Category: Women

Sunday 23rd February 03:00 am … alarms ring out across the city … in preparation for Canterbury Women’s squads 04:00am departure from Merton Lane to Jersey.

Canterbury travelled with reduced numbers as injury and unavailability impacted the squad. However, the eighteen players were buoyant in the warmup and extremely keen to experience Canterbury women’s first ever live streamed fixture.

Jersey’s fly-half Taye Boakye-Yiadom, who had not made the trip to Canterbury back in November, certainly made her presence felt from the kick off. Chasing her penetrating kick down and forcing Canterbury to knock on the ball.

The first scrum saw Jersey take control with a well organised, forceful drive taking them into the Canterbury twenty-two.
A swift pass – from the base of the scrum – by Jersey nine ignited Boakye-Yiadom. She displayed outstanding footwork to sidestep Lily Adams (her opposing ten) then break through the newly formed centre partnership of Anneka Willis and Lily Philpott. Boakye-Yiadom grounded the ball and converted to take Jersey into an early 7-0 lead.

For a further ten minutes, Canterbury continue to absorb relentless waves of attack by Jersey. Uncharacteristic handling errors and missed tackles from Canterbury allowed Jersey to take control of possession and territory. It was clear Canterbury were adjusting to the new lineup but perseverance and communication saw momentum shift. Fly half Lily Adams inspired the team around her with some blistering tackles on her opposite number; it certainly was the battle of the afternoon.

With increased cohesion in Canterbury’s defence, Jersey found themselves being driven back in the contact. Captain Daniella Charles deployed her super strength, in the jackal, turning over numerous balls and frustrating Jersey. Canterbury forwards began to work as solid units hitting rucks hard and providing clean ball for scrum-half Ella Jenkins. Forward of the match, Alexia Scarpulla, impressed in both attack and defence. Her relentless disruption at the rucks resulted in numerous turnover balls for Canterbury.

Jersey fly half Boakye-Yiadom orchestrated a relentless rush defence but their penalty count was increasing with the referee sighting a number of high tackle offences. Boakye-Yiadom not adjusting her tackle height, following a team warning, received the first yellow card of the match.

Canterbury realised these 10 minutes were essential for them to find cohesion in attack and look to threaten Jersey while they were down to 14 players.

Jersey’s hooker overthrew a line out ball, on the halfway line, Phoebe Brennan was quick to react, making a dominant tackle which forced a knock on. The scrum saw the Canterbury pack drive effectively as a full eight. The ball was passed rapidly along the back line and wing Alice Hayward cut back inside on a dummy line to gain a central attacking platform. Unfortunately, in the ensuing ruck Canterbury’s Captain Charles had to leave the field with a head injury.

Vice-captain Lucy Relf roused the team with a positive message to have confidence! A simple plan attack Jersey with the dominant carrying which the squad have been working so hard on in training. Alex Mills replaced Charles and made an immediate impact with a blistering run and hand off which floor the Jersey Centre.

Strong carriers from prop Olivia Crebbin and second row Alex Flisher opened up the Jersey defensive line. Jenkins unleashed Willis who offloaded a sweet pop to Philpott who attacked the gain line at pace and scored her debut try for Canterbury. Returning fullback Grace Cranham slotted a tricky conversion into the wind.

Jersey scrumhalf Bethan Hughes ignited pace into the breakdown all afternoon. Taking advantage of a penalty on the Canterbury twenty-two Hughes demonstrated exceptional game awareness to take a quick tap. She attacked the retreating defenders – standing in an offside position – and scored Jersey’s second try with just twenty minutes on the clock. The conversion was missed.

With the clock ticking down to halftime, Canterbury were awarded a penalty within kicking range. A cruel gust of wind saw Cranham’s attempt drop agonisingly short. Going into the break both teams had everything to play for with Jersey taking a 10-7 lead.

Both sides returned to the field with renewed enthusiasm this match was there for the taking. Waves of positive attack came from both sides however, this play remains in the middle of the pitch.

It took until the 54th minute for the next points to be added by the formidable Jersey fly half Boakye-Yiadom. The Jersey tight eight worked hard to carry the ball deep into the Canterbury 22. Boakye-Yiadom deployed her silky footwork to evade the oncoming tackles. However, Canterbury did ensure that the try was scored in the corner and not converted. With the score at 15-7 Canterbury were still in touching distance.

From the restart wing Emily Moriarty, who had been solid in defence all afternoon, found attacking space by running at tired forwards. Her trademark yellow boots were seen on numerous occasions poking out from the bottom of a ruck. Hooker, Inger Philpott was always on hand to support at the breakdown as well as create constant disruption during the opposition scrum.

The Jersey penalty count was rising and Canterbury took advantage with Jenkins playing the quick tap penalties. Momentum shifted towards Canterbury following solid carriers by Amber Waitimas and dynamic running from the ever spritely Mills. Substitute Tazmyn Marks (making her Canterbury debut) immediately threw herself into the action with a powerful tackle turnover. The resulting scrum offered opportunity for Relf to snipe around the fringes and make valuable territorial gains. Winger Hayward, looking to support her forward pack, noticed a gap in the Jersey defence five metres from the line. She pounce on the ball drove hard with her legs and dived for the line. The try wasn’t converted so taking the scoreboard to 15-12.

Canterbury’s concentration dipped and Jersey took full advantage. The ball being passed quickly and effectively along the back line eventually being touched down, in the corner, by outside centre Georgina Ruellan. Once again Canterbury forcing the play to the very edges of the pitch resulted in the try not being converted. At seventy-one minutes the score stood at 20-12.

From this point on Canterbury showed determination and passion as every player on the pitch fought hard in the carries and focused to ensure clean ball at the breakdown. Substitute Claire Bernthal combined well with Alex Mills running tips lines and unsettling the jersey defence. Jenkins recycled the ball quickly popped it onto the attacking Willis who scored under the posts. Cranham stepped up and converted the try confidently. The scoreboard now sat at Jersey 20 Canterbury 19.

The scoreboard clock was sitting at 80 minutes, it had been left running through stoppages and the referee informed both sides there was still time to play. Jersey pushed hard from the restart kicking the ball deep into the Canterbury twenty-two. Ferocious tackles were being made across the pitch but Jersey maintained their composure and pressed towards the try line.

Fierce counter rucking resulted in possession being turned over to Canterbury. Jenkins unleashed her back line who worked harmoniously together to push Canterbury towards the halfway line. Jersey infringing, by entering the rock at the side, saw the referee award Canterbury a penalty.

Once again, Canterbury set up a clear attacking platform for Adams and Lily Philpot to interconnect and lead the charge up the pitch. Willis looped round to support and was felled by a high tackle. The referee awarded a further penalty Canterbury were informed this would be the last play of the match with a penalty being awarded in front of the posts. Cranham stepped up to take the kick. You could hear a pin drop around the ground. Cranham set the ball on her kicking tea only for the wind to blow it off. The tension mounted but Cranham remained calm and collected. She reset the ball, took a deep breath and slotted it seamlessly through the centre of the uprights.

Cranham was immediately engulfed by a jubilant Canterbury squad to celebrate an incredible victory on the road. It was heartbreak for Jersey who certainly contributed to an enthralling game. As a club Jersey were incredible hosts for the day and the Canterbury squad would like to thank them for their hospitality as well as the live stream. The whole Canterbury squad are definitely looking forward to meeting next season.

Finally, squad would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Meadow Grange Nursery, Honey Hill, Whitstable for their sponsorship which helped fund the squads’ epic twenty-one hour adventure to the Channel Island.

Sunday 19th January saw Canterbury Women welcome, league leaders, Dartford Valley to Merton Lane. Earlier in the season Dartford Roses secured a dominant, try bonus point, home victory. But on a gloomy January afternoon the tables were turned with Canterbury securing a thrilling 36-0 victory.

Dartford Valley started the contest with a penetrating kick deep into the Canterbury twenty-two. A missed catch, awkward bounce, fumble, knock-on and the initial advantage went to Dartford Roses. However, a robust Canterbury scrum and flying defensive double tackle from flanker Lucy Relf and number eight Hannah Sandeman set the tone for the remainder of the match. Canterbury’s pack, under guidance of captain Daniella Charles, hit in perfect harmony and drove Dartford backwards.

Scrum-half Ella Jenkins and fly-half Kate Rutherford seized the momentum and engaged the running forward pods.

Dynamic carries from Anneka Willis and Sandeman created a clean platform for Jenkins to unleash the ever-lively Lily Adams , sprinting a well crafted switch line. Adams activated her deadly fend to cut through the Rose defensive line. High-speed rucking support from Emily Kent and Flori Nassir allowed Jenkins to make a darting break around the fringe. Jenkins executed a perfectly floated offload, to the supporting Janina Hassen. With an accurately planted fended and killer side-step Hassen broke the last line of the Roses defence to secure the opening try for Canterbury.

From the restart Canterbury looked to continue to assert themselves physically. Aggressive line speed in defence rocked the Roses and allowed opportunities for Inger Philpott, Amber Waitimas and Jo Cole-Biroth to carry hard and build the phases. Fullback Emily Moriarty was animated all afternoon, consistently mixing up her lines of attack and making countless metres to put Canterbury in control.

Synchronicity between forwards and back ensured Canterbury continued to build the territorial advantage. Rutherford took advantage of a disorganised defence, accelerating through a gap and beating the fullback to score under the posts. Converting her own try this saw Canterbury go into halftime with a 12-0 lead.

The squad were motivated to entertain the expectant crowd. Canterbury started the second half with the same grit and determination seen in the first half. Lily Philpott ran out to make her senior team debut alongside her mother, and Canterbury stalwart, Inger Philpott.

Prop Alex Mills created instant impact with her trade mark dominant carry, offloading to Rutherford who scored her second of the afternoon.

The ever-energetic Moriarty thrived on the relentless work of the centre partnership of Kent and Adams. All afternoon the trio consistently ran the ball over the gain line. Lily Philpott thrived on the pitch, immediately making an impression with her driving tackles which the whole squad has experienced during training sessions!

Jenkins utilised the dynamic forwards effectively to build territory. But when the time was right she took control with a quick tap penalty and scored to secure the bonus point. The roar of the crowd and Canterbury players could probably have been heard in her native Welsh Valleys.

Dartford Valley, by their own admission in the post-match speech, had expected to come to Merton Lane and dominate the encounter. They never gave up the fight, continuing to tackle hard and be disruptive at the breakdown. But with twenty minutes to go Canterbury had certainly left the Roses scrapping for possession and floundering in attack.

Following a turnover scrum in the twenty-two Sandeman rapidly attacked right wing driving hard into a wall of Roses players. Willis, always quick to react, picked the ball and headed for the try line. With solid driving support, from the pack, momentum took Willis over the whitewash.

With the clock counting down Canterbury were determined to hold the scoreboard and not let the Roses pick up a try.

A last ditch attack from the Roses, substitute Amber Shepherd once again made an impressive string of tackles. Wing Alice Hayward, as always, hit the ruck with persistent aggression and secured a quality turnover. From this point Canterbury attacked in glorious waves of play between forwards and backs. Forward of the match, Sandeman, unleashed her snake hips and sprinting thirty metres to score under the posts. As she jumped to her feet Sandeman was engulfed with congratulatory hugs knowing a victory was secured. Rutherford converted to close out the game. This is definitely a match which will live long in the memory.

The next fixture is Sunday 9th February, away to Heathfield.

Sunday 5th January
Medway Women 0 – Canterbury Women 10

Kicking off the second half of the season with an away derby, is always something to relish, even with sub-zero temperatures, torrential rain and howling winds!

Canterbury started the game playing into the wind securing possession with a rapid chase, by flanker Hannah Sandeman, from the kick off. Dominant contact at the ruck from Inger Philpott and player of the match Jo Cole-Biroth ensured scrum-half Ella Jenkins could spark the back line into action. A well executed switch between fly-half Kate Rutherford and centre Emily Kent resulted in a busted tackle and twenty metres gained.

A quick tap penalty from Jenkins and powerful carry from Anneka Willis resulted in further metres gained but strong Medway defence halted the early territorial progress. Canterbury continued to attack in waves, there was no chance for the backline to get cold with fly-half Rutherford setting up attacking lines of play from every angle.

The scrum was a battle ground during the first half and Canterbury used this to continue to build pressure in the Medway twenty-two. However, despite building phases Canterbury kept falling agonisingly short.

A strong Canterbury break from Kent working in harmony with her centre partner Lily Adams took the ball hard to the gain line. Adams accelerated through contact with a precision fend. She delivered a sweetly floated pass to fullback Emily Moriarity who offloaded to winger Alice Hayward. Last ditch defensive effort from Medway denied Canterbury from scoring the opening try.

Medway used the wind to their advantage kicking and chasing hard to spark a period of attack, using their powerful centre and experienced number 8 to lead the charge back into the game. Here the entire Canterbury squad thrived on the defensive effort following in the ever enthusiastic Lucy Relf pushing up hard from the line and driving Medway back into the tackle.

With neither team converting any chances the score on the board at halftime remained 0-0. Captain Daniella Charles’ buoyed but the commitment in defence leading into the break gave a passionate team talk encouraging the same energy levels in attack.

From the whistle Charles engaged her impressive conviction at the breakdown turning the ball over and engaging wave after wave of attack. Rutherford continued to use her exceptional footwork to break the advantage line. Pressure continued to build but the 0-0 deadlock could not be broken.

Canterbury’s manager Tasha Weir utilised the bench effectively bringing on Olivia Crebbin to bring precision power into the front row and dynamic flanker Alexia Scarpulla. This change inspired a second wave of energy across the pitch.

With renewed commitment the ball floated down the back line. Wing Flori Nasar cut back into heart of pitch and offloaded to Willis. Engaging her powerful fend Willis broke through the heart of the Medway defensive line. Two hard carries and pods recycling the ball at pace. Rutherford quickly moved the ball to Adams cutting an exquisite hard line. The deadlock was broken as Adams dived for the first points.

Canterbury continued to build pressure attacking in a series of well-structured phases. Medway became increasingly frustrated and the penalty count began to rise.

Centre Amber Shepherd took to the field and made an immediate impact with several strong carries and rib crunching tackles. Relf, always a bundle of energy, made a sniping break down the left wing. Solid rucking and quick accurate passing from Jenkins unleashed Adams. With her trade mark side stepping Adams exploded with pace to score a hard fought team try. Adams was enveloped by the entire team, with the clock in the red that was the win.

It’s always an extremely competitive match against Medway but the fact a huge crowd braved the elements to enjoy a match played in the true spirit of the game is testament to both squads.

Canterbury Women welcomed Jersey Women, the last time the Reds visited was back in 2015. The match was preceded by a two minutes silence to mark Remembrance Sunday. It is especially important as current serving officer, and Canterbury player, Major A. Willis was away from the pitch leading the commemorative parade with her battalion.

With an early kick off (noon) to accommodate the return flight, the Reds certainly brought power, passion and energy from the first whistle. This was matched by Canterbury with Lily Adams finishing off a slick attacking phase of play which saw every back involved. Kate Rutherford smoothly slotted the conversion.

From the restart Canterbury were buoyed by with enthusiasm, a text book jackal from Captain Daniella Charles. Janina Hassen running an aching line from outside centre to set up a two on one down the left wing. It saw Alice Hayward take the ball at full pace and score. A quick restart from Rutherford saw Jersey on the back foot with a huge hit coming in from Inger Philpott. Quick rucking and a sniping line break from Rutherford. She dotted the ball down under the post but a high tackle from the Reds, as she made her break, resulted in a penalty try being awarded. Taking Canterbury to a 19-0 lead within 15 minutes.

Jersey hit back from the restart and maintained control of the ball for several phases, hitting back with a converted try. This buoyed the spirits amongst the Reds and within minutes they had scored again closing the gap to 19-14.
The ten minutes which followed saw aggressive tackling from Canterbury driving Jersey deep into their own half. With organised rucking offering scrum half Ella Jenkins a clean platform. The backs ran wonderful lines drawing in the Reds to over commit at the breakdown. Rutherford identified a gap, tapping down to get her name on the score sheet.

Number 8 Hannah Sandeman saw her dogged determination in the contact rewarded with a turnover, twenty metre run including two powerful fends rewarded with a try; converted by Rutherford.

Canterbury headed into halftime with a 31-14 lead and the try bonus point already secured.

With the second half underway, the Canterbury Women were set on controlling the scoreboard and offer further reasons for the incredible supporters to continue to roar!

Alice Hayward made a strong break down the wing to score her second in the corner. Canterbury rang in the changes with the game offering an opportunity for new players to take to the field. Jersey took advantage of the players looking to reorganise their defensive line and touched down for a further 5 points. From this score, Canterbury kicked on with clinical rucking and quick delivery from Jenkins linking to forwards and backs. Lily Adams impressed with her dynamic side stepping which was rewarded with a converted try. Second-row partners Emma Alleyne and Jo Cole-Biroth dominated in the contact area and inspired debutant Olivia Crebbin to carry the ball hard setting up a great platform for scrum-half Jenkins to unleash a fierce fend and get her name on the score sheet. The next try saw the Double Emily show unleashed with a powerful carry from Emily Kent which was lifted gently into the hands of Emily Moriarity who broke the gain line and offloaded to the maverick Lucy Relf who secured a further five points for Canterbury. The final play of the afternoon saw Nicole Money score her first, hopefully of many, try in the back and amber jersey.

Canterbury women would like to say a special thank you to the Mini and Juniors who came to support today, run water on and retrieve the balls.

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)

View match photos

Images may be subject to copyright – Ken Matcham