Category: Match Reports

UKC vs Pilgrims

UKC vs Canterbury Pilgrims

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

UKC 19pts CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 24pts

A new look Pilgrims survived a second-half fightback by the students and clung on to claim a tense victory. The home side started well and Canterbury saw little of the ball until debutant Tristan Van-Dyk set off from his own half and chased down a kick ahead for a great individual try. Player/coach Will Hilton converted.

It was not long before the home side built-up pressure to score under the post, to make it 7-7. It was end-to-end stuff before the Pilgrim’s backs opened up a gap for Max Halliday to score out wide. When Halliday stormed through for his second try and Hilton converted things were looking good for Pilgrims but the second half was a different story. Both sides made halftime substitutions but Pilgrims never got going. UK C chipped away at the lead and eventually leveled matters through two tries and a conversion. A yellow card for the student gave the city side their chance and Van Dyk forced his way over in the corner to open up a narrow advantage which they battled to keep. A well-deserved win from a scratch side, but anyone could have won this game. Good entertainment for the crowd. Outstanding performances from Van-Dyk and Dunkerley.

Team

1. Dan Whittaker ,2. Joe Harvey, 21. Dan Gill, 4. Rob Knott, 5. Joe Craig, 6. Harvey Furneaux, 7. Brandon Dunkerley, 8. Haydn Annakie, 9. Dan Eaglestone, 10. Will Hilton, 11. Max Halliday, 12. Tom Halliday, 13. Nathan Annakie, 14. Tristan Van-Dyk, 15. Barney Howard, 16. Joe Rumsey, 18. James Hunt, 19. Nico Englebrecht, 20.Jake Forest

Alison Williams cheering

Alison Williams funeral 28th January

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The clubhouse is open from 12 for those that wish to meet beforehand and then again as a celebration of life after saying hello and goodbye to a lovely spirit to raise a glass and share some memories

There is a coach leaving from the clubhouse at 2pm to reserve a place please email. (Or maybe park at the club and car share)
kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk.

Message from Ben Williams

Hi All,

Funeral details for Alison Williams. I have received information of the live video link for those who cannot attend.

https://watch.obitus.com/zTDyZb
Username: moti4640
password: 093585
The funeral is Friday 28th Jan @ 14.40 Barham Crematorium.
Thank you to those who have replied. For those who are abroad/ can’t make it, we send you happiness of love and as Mum became more spiritual she was never precious over her body as her spirit was what was important, both in life and death. To those who are coming, I look forward to sharing a beer afterward.

Peace and love

Ben

 

Zingari vs Maidstone Vets

Canterbury 5th v Maidstone Vets

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5th 31pts MAIDSTONE VETS 15pts

It was Canterbury who drew first blood in the opening 5 minutes with their wingman Will Rayner side stepping the defence to break free touching down under the posts for the easy conversion. The reply was swift from Maidstone within minutes some powerful running forced their way over for an unconverted try out wide. The Zingari had to fight hard with Maidstone having the best of the territory before Jez Swan forced his way over the line on a rare visit to the Maidstone line for Canterbury’s second converted try. This was compounded just before halftime when Rob Paul picked off a loose midfield pass, and with the interception went under the posts for a converted try giving the city side a comfortable 31- 5 halftime cushion.

The second half saw The Zingari play with more confidence and purpose with Phil Cotteral first on the second half try list followed ten minutes later with Kevin Stevens adding to the total as the game went into the last quarter. At this point Canterbury took their foot off the gas, and paid the price against this experienced Maidstone side intent on breaking down the Canterbury defence soon claimed their reward with an unconverted try. Having lost the initiative, the city defence was tested against the Maidstone onslaught and held out until the final minute when Maidstone claimed their final try, this was not enough to affect the outcome but added a respectable final scoreline that reflected this contest.

Dwayne Corcoran vs Rochford Hundred

Canterbury 1st XV vs Rochford Hundred

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 46pts ROCHFORD HUNDRED 17pts

by David Haigh

After a bleak start to the New Year this was a resounding statement from a Canterbury side that produced seven tries and a dominant second-half performance. Covid restrictions robbed them of some familiar names but the city side brushed aside any doubts with their positive approach and attacking verve. Kyan Braithwaite and Chris Dudman traded early penalty goals before the city backs gave a taster of things to come. First, they worked a try for Aiden Moss before Rochford, relying on their forward strengths, replied through Harry Hudson’s close range, converted score. Dwayne Corcoran nudged Canterbury back into the lead with an outstanding individual effort from deep in his own half, but yellow cards for Tyler Oliver and Royce Cadman in quick succession gave Rochford a chance they did not miss as Number Eight Maciu Nagobi drove over and Dudman converted.

Down to thirteen players, Canterbury might have opted for survival but their mindset was different and Sam Sterling hit a line breaking angle for a try under the posts, leaving Braithwaite to kick the second of his four conversions. With only five points in it at the break, however, memories of a close game at Rochford earlier in the season were in order but this was a different city side. It took them almost twenty minutes of pressure in the second half to unlock the visitors but when they did there was no holding them. With Tom Best releasing his backs at every opportunity Rochdford wilted. The fly half’s cross kick gave Corcoran a second try and with Rochford’s Sam Fombo in the sin bin the gates opened. Moss, cruising into space; Tyler Oliver from a driving maul which rewarded a depleted pack’s great afternoon’s work and, finally, Best completing a break on the right flank rounded off a convincing and motivated display.

Canterbury: A.Moss, S.Sterling, F.Morgan, K.Braithwaite, D.Corcoran (repl G.Hilton), T.Best, T.Wiliams (repl B.Cooper), B. Young (repl A.Coopr) T.King, W.McColl (rep T.Rayleigh-Strutt), R.Cadman, D.Herriott, W.Waddington (repl V.Meredith), A.Evans, T.Oliver

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v Rochford Hundred - 22 Jan 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Zingari vs Ashford 3rds

Canterbury 5th v Ashford 3rd

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 5th 52pts ASHFORD 3rd 31pts

Canterbury struggled against a heavy Ashford pack that looked like it would dominate the game despite Canterbury drawing first blood with a Will Rayner try. Ashford’s reply was swift with a try of their own from short-range and looked to dominate with another try ten minutes later. Slightly against the run of play fullback Tom Blackman who had made a devastating run from inside his own half ended up on the outside to touch down in the corner, quickly followed by Toby Allen breaking through to put the Zingari back in front before Ashford’s forwards took control with another try to level the halftime scores at 19-19.

The second half saw the city pack if not in control more assertive giving their backs attacking opportunities, first with Gareth Thomas scoring two try’s, and Will Rayner taking his second. Ashford came back hard with two try’s of their own, but it was the city who were in the driving seat first with the ball going wide for Toby Allen to finish off. Then in the dying moments Allen again was on hand to win a foot race after an Ashford mix-up in midfield to put the game beyond reach with a try under the posts.

Worthing vs CRFC

Worthing vs Canterbury 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

WORTHING 33pts CANTERBURY 19pts

by David Haigh

Heading into the last quarter of this entertaining contest the scores were level at 19-19 and it was still anyone’s game. A Worthing side more adept at taking their chances then clinched it with two tries in the space of five minutes with wing Jerome Rudder completing a hat trick. It is fair to say that the final scoreline did not reflect the spirited contribution Canterbury made to the match. Cruelly, they were denied a losing bonus point when their claims for a fourth try in a late attack were turned down. The day did not start promisingly for the city club with several players ruled out of Matt Corker’s squad and the blow of an early Worthing try from wingman Rudder, converted from wide out by Matt McLean. That came after the city side’s stuttering lineout handed over possession and before half time that weakness led to a second Worthing try. However, the flaws did not dent Canterbury’s resilience and the backs came up with a response to the Rudder score when Dwayne Corcoran’s run and chip ahead was chased down by Frank Morgan. A catch and drive finished by prop Ken Dowding gave the hosts a seven point lead at half time but two minutes after the break Canterbury were back on level terms. Scrum half Tom Williams eye for a gap, footwork, and pace did the trick and Kyan Braithwaite converted.

Worthing took the lead again when danger man Rudder was released for his second try, with McLean topping it up, but once again the city club found a positive reply. A driving maul sucked in the home defence before the ball was spread for Corcoran to make the touchdown and Braithwaite’s kick was on target. That was after 61 minutes but Canterbury orchestrated their own downfall in a five minute spell. First McLean countered splendidly after gathering a chipped kick and the backs handled sharply to make Rudder’s day memorable. The decisive blow came when Number Eight Frank Taggart was allowed to brush off two tacklers, put Rhys Morgan clear and leave McLean to add his fourth conversion. If that was demoralising Canterbury didn’t show it as they went in search of a bonus point. Corcoran might have done it but was pulled back for a forward pass before a powerful driving maul took the pack over the line. Hooker Tristan King was convinced he had scored, but the referee wasn’t. lt left the city side hugely disappointed and still in search of a first win in 2022.

Canterbury: K.Braithwaite,, S.Sterling, F.Morgan, T.Best, D.Corcoran, F.Reynolds (repl J.De Vries), T.Williams (repl B.Cooper), A.Cooper (repl W.McColl), T.King, D.Herriott (repl A.Cooper) S.Churchyard J.Stephens, W.Waddington, A.Evans (repl V.Meredith), T.Oliver

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 v Worthing - 15 Jan 2022
Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women’s first match of 2022 was a top of the table clash against Blackheath 2s, the only team to have beaten the side this season. Before the game both sides paid tribute to Alison Williams, who passed away this week. Alison was instrumental for many years in the administration of Canterbury Rugby Club and was a constant advocate for the women’s team. Many past players will have fond memories of her cheering on the side lines with her dog Snoopy.  

Canterbury Women celebrated her life and passion for rugby in the best way with an impressive team performance, where everyone wore the Canterbury jersey with pride and a huge smile! This was a game played with incredible team spirit, positivity and running rugby which resulted in six converted tries.  

Poor discipline and difficult decisions from the referee made Canterbury’s life hard for the first 25 minutes. As the minutes ticked by, Canterbury regained some composure, before an impressive break and some deft handling allowed Hannah Sheppard to break over the line and put some points on the board. This score provided Canterbury with some much-needed momentum, and two further tries, by Jess Pettafor and Anneka Willis, followed before the half-time break. 

Half-time saw the coaches discuss discipline and strategies to exploit holes in Blackheath’s defence. The side came out with renewed vigour, with Canterbury dominating throughout the second half. Canterbury took control of set pieces, securing their own and Blackheath’s line outs. Fluid offloads, opportunistic turnovers, and dynamic breaks from both forwards and backs meant Canterbury had the bulk of the possession and some exciting phases of play, resulting in a second try for Anneka Willis. 

Building on recent training sessions, the team ran outstanding support lines, allowing club stalwart Claire Bernthal to score her third try in three games. Pressure from Canterbury, camped on the Blackheath line, meant a poorly executed clearance kick by Blackheath was swiftly converted into a hat-trick try for Anneka Willis. 

Ultimately, Canterbury secured a 42-7 win which ensures the team remain top of the league at the start of 2022. 

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Ben Williams Tribute to Alison Williams at 1St XV vs Old Albanian game

Canterbury 1st XV vs Old Albanian

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 3pts OLD ALBANIAN 12pts

by David Haigh

Having worked themselves into a decent position, with a solid first half shift, Canterbury let this first game of the new year drift away. A failure to back up all their good work against the rain and wind was dispiriting and reinforced the feeling that they are not an effective wet weather side. The visitors, whose 7-3 interval lead had looked fragile, took control of the second half and on a day when points were always difficult to come by found the score that mattered. It was in similar conditions earlier this season that the city club failed to register a point against Dings Crusaders. This time they managed a solitary penalty goal from Tom Best, despite dominating territory for much of the first half, winning the breakdown battle and forcing Albanians into conceding a string of penalties. Canterbury lost their slim lead after 28 minutes when a wind-driven Albanians kick led to a goal-line dropout. Centre Alex Brown collected it and his powerful run into the heart of the defence created the pressure for a try from Number Eight Chris West, converted by Greg Lound. Late in the half the city side resisted more heavy pressure and must have headed for the break the happier of the two teams. Any optimism, however, was misplaced as Albanians, prompted by scrum half Elliot McPhun, read the situation perfectly, controlled possession, kicked shrewdly and took their opportunity when it arose. McPhun’s quick tapped penalty had Canterbury backpedalling and wing Alex Noot was released for a sprint finish. It left Canterbury with 25 minutes to take a grip but they were rarely allowed to build momentum. In the whole of the half they created no more than two scoring positions and missed out on both of them. Left to chase the game they became increasingly ragged and out of tune with the no-frills rugby the conditions demanded.

Canterbury: A.Moss (repl F.Reynolds), S.Sterling, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds (repl K.Braithwaite), T.Williams (repl B.Cooper), B.Young (repl W.McColl), W.McColl (repl A.Cooper) A.Cooper (repl A.Evans) , R.Cadman, S.Churchyard (repl J.De Vries), J.Stephens, T.King, T.Oliver

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v Old Albanian - 8 Jan 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
CRFC 1st XV vs Guernsey Raiders

Canterbury 1st XV vs Guernsey Raiders

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 29pts  GUERNSEY 17pts

Canterbury gave the Christmas crowd just the present they wanted with this five try, bonus point victory. In a performance that shone through the heavy mist shrouding Merton Lane they tamed a lively Guernsey side with a dominant second half display.

There was quality as well a quantity from the city club as they ran in three tries after the interval, two of them scored while playing short handed with Kyan Braithwaite in the sin bin.

A confident back division made light work of that handicap, rewarding the turn over expertise of a combative pack handsomely. The foundations were laid in a shrewd first half display as Canterbury shrugged off a Guernsey try from wing Anthony Armstrong, converted by Dan Rice, and edged in front before the break. Frank Reynolds charge down try came after sustained pressure, Braithwaite converted, and in the last minute of the half they went ahead. The versatile Tristan King, this week starting as a flanker, made a decisive break. When the ball was recycled he was on the end of good handling to make the touchdown. A Canterbury weakness this season has been the failure to capitalise on half time leads; they did not make that mistake this time. Playing with real purpose they forged further ahead after 55 minutes. Replacements Will Waddington, making the break, and Ben Cooper combined for Cooper’s try which left Braithwaite a simple conversion. The moment that might have derailed them came with the yellow card as Guernsey hammered at the Canterbury line. That sparked a fierce response as a great turnover set the backs free, Dwayne Corcoran chipped over the last defender and Aiden Moss won the race for the touchdown.

Guernsey hit back quickly through fly half Owen Thomas, to narrow the gap to twelve points, but classy handling saw Corcoran kill their slim hopes as he skewered them for a fifth try. Consolation of sorts went to Guernsey with a last minute score from Number Eight Doug Horrocks, but the result was beyond doubt by that time.

Canterbury: A.Moss, G.Hilton, F.Morgan, K.Braithwaite, D.Corcoran, F.Reynolds (repl T.Best), T.Williams (repl B.Cooper), B.Young, (rep R.Conlon), W.McColl, (repl W.Waddington), D.Herriott, R.Cadman, J.De Vries, J.Stephenson (repl V.Meredith), T.King, T.Oliver

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v Guernsey - 18 Dec 2021

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Zingari vs Faversham 2nds

Match Report – Canterbury 5th v Faversham 2nds

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 53pts FAVERSHAM 2nds 26pts

Canterbury 5ths took on a physical Faversham side that stretched the cities defensive skills in the first half, however it was Canterbury’s Toby Allen to first go on the score sheet only to be forced onto the defensive after Faversham took the lead with one quick try followed by two more converted try’s to nudge them in front. The Zingari response almost immediate with Will Rayner and Dan Mills going over from short range with converted a try, and just before halftime Will Rayner again added one more to give the city a 5 point halftime lead.

The Second half saw Jake Upward add to the tally with a converted try before Faversham efforts were rewarded after a period of pressure on the city’s line with a short range converted try of their own. However, this was the last time Faversham were to threaten the Canterbury line as the pack began to take control, and with the backs spreading the ball wide the gaps began to open for Jake Upward and Will Ratner to add four more try’s, and with Jacob Coffin slotting 4 of the conversions sealed the Zingari win.