Match Reports Archives - Page 6 of 18

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 EAST	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
17-Aug-24	Esher	H	26 - 45
24-Aug-24	Harpenden	A	7 - 52
30-Aug-24	Blackheath	H	12 - 41
NATIONAL EAST LEAGUE 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Colchester	H	53 - 13
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks	A
21-Sep-24	Worthing	H
28-Sep-24	Guernsey	A
05-Oct-24	Havant	H
12-Oct-24	Westcombe Park	H
19-Oct-24	Tonbridge Juddians	A
26-Oct-24	Barnes	H
09-Nov-24	Old Albanian	A
16-Nov-24	Bury St Edmunds	H
23-Nov-24	Henley	A
07-Dec-24	Oxford Harlequins	H
14-Dec-24	Dorking	A
21-Dec-24	Sevenoaks	H
11-Jan-25	Worthing	A
18-Jan-25	Guernsey	H
25-Jan-25	Havant	A
08-Feb-25	Westcombe Park	A
15-Feb-25	Tonbridge Juddians	H
01-Mar-25	Barnes	A
08-Mar-25	Old Albanian	H
15-Mar-25	Bury St Edmunds	A
22-Mar-15	Henley	H
05-Apr-25	Oxford Harlequins	A
12-Apr-25	Dorking	H
26-Apr-25	Colchester	A

WOMEN'S NC 1 SOUTH EAST (SOUTH)	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH EAST 2
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
15-Sep-24	Horsham Women	A
22-Sep-24	Medway ladies	H
13-Oct-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	A
20-Oct-24	Heathfield & W Ladies	A
10-Nov-24	Jersey RFC Women	H
24-Nov-24	Pulborough Women	A
15-Dec-24	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	H
05-Jan-24	Medway ladies	A
19-Jan-24	Dartford Valley Ladies	H
09-Feb-25	Heathfield & W Ladies	H
23-Feb-25	Jersey RFC Women	A
09-Mar-25	Pulborough Women	H
23-Mar-25	Tonbridge Juddian Ladies	A
06-Apr-24	Horsham Women	H

COUNTIES 1 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
24-Aug-24	Deal and Betteshanger Lions	A	MATCH CANCELLED
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 1st	H	0 - 10
COUNTIES 1 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Crowborough	A	15 - 21
14-Sep-24	Sevenoaks II	H
20-Sep-24	Ashford	H
28-Sep-24	Charlton Park	H
12-Oct-24	Park House	A
19-Oct-24	Deal & Betteshanger	H
26-Oct-24	Bromley	A
09-Nov-24	Beccehamian	H
16-Nov-24	Dover	A
23-Nov-24	Cranbrook	A
07-Dec-24	Heathfield & Waldron	H
14-Dec-24	Sevenoaks II	A
21-Dec-24	Ashford	A
04-Jan-25	Charlton Park	A
11-Jan-25	Park House	H
18-Jan-25	Deal & Betteshanger	A
01-Feb-25	Bromley	H
15-Feb-25	Beccehamian	A
01-Mar-25	Dover	H
08-Mar-25	Cranbrook	H
22-Mar-25	Heathfield & Waldron	A
05-Apr-25	Crowborough	H

COUNTIES 4 KENT	View League Table
PRE-SEASON
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
31-Aug-24	Gravesend 2	H	5 - 3
COUNTIES 4 KENT
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
07-Sep-24	Medway III	H	60 - 12
14-Sep-24	Sheppey	A
21-Sep-24	Rye	H
28-Sep-24	Dartfordians II	A
12-Oct-24	Old Colfeians II	H
19-Oct-24	Foots Cray	A
26-Oct-24	Kings College Hospital	H
09-Nov-24	Bromley II	A
16-Nov-24	Cliffe Crusaders	H
23-Nov-24	Old Williamsonians	H
07-Dec-24	Faversham	A
14-Dec-24	Sheppey	H
21-Dec-24	Rye	A
04-Jan-25	Dartfordians II	H
11-Jan-25	Old Colfeians II	A
18-Jan-25	Foots Cray	H
01-Feb-25	Kings College Hospital	A
15-Feb-25	Bromley II	H
01-Mar-25	Cliffe Crusaders	A
08-Mar-25	Old Williamsonians	A
22-Mar-25	Faversham	H
5-AprIl-25	Medway III	A

KENT RURAL B
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	SHEPPEY 2NDS	H
21-Sep-24	LEIGH 1ST	A
28-Sep-24	GRAVESEND 3RDS	H
05-Oct-24	DEAL 2NDS	A
12-Oct-24	VIGO 2	A
19-Oct-24	MAIDSTONE 2	H
26-Oct-24	THANET 3	A
09-Nov-24	SITTINGBOURNE 2	H
23-Nov-24	DOVER 3	H
30-Nov-24	LEIGH	H
14-Dec-24	SHEPPEY 2	A
04-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 3	A
11-Jan-25	VIGO 2	H
18-Jan-25	MAIDSTONE 2	A
25-Jan-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	H
01-Feb-25	THANET 3	H
15-Feb-25	SITTINGBOURNE 2	A
08-Mar-25	DOVER 3	A
22-Mar-25	ASHFORD BARBARIANS	A
05-Apr-25	DEAL 2	H

KENT RURAL C
Date	Opposition	Venue	Score
14-Sep-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	H
21-Sep-24	DEAL 3	A
05-Oct-24	FAVERSHAM 2	A
12-Oct-24	FOLKESTONE 3	A
19-Oct-24	GRAVESEND 4	A
09-Nov-24	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	H
16-Nov-24	GILLINGHAM 2	A
23-Nov-24	LORDSWOOD 2	H
30-Nov-24	DEAL 3	H
07-Dec-24	WHITSTABLE 2	A
14-Dec-24	NEW ASH GREEN 2	A
11-Jan-25	FOLKESTONE 3	H
25-Jan-25	GRAVESEND 4	H
15-Feb-25	OLD GRAVESENDIANS 2	A
01-Mar-25	GILLINGHAM 2	H
08-Mar-25	LORDSWOOD 2	A
29-Mar-25	WHITSTABLE 2	H
05-Apr-25	FAVERSHAM 2	H

PILGRIMS GO TOP

Posted on 2nd October 2023 | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 76 CRANBROOK 0

by John Mitchell

This runaway success, which produced twelve unanswered tries, took Pilgrims to the top of the Counties 1 Kent table as they made it three wins from three A good start saw full back Jack Weaver live up to his name as he shredded the defence for the first of his four tries, converted by Tom McMann, and the Weaver/McMann combination repeated the dose minutes later. Cranbrook exerted pressure and one thought they might get back into the game, but Brandon Dunkerley crashed through, Alex Evans picked up to score and that was quickly followed by Weaver’s hat trick touchdown. Tom Halliday was next on the list after fine work by the backs, with McMann converting, and before half time Cranbrook had cracked again. McMann lost his 100 per cent goal kicking record when Adrian Geddes scored wide out but at the break Pilgrims were 40 points clear. The second half started with a yellow card to Cranbrook for a high tackle but for 20 minutes the visitors held firm and their half time team talk obviously helped. But then ‘iron man’ Luke Webber made a decisive run which set up Gus Lister’s try. The wingman got his second soon after, taking a pass from Geddes and selling a sublime dummy and with McMann adding the extras Pilgrims were now past the 50 mark. We were watching some of the best off loading and unselfish passing we have seen for years. Tom Mackenzie, who had an awesome game, got the ball to scrum half Hector Valldares for the next try but a yellow card for Webber meant a period was spent in defence. That ended when Lister stole a ball in his own 22 area and Halliday’s perfect cross kick saw Weaver gather and sprint home for his fourth try. There were till two scores to come, Sony Trew-Neville and Valldares combining from half way for the scrum half to touch down, and finally a great 30 metre burst by impressive captain Alex Evans, both tries converted, rounded off a superb team performance. Jake Dengate received the supporters ‘Man of the Match’ award but it was a great all-round effort. Next week Pilgrims travel to Heathfield and Waldron in Sussex. There is room on the bus if anyone would like to come and support this exciting young squad.

PACK POWER PAYS

Posted on 1st October 2023 | by David Haigh

WORTHING RAIDERS 38 CANTERBURY 45

by David Haigh

Pack power won this game for a Canterbury side that came from fifteen points down to claim a bonus point victory which lifts them into the top half of the National 2 East table. The catch and drive proved to be a lethal weapon, producing four of their five tries with hooker Nathan Morris claiming a hat trick for the second time this season. Fly half Frank Reynolds was anther major contributor, his twenty points made up of four conversions and four penalty goals, adequate compensation for the charged down kick that handed Raiders an early lead through Joe Knight’s converted try. The first half set the tone, a contest between Canterbury’s powerful scrummagers and a pacy Worthing back division in which full back Tom Bowen was a constant danger. Thanks to his two tries, plus conversions and a penalty goal from Tom Derrick the home side led by four points at the end of a hotly contested half. Jamie Stephens countered the early Worthing try through the inevitable catch and drive, Reynolds slotted two penalty goals and three minutes before the break Morris touched down as the Worthing forwards splintered. In the first twenty minutes of the second half the Raiders took charge and inflicted what could have been terminal damage to Canterbury’s hopes. Reynolds landed an early penalty goal but when the home side were handed possession from avoidable errors the backs struck through converted tries from wing Peter Drummond and the elusive Bowen. Going into the final quarter the scoreboard read 23-38. The way back was pointed by centre Garry Jones, the pick of the city side’s threequarter line, who ran in from half way, after ball was turned over, and the forwards began to assert their strengths in clinical fashion. Overwhelmed at the set scrums, Worthing leaked the penalties which gave Canterbury the territory they needed to complete the comeback. Good lineout ball and organised drives proved irresistible with Morris providing the finishing touches which recaptured the lead. Reynolds converted both tries and had the easiest of penalty shots with the last kick of the match.
Canterbury; A.Davies, F.Morgan, G.Jones, T.Best, A.Moss, F.Reynolds, B.Cooper, P.Holland, N.Morris D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, C.Murray, T.Oliver. Replacements, E.O.Donoghue, C.Macmillan, H.Furneaux, A.Orris, L.Hollidge

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Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Pilgrims Win East Kent Derby

Posted on 25th September 2023 | by David Haigh

THANET WANDERERS 25 PILGRIMS 28

by John Mitchell

What a game this East Kent derby turned out to be and in the end the difference between the two sides was two penalty goals from the boot of Alex Davies. The game started well for Thanet, who exerted early pressure while Pilgrims made some handling and tackling errors. A penalty goal showed the home side the way and they added a second after poor work at lineout and scrum. Canterbury were playing good open rugby but an attacking move was well intercepted and the Wanderers ran through for a converted try to make it 13-0 in as many minutes. The Pilgrims were on the ropes but a good kick for touch, followed by a much better line-out, saw Cameron Macmillan go over on the back of a rolling maul to score an unconverted try, 13-5. Jesse De Vries was then taken out badly in the air, only a yellow was awarded, and a penalty, which was kicked for touch. More pressure and another good rolling maul, this time Stanley Bull scored from the back of it and Tom McMann converted, 13-12. The Pilgrims were back in the game. Thanet missed a penalty but piled on more pressure. Then from under his own posts, Gus Lister decided to run the ball instead of kick. The decision paid off and the ball was worked the whole length of the field before Adrian Geddes crashed through close to the line and Jake Dengate, who had another outstanding game, went over for an unconverted to give Canterbury a 17-13 half time lead. An excellent comeback from the Pilgrims! The second half started well for Canterbury and despite making handling errors they went further ahead when Tom McMann scored his first try for the club, but again failed to convert. An injury to Stanley Bull was a set back and on 60 minutes Thanet scored from a push over try, and converted, 20-22. Then came the game changer; Tom handed over kicking duties to Alex Davies, who promptly kicked a penalty successfully from around 40 yards. This was followed by another from just inside the opposition half to extend the lead to eight points. Game over? No, Thanet came back to score, but failed to convert. It’s now played two, won two with this bonus point victory making us joint top of Counties 1 Kent with Dartfordians and Ashford. Special mention should be made for a new young scrum half, who was making his men’s debut. Hector Valldares did all you could have asked for in his first senior game at this level, well done young man. This coming Saturday we meet Cranbrook at the Marine Travel ground with a 3:00 kick off.

Canterbury Lose Their Way

Posted on 24th September 2023 | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 29 WIMBLEDON 32

by David Haigh

Having come from behind to establish a winning position Canterbury saw this game slip away in the late stages as wing Tom Pozniak grabbed Wimbledon’s fifth try. It was the ultimate disappointment for a city side that struggled to find any cohesion, paid heavily for lapses in defence and had a poor day all round. For a team that totally dominated the scrummages there can be few excuses. Although they improved after a dire first half their failure to put the game to bed after overturning a ten point deficit leaves them facing many questions. The signs that all was not well came in a forgettable first forty minutes. Despite having most of the possession and territory a disjointed Canterbury found themselves a point down at the break. Nathan Morris’s catch and drive try, converted by Frank Reynolds, was cancelled by one from Wimbledon’s Marik Touilzak and an Ed Morgan penalty goal. On the resumption there was a greater focus from Canterbury and sound handling produced an early try for Cameron Murray. Reynolds converted, then added a penalty goal, and there were opportunities to build on a nine point lead. But the city side’s defensive frailties let them down badly as clever work and decisive running from the visitors produced three tries. Fly half Morgan sold a sweet dummy for the first and it was followed by two more in the space of a minute. Wing Tom Bracegirdle’s great solo run left everyone in his trail and from the restart the tackles again disappeared as Lewis Bloor finished off an unchallenged break. Two conversions meant Canterbury had all the work to do. A yellow card, one of three handed to Wimbledon, saw the city side take full advantage with a converted Pierce Holland try before a serious injury to the visitors prop Sam Gratton brought a lengthy delay. When play restarted Canterbury seemed to have redeemed themselves when Sam Rogers’ try put them two points in front but kicking away possession proved fatal as Wimbledon won good territory and worked the overlap for Pozniak. There was still time for Canterbury to salvage a win but two botched attacking lineouts later they were left with only a couple of bonus points and the feeling that this sort of form could lead to another season of struggle.

Canterbury: A.Moss, F.Morgan, G.Jones, T.Best, J.Weaver, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, W.McColl, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens, S.Rogers, C.Murray, T.Oliver. Replacements: E.O’Donoghue, P.Holland, H.Furneaux, B.Cooper, L.Hollidge.

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Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Match report – Tunbridge Well 3rds v Zingari

Posted on 23rd September 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Zingari 40pts. Tunbridge Wells 3rd 39pts.

The Zingari take maximum points by the narrowest possible margin against a highly competitive Tunbridge Wells 3rd team. The city side were made to work hard from the outset with Tunbridge laying down a marker in the opening minutes with a try out wide. Canterbury’s response minutes later was equally swift with centre Will Rayner breaking the line to touch down and Simon Crossly conversion put Canterbury ahead. This state of affairs didn’t last long with the Tunbridge forwards forcing over out wide, followed by Canterbury wingman Joe Rumsey outstripping the defence in the corner. Tunbridge again hit back through their forwards this time with a converted try followed by Canterbury’s Will Rayner interception running the ball unopposed under the posts for Crossley’s conversion, that was to prove crucial with the final score. With Half time approaching Tunbridge hit a purple patch aided by some poor Canterbury tackling racking up three quick tries, and a conversion giving them a comfortable half time lead.

The second half started with Canterbury pulling one converted try back thanks to a jinking run by Will Rayner, and crossly conversion, before we saw Tunbridge’s best try of the afternoon with their wingman diving into the corner to touch down. However, from this point onward the city forwards raised their game producing attacking ball that stretched the Tunbridge defence. The city backs exploited the overlaps with Will & Joe running in tries for Simon Crossley conversions to give the city side the narrowest margin to sealed the game.

Tries
Will Raynor 4
Joe Rumsey 2

Conversions
Simon Crossley 5

Canterbury Women re-building

Posted on 19th September 2023 | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women 24 – 0 Farnham Women

After a challenging season in Championship 2 last year with a plethora of injuries in the squad, Canterbury Women have had a successful re-build during pre-season and are ready to take on NC1 this year, with the hope of topping that league again! Their first league game of the season, at home, was against Farnham, a strong club with two women’s teams. However, it didn’t take long for Canterbury to get themselves on the scoreboard with a try and conversion by Anneka Willis after only 13 minutes, making it 7-0.

Canterbury looked dominant for most of the first half, winning numerous penalties, but struggled to capitalise on these. After 28 minutes, there was a ferocious hit put in by fly-half, Kate Rutherford, leading to another Canterbury penalty and Farnham yellow card. Although a player down, Farnham dug deep, putting pressure on Canterbury who defended their try line valiantly, unfortunately giving away a penalty in the process. Farnham went for the quick tap, which was beautifully read by fullback, Anneka Willis, who took the intercept. Willis brought Canterbury back up to the halfway mark, with outside centre, Sienna Farrance, close by in support. Canterbury lost the ball in the tackle, resulting in a Farnham scrum, and a yellow card for Canterbury fly half, Rutherford, with four minutes left of the half. Last minute errors from Canterbury saw them going into half time just 7-0 up.

Going into the second half, with the Farnham yellow card back on, and Canterbury fly-half still in the bin, the kick off was taken by flanker, Lucy Relf, who had an absolute stormer of a game, putting in massive hits and stealing lineouts and turnovers in open play. Canterbury maintained pressure, and kept the communications up to make sure they dealt with the overlap until Rutherford returned to the field, six minutes into the second half. Once Rutherford was back on, she resumed tormenting the opposition with her kicks in behind their defence, and lovely grubbers through to create options for the wingers. Canterbury continued to pin Farnham in their 22, until they won a penalty, and a quick tap from Rutherford earns Canterbury another 5 points, bringing them to 12-0. The conversion was narrowly missed by Willis.

More exciting play from Canterbury saw them attacking back in Farnham’s 22, very quickly after the restart, with another line break from Willis, finding Farrance for the offload, who then sent it out to winger, Mel Harding, who plucks the ball from the air with one hand and making more yards for Canterbury but ending up in touch. Credit here to Canterbury’s forward pack who were dominant in the scrum throughout, with hooker, Inger Phillpot, stealing opposition ball on numerous occasions. A snipe from scrum-half, Freddie Caspary-Pearson, off the back of the scrum brought Canterbury to five metres out once again, then a lovely one-two between 9 and 10, put Freddie under the sticks to make it 17-0. Willis then added the extra 2.

Canterbury looked hungry for the bonus point try as Farnham restarted. More handling errors cost Canterbury a couple more tries; however, they still looked comfortable camped in the opposition half and eventually won a penalty just outside the 22. Rutherford kicked for the corner. The lineout was taken nicely once again by Relf, and Rutherford secured the bonus point with her second try of the game, making it 24-0. The tricky conversion from out wide was missed by Willis.

This was a great start to the season for the Women’s team, and they now look to their next game, away to Guildford, who brought great contest last season in Championship 2.

Forward of the match – Lucy Relf (7)

Back of the match – Kate Rutherford (10)

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Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham

Pilgrims Pass First Test

Posted on 17th September 2023 | by David Haigh

Canterbury Pilgrims 30 Beccehamians 23

by John Mitchell

Having won promotion into Counties 1, this was always going to be a challenge against the side who were among the front runners last season but Pilgrims made a great start. A team try, perhaps the best they will score all season, gave them a one minute lead. After a move that involved just about everyone Seb Clark went over out wide left, but debutant Tom McMann failed to convert. Within a minute McMann had a kick charged down and suddenly the home side were 5-7 down. The visitors then took control and with a heavier pack looked like they could well run away with it. A converted push over try ensued and Becs were 5-12 up. A solo run by the in-form Max Campbell closed the gap with a try but McMann could not convert. With 26 minutes gone the visitors were making good runs, running good lines and had good possession. Pilgrims were not in the game, and another penalty was slotted to make it 10-15. Then the Pilgrims started to take control, literally camped in the Becs twenty-two, but they could not score. Even with Alex Evans making his presence felt, he was voted supporters best forward. It must be said that every player in the pack had an outstanding game individually but they kept trying to bulldoze their way through and the attack was too narrow. Time and again the away side stopped them from scoring. Canterbury then got a penalty within kicking distance but McMann opted for a kick and line-out. From the throw, the Pilgrims scored a push over try with Stanley Bull carrying over; he was having an outstanding game for someone who was playing colts rugby only last season. McMann got his scoring boots on to convert and the home side went in at half-time 17-15 up. Tom was now in charge, and his second half performance won him the supporters backs man of the match. From a line-out, a sliding maul to the left saw Bull pass out to Cooper, to Dayes to Campbell to Geddes who powered over to score out wide and McMann duly slotted – 24-15. Becs immediately scored from a penalty but McMann replied for Pilgrims to make it 27-18. Twenty minutes gone and the visitors used their power and scored another push over try, but failed to conver. McMann from 37 yards then kicked a great penalty to make it 30-23. A miss a few minutes later gave the home side a very squeaky last ten! A match winning tackle by Ollie McGann, which saw him taken off injured, meant that the home side had to endure five minutes of real pressure. This was duly done and it will be interesting to see how this new side progresses.

Pilgrims: G.Lister, M.Campbell, M.Dayes, S.Trew-Neville, A.Geddes, T.McMann, B.Cooper, C.Macmillan, S.Bull, D.Huntley, J.De Vries, T.Mackenzie J.Dengate, S.Clark, A.Evans. Replacements: H.Andrews, O.McGann, F Holland-Oliver

Canterbury Fall Short

Posted on 17th September 2023 | by David Haigh

ESHER 29 CANTERBURY 21

by David Haigh

After a poor start when they conceded seventeen points in the first thirteen minutes Canterbury fought their way back into this game but were never quite accurate enough to recover the lost ground. An Esher side looking for a swift return to National Division One after last season’s relegation used the ball more effectively and held up well in defence when the city side’s pack edged matters in the second half. A last ditch cover tackle in the final moments denied Canterbury not only a fourth try but a couple of bonus points and it was a little harsh on them that their battling efforts went unrewarded. After last week’s blistering early spell against Tonbridge Juddians the city side this time found themselves on the receiving end as the hosts helped themselves to three quick tries. A clean break saw Charlie Morgan grab the first after only two minutes, scrum half Pierre Thompson scored number two from a great counter attack and hooker Andy Hamilton broke off a maul to punish a team that was falling off too many tackles. It could have been worse had Sam Morley managed more than one conversion. From that bleak point the city side began their revival act and it was the pack who breathed life into the game as Tyler Oliver crossed the line from a driving maul. Frank Reynolds’ fine conversion from wide out was another booster but Esher struck again when the defence fatally stood off and wing James Botterill broke a tackle to claim the bonus point try. Canterbury needed another score in the ten minutes before half time and found it through a close range forward effort. Prop Pierce Holland powered over and with Reynolds second conversion they were only eight points adrift at the break and back in business. The second half was a far tighter affair but it was the skills of the Esher backs that saw them pull away again as Botterill ghosted into the line from his wing and Morley converted. It was the struggle to open up that kind of space that blighted the city side’s ambitions and they cracked it only once as replacement Tom Best cleverly stepped his way to the posts. Reynolds converted and the team were on the front foot in the closing stages. Wing Jack Weaver looked a certain scorer but he was forced into touch inches from the line and Canterbury went home frustrated.

Canterbury: A.Moss, F.Morgan, G.Jones, L.Hollidge, J.Weaver, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, P.Holland, N.Morris, D.Herriott, D.Irvine, J.Stephens, S.Rogers, C.Murray, T.Oliver. Replacement: E.O.Donoghue, W.McColl, T.Best, P.Farrance, H.Furneaux

Canterbury’s Crushing Win

Posted on 10th September 2023 | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 45 TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS 19

by David Haigh

On a stifling September day it was Canterbury who ran hottest as they crushed Juddians in this feisty Kent derby. The player who applied the heat to the visitors was hooker Nathan Morris who scored four of his side’s seven tries as a dominant pack turned catch and drive opportunities into match winning points. The first Morris score came after only three minutes and by the end of the first quarter Canterbury had secured a four try bonus point and were 26 points ahead. Frank Reynolds’ towering kick into the sun, spilled by the visitors, set up the second try, scored by centre Lewis Hollidge, before Morris twice went to work again in those expertly marshaled mauls. Playing catch up rugby so early in the game set Juddians a serious challenge but they responded with two tries in a four minute spell. Sam Evans opened space for Alex Brown for the first and then lock Perry Parker had his own driving maul moment and Evans converted. It was only a temporary loss of grip for a determined Canterbury and when captain Jamie Stephens took the same route to the line as Morris and Reynolds landed his fourth conversion the city side went into the break 33-12 ahead. A Juddians team looking for salvation made a good start to the second half with a try for hooker Will Holling, and an Evans conversion, but It proved to be their last shot. Canterbury stretched away again as Aiden Moss put a fine finishing touch to some incisive handling, Reynolds adding the extras, and that man Morris was driven over for his fourth on 53 minutes. There was still a twist to the Canterbury tale in the later stages when they were hit by a flurry of cards, one of them a red for lock Shay Kerry. Reduced to defending with twelve men they dug in magnificently to deny Juddians the consolation of a losing bonus point,

Canterbury: A.Moss, F.Morgan, G.Jones, L.Hollidge, A.Orris, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, W.McColl, N.Morris, D.Herriott. S.Kerry, J.Stephens, S.Rogers, C.Murray. Replacements: P.Holland, E.O.Donoghue, H. Furneaux, P.Farrance, T.Best

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Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

Pilgrims Take Control

Posted on 4th September 2023 | by David Haigh

SEVENOAKS 2ND 5 CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 17

Twenty three players travelled to Sevenoaks, trying to make a new side gel. With changes throughout the game it was not an easy task for Head Coach, Jon Foster, but with some help from the injured First team player Will Waddington, this was achieved. The players however did not always do what they have been asked to do! From the kick off, the visitors made an error that nearly let Oaks in for a try. Dan Huntley, Sonny Trew-Neville and Tom Halliday’s combination nearly gave Pilgrims the lead and more excellent attacking play seemed likely to result in a score, but not to be. Brad Law tried a little grubber kick and chase, still no luck. A couple of penalties, a few line outs, Pilgrims camped in the opposition twenty two, but still no score. Then on 14 minutes, after a great kick and chase by Halliday, and the resulting scrum, Pilgrims got the ball wide to Max Campbell to speed over but Brad failed with his conversion.Jesse De Vries and Freddie Holland-Oliver came on for Dan Huntley and Will Hunt. It should have opened the flood gates, but Sevenoaks were made of sterner stuff. They proceeded to make it difficult for a talented Canterbury side, so much so, after 30 minutes, a missed tackle saw the home side run through to score, but fail to convert. Half-Time arrived with the sides locked 5-5.An excellent team talk by captain, Ben Cooper, and the introduction of Harry Andrews, Tom Mackenzie and Michael Fankah saw the Pilgrims take back control in the second half, but they could not take advantage of all their possession! Knock-ons, poor passing and a lack of patience meant that after 20 minutes it was still level, and all to play for. Even the return after two years recovering from serious injuries of Will Hunt, Seb Clark and Gus Lister was not enough, but they all got through the game without any problems. There was more frustration when Lister broke free, got the ball to Harry Andrews, but when a try was there for the taking, he knocked on! Then Cameron Macmillan, player of the match, peeled of the back of a rolling maul for an unconverted score. More pressure built, Trew-Neville went over and Lister converted.

The final result was correct, but the Pilgrims have much to work on over the next two weeks before they start the league campaign against Beccehamian on Saturday 16th September at The Marine Travel ground. Come along and watch their quest to win in an all Ist XV team league.