Flying Out, Digging In: Canterbury’s Wind-Swept Jersey Clash

By Amber Waitimas

Jersey Women 14- 7 Canterbury Women 1st XV

It was an early start for the Canterbury Women as they set off bright and early to catch their flight to Jersey for a much-anticipated away fixture. Unfortunately, the island welcomed them with testing conditions: driving rain and strong winds made it clear from the outset that this was going to be a hard-fought contest.

With a double header scheduled alongside the Jersey Men’s fixture, the Canterbury Women showed great spirit by supporting the match before their own.

Canterbury travelled without their usual co-captain pairing due to injury, but leadership shone through regardless. Claire Bernthal and Emily Moriarty stepped up brilliantly on game day, providing calm guidance and essential support for the squad.

Once they took to the field, the challenging weather did little to shake their composure. The forwards carried hard, the handling was impressively clean given the conditions, and the lineout unit excelled, securing their own ball and stealing several from Jersey.

The match also saw the welcome return of Canterbury players Mimi Jupe (Team Manager) and Rebecca Sheene, whose impact off the bench was immediately felt. Across the pitch, players put their bodies on the line, demonstrating grit and determination throughout the contest.

Defensively, Canterbury were immense. Lily Philpott was relentless, making tackle after tackle and helping keep Jersey under constant pressure. Forward of the Match, Ellie Rowe, was a standout force in the pack, while Back of the Match, Emily Moriarty, making her first appearance at fly-half, showed excellent game management in difficult conditions.

Jersey opened the scoring with a well-taken try on the wing, which they successfully converted. Canterbury responded swiftly: after sustained pressure in Jersey’s half, a powerful team effort paved the way for Number 8 El Crowe to crash over the line. Layla Little added the extras to level the score at 7–7.

Canterbury continued to dominate territory, spending long spells inside the Jersey half. However, just before the break, Jersey capitalised on an overlap out wide to score their second try, taking the lead at halftime.

The second half showcased determined rugby from both sides. Canterbury repeatedly battled their way inside five metres of the Jersey line, but the hosts defended fiercely, denying any further points. Despite the weather and the physicality of the match, the game was played with tremendous spirit, and even featured an unexpected pitch invader in the form of a curious duck looking to join the action.

Though the result did not fall Canterbury’s way, the squad remained in high spirits and made the most of their time on the island.

Canterbury Women would like to extend their thanks to Jersey RFC for their warm hospitality, and to the Canterbury Women’s Committee for ensuring another successful away trip.