Match Report: Canterbury Women 7 – 10 Hove Women

Canterbury Women’s 1XV vs Hove 1XV – Match Report

Sunday’s match at Canterbury was more than just a game; it was a celebration of women’s and girls’ rugby. The day kicked off with a fantastic open training session for the club’s Girls section, showcasing brilliant skill, smiling faces, and some fantastic numbers. The girls then formed a flag tunnel to welcome both teams onto the main pitch, before a minute’s silence was held in remembrance.

When the match began, Canterbury received the ball and immediately applied pressure. A strong run from Emily Kent put the visitors in their 22, but Hove’s defense was solid around the ruck, forcing a knock-on and giving Hove their first scrum.

Canterbury continued to threaten, with a line-out attempt for a try being held up. Hove’s kicking game tried to relieve pressure, but fullback Emily Moriarty collected the ball and passed to Lola Yuille-Clough on the wing, giving Canterbury another chance from the line-out.

Defensively, Canterbury’s back three delivered beautiful tackles, while Alice Haywards counter-rucks kept Hove under constant pressure. Kate Rutherford’s reading of the game in the backfield was exceptional, preempting kicks and turning defense into attack. Early disciplinary issues saw a yellow card for Canterbury’s second row Amber Shepherd following a high tackle, and later for Hove’s loosehead, but the team’s intensity never waned.

It wasn’t until the 36th minute that sustained Canterbury pressure resulted in a breakthrough. Player of the Match El Crowe won a penalty at the breakdown, opting for the corner. Excellent line-out work from Lily Philpott, a precise offload from Darcy McMahon and a hard line from Emily Kent set the platform for a series of pick-and-go plays. Forward of the Match Rosie Payne and prop Lizzie Deverson carried strongly, keeping Hove pinned. Canterbury’s fly-half Kate Rutherford seized a quick-tap opportunity, slicing through retreating defenders to score Canterbury’s only try, which she also converted to end the half with Canterbury in the lead.

The second half began with Canterbury in Hove’s 22, but Hove remained dangerous with strong ball carriers and clever running lines. A superb chase by Lola and relentless defense by Canterbury kept Hove at bay for much of the half. Both sides rotated replacements, bringing fresh energy, and Hove’s number 8 showed outstanding running, nearly breaking through multiple times. Scrum-half replacement Lydia Ticehurst and Ellie Desborough made crucial tackles to prevent a try.

As the game entered its closing stages, Canterbury continued to defend heroically. However, with five minutes remaining, Canterbury was shown a second yellow card, reducing Canterbury to 14 players. Despite their determination and disciplined defence, Hove eventually took advantage of the extra space. With the clock ticking down, they pieced together a series of tight carries before moving the ball wide for a well-worked try in the corner.

Throughout the match, Canterbury’s counter-rucking, strong tackling, and tactical awareness were outstanding. Highlights included the fearless tackling of returning fullback Emily Moriarty, and the expert jackling and support work from Emily Kent. The team displayed incredible cohesion, effort, and resilience until the final whistle.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the day, including our team sponsors KGEN, Player of the Match sponsor Utopia Wealth, Scrum Kitchen for the fabulous post-match food, and Lilski’s Cakes for the delicious cupcakes. The players, fans, and the girls’ section made the occasion truly special.

Though the result was not what we hoped for, the Canterbury Women’s 1XV will rebuild, pull together, and go again.

Player Awards:
* Player of the Match: El Crowe, Presented by Utopia Wealth
* Forward of the Match: Rosie P
* Back of the Match: Kate Rutherford

Our next Home fixture is the second round of the Papa Johns Community Cup against Guildford Gazelles, 30th November! We’d love to welcome all the support and the girls section down to share this day with us.