Fighting Through the Storm: Canterbury Push Medway in Gritty Battle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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