canterbury being held in their 22 for ten minutes, until a penalty went Canterbury’s way and despite the kick not finding touch, Montgomery continued their form chasing after the ball as quick as can be and ensuring Guernsey could make only a few metres back.

Willis’ boot became something of a staple in the second half, constantly kicking just right – earning Canterbury a lineout just within the opposing half – and once again Montgomery got the ball and was off, running 40 metres to score herself a third try, and being dutifully converted by Anneka Willis.

A try and conversion for Guernsey demonstrated a determination to keep fighting, and a strength to compete despite the early red.

The game continued to be a smooth blend of fast backs and physical forwards, with a series of pick-and-go’s on the Guernsey line to eventually open a gap for Elizabeth Spruin to dart through and score a try just off centre from the posts.

The visiting side took the initiative after resuming play, kicking the ball along until a penalty in front of the try line was taken with a quick tap to the surprise of Canterbury, scoring a second try and converting with 14 minutes remaining to play.

Quick hands after a scrum had the ball reach Olivia Haywood who capitalised on the weakened back line of Guernsey, running across the field to score herself a try,

Guernsey’s last score came with six minutes remaining, again scoring from a short burst through the line to touch the ball down immediately afterwards.

The final scoring moment of the game came when Canterbury, unwilling to rest on their laurels, reused the power of Mimi Montgomery to score a ninth try for the side, fourth for Montgomery.

Tries: Jess Pettafor (2), Mimi Montgomery (4), Anneka Willis (1), Elizabeth Spruin (1), Olivia Haywood (1).

Conversions: Anneka Willis (2)

Canterbury: D. Charles, I. Philpott, T. Weir, A. Willis, A. Crabb, L. Windsor, L. Relf, M. Montgomery, C. Andrews ©, R. Austerberry, A. Hayward, O. Haywood, T. Chilton, E. Jenkins, J. Pettafor. Replacements: B. Gayson, C. Bernthal, M. West, C. Oakley, E. Spruin

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Jack Lloyd

Canterbury Ladies v Guernsey Ladies [2022-04-17]

Match Report – Canterbury 1st XV v Esher RFC

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 11 ESHER 33

by David Haigh

High flying Esher were given a thorough Easter test before keeping their National 2 South title hopes on course with two late tries.

The scoreline probably flattered the visitors but here was a side that turned its chances into points while Canterbury, despite rattling the league leaders with their commitmmt and physicality, failed to make the most of theirs.

The city side’s first half effort was among the best of the season as they handled Esher’s kicking game with ease, created presure with some no nonsense rugby and took a six point lead through two Kyan Braithwaite penalty goals.

Adding tries to those points, however, eluded them and despite all the good work they found themselves behind at half time.

Esher scored twice in the final three minutes with Myles Rawstron-Rudd intercepting in Canterbury’s 22 metre area and Jack Lavin finding a gap after Danny Herriot had been yellow carded for pulling down a maul.

Sam Morley added the first of his four conversions.

A promising start to the second half again came to nothing for Canterbury but Esher approached their slightly uneasy situation with more determined forward power.

That earned a 56th minute try for prop Theo Skoumbourdis but they could make no further impression and as the game reached the last quarter it was Canterbury who found a way to the line.

A driving maul and a cut out pass sent Tristan King in at the corner to test Esher’s nerves.

They settled them but left it late with the bonus point try coming from Charlie Crawley in the 73rd minute from a powerful driving maul.

It was also enough to secure the win and in the last act of the game an individual breakaway score came from Phil Cokanasinga, a luxury replacement who usually plies his trade with Premiership London Irish.

Canterbury: A.Moss, G.Hilton, S.Sterling, K.Braithwaite, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper, A.Cooper, B.Young, D.Herriott, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, A.Evans, W.Waddington, T.Oliver.

Replacements: T.Best, E.Lusher, S.Churchyard, D.Heads. T.King.

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

v Esher

Match Report – Westcliff RFC vs Canterbury 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

WESTCLIFF 19  CANTERBURY 33

by David Haigh

This was only the second away victory of the season for an inconsistent Canterbury side so the five points they took home from bottom of the table Westcliff were a welcome boost ahead of next Saturday’s meeting with league leaders Esher.

What the scoreline could not disguise, however, was the poor quality of a game in which both sides fed off unforced errors as much as their own skills.

Canterbury’s dominant scrummaging was the backbone of an untidy performance and three second half tries were enough to guarantee a result which should have been more convincing.

Playing into a chilly wind in the first half a patient build up brought a converted try for Dwayne Corcoran after 14 minutes but then the errors set in and Westcliff turned their gifts into points.

A turnover handed them the opportunity to make space for wing Sherif Olanrewaju and a second try followed after a horrible communication failure by the city backs.

Westcliff skipper Greg Bannister picked up, raced 50 metres to the line and added the goal points.

Relentless scrum pressure allowed Canterbury to square matters before half time.

Westcliff came under the cosh, James Scogings was yellow carded after repeated penalty offences and Canterbury finally broke them down with an overlap score from wing Frank Morgan.

After the break that same pack power pushed Canterbury clear with two tries in the space of seven minutes.

Steady pounding of the Westcliff line ended with prop Danny Herriott coming up with ball from under a pile of bodies and the lead was recaptured.

The second saw Westcliff  shunted back at a close range scrum and Number Eight Tyler Oliver made the touchdown.

Both were converted and at 26-12 the game was in the city side’s hands.

As the match went into its final quarter, however, a stubborn Westcliff fought back.

They forced penalties, won territory and lock George Maloney powered over for a try converted by Bannister.

It proved to be their last shot but as scruffy handling and poor control continued to plague both sides it was Canterbury who finished the stronger.

An attack down the left wing channel which at last had some poise about it sealed the game, bringing Morgan his second try and leaving Kyan Braithwaite to slot a fourth conversion.

Canterbury: D. Corcoran (repl A. Moss), G. Hilton, S. Sterling, K. Braithwaite, F. Morgan, B. Cooper (repl D. Heads), A. Cooper (repl J. Otto). B. Young, D. Herriott (repl E. Lusher), J. De Vries, J. Stephens (repl S. Churchyard), A. Evans, W. Waddington, T. Oliver

 

Match photographs may be subject to copyright – Tim Browne / Westcliff RFC

Match Report – Canterbury 3rd XV vs Cranbrook 2nd XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury 3s sealed the league win with a hard fought victory over a fired up and skillful Cranbrook side.

Cranbrook had beaten Canterbury on the opening game of the season at their ground and were in the running to win the league if they could beat Canterbury and deny them a bonus point.
The home side found space on the outside early in the game, with Sam Merrell gliding over from fullback for the opening score. But ill discipline gave Cranbrook field position and the visitors capitalised with a converted try and a penalty to take them ahead.
Canterbury made the most of the possession they were able to get, however. Ollie Simpson made a half break down the left and put Barney Howard into space, and the centre was able to cut inside 3 defenders and score under the posts. An arcing run by Alex Williams after great hands from Harry Jackson didn’t quite result in a try, but soon after Ben Waite wriggled free and dotted down in the left corner giving the home side a 15-10 platform at half time.
After the break Canterbury put themselves under pressure with repeated penalties given away, but fierce defence and breakdown work by Dan Mills and Jack Waite kept Cranbrook at bay. The pace and handling of the city side gave them plenty of opportunities and paid dividends before long. Slick passing put Mark Stone in the corner, and a sneaky tap and go saw Alex Williams slip through. Cranbrook still threatened, but the game was finally put to bed when a break by Jake Upward led to Dan Gill putting his famous sidestep to good use and scoring by the posts on the final play of the game.
Final score 32-10.
Season record: Played 18, won 15, lost 3.

Match Report – Canterbury 1st XV vs Clifton

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 24  CLIFTON 38

by David Haigh

From riches to rags then almost back again.

That was the Canterbury story on a day of swinging fortunes which saw the visitors take home a bonus point victory and keep their title hopes just about bubbling.

The scoreline ended the way it did because the city side, after a confident start which earned them a twelve point lead, suddenly switched off.

In a twenty minute spell, either side of half time, their defence fell apart and they conceded 31 unanswered points.

By the time the lights came on again the game had run away from them although a late rally brought a losing bonus point.

What started so well with tries from Royce Cadman, peeling off a driving maul, and Frank Reynolds who chased down a clever sliding kick, began to go down hill in the 33rd minute.

Canterbury, who had defended well up that point, were forced into a goaline drop out but stood transfixed as Clifton full back Alex Howman speared past weak tackles.

He was stopped short of the line but lock Henry Harper finished the job.

By half time it was all square, through a Howman try created by centre Marcus Nel’s clean break and a conversion by Zak Ward.

From the first minute of the second half Canterbury were in deep trouble as they handed Clifton easy territory, fell off tackles and were hit with another rapid three tries.

Nel got one almost from the kick -off, fly half Luke Cozens accurate kicking set up position for a catch drive score for Geroge Taylor and Harper got his second in the 54th minute.

Cozens added two conversions and the damage looked irreparable.  Amid the wreckage, however, Canterbury finally located the switch again and produced the rugby they should have played for the whole 80 minutes.

Delightful interplay by the backs sent Will Waddington under the posts, Kyan Braithwate landed his second conversion and three minutes later came a sliver of light when Will Hilton’s pass put Frank Morgan across for the bonus point try.

But to recover from that painful mid-game period was beyond them and Clifton topped things off with a late
converted try from Fin Sharp.

Canterbury; D.Corcoran (repl A.Moss), G.Hilton, S.Sterling,
K.Braithwaite, F.Morgan (repl D.Corcoran), F.Reynolds (repl W.Hilton),
B.Cooper, A.Cooper, B.Young (repl J.Otto), D.Herriott (repl E.Lusher),
R.Cadman (repl J.De Vries), J.Stephens, A.Evans, W.Waddington, T.Oliver

View match photos

Clifton_122

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Match Report – Sevenoaks 4th XV vs Canterbury 3rd XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

By John Scurr

Sevenoaks 4th 11pt, Canterbury 3rds 15pts

Canterbury 3rds make a second half comeback to stay top of their league against a strong Sevenoaks side.

The city side had a torrid first half unable to contain Sevenoaks conceding penalties and a well taken try to go in at halftime with an eleven-point deficit. Whatever the team talk was at halftime seemed to do the trick.

The city side started their comeback with Tom short breaking from a rolling maul to burst over wide out to break the duck. This lifted the side and with Jonny Madden quick service from the midfield to give captain Ollie Simpson a try in the corner, all that was left was for Sam Merrell touch down in the other corner to seal the hard earned win.