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Under 17- season 2005-06 Highlights
- U17 Molly Barton & Aimee Miller were selected for Kent Development Squad.
- Victoria Claydon was selected for starting 15 Kent squad and South East Regional squad. She also played in the National Festival at Rugby in May.
- Victoria Claydon has been selected to go to the RFUW U17 Performance Development Academy in the summer.
Victoria Claydon plays scrum-half for SE Regional squad
Sunday 18 September 2005
Canterbury 25 - Old Beccehamians 05 @ Canterbury RFC
Canterbury ladies kicked off the season away at Sparrow's Den with an impressive 25-5 win over Beccehamians. The teams' previous encounters have always been close and with the added challenges of new players and varying levels of fitness, both sides were set for a demanding match.
The first try came from Canterbury within 5 minutes of kick-off, when Bridges took a spinning pass from the centre and broke away just outside the opposition's 22 to score left of the posts. Soon after, newcomer Thomson left Canterbury one man down as she went off with an injured ankle. Beccs came back with some aggressive attacks and continuous phases of play, the speed of which tested Canterbury's rucking skills and forced the team to lower their body positions as they drove forward. Canterbury's communication and quick hands in the backs were exemplary and it was this that created the space for speedy New Zealander Gleeson, welcomed back to the club after maternity leave, to break through Old Beccs defensive line and score. Beccs came back once more, crashing the balls into the centre and producing rolling mauls that kept Canterbury fighting for the ball. Beccs were lucky to find a space in the defense just long enough for their outside centre to score. Once more in Canterbury's possession, the ball came spinning out to a conveniently placed Graham who was already running at full pelt down the left hand wing. Canterbury's answer to Jonah Lomu, who played most of the match with a torn muscle in her shoulder, managed to slip through countless tackles to score with opposition still hanging off her ankles.
Playing uphill after half-time, Canterbury displayed an impressive defensive line as they held Beccs off for nearly 20 minutes in their 22. Fly-half Willis cleared the ball into touch on several occasions but Beccs persisted with their attack. The tough 5 metre scrums with Beccs in possession could have been the end for Canterbury if it hadn't been for expert teamwork of front row Bernthal, Rookard and valuable returning prop Scanlan. The rest of the forwards constantly powered into rucks and mauls, never leaving any player alone with the ball. Powerful tackles and driving mauls from the likes of Moore, Kent and new player Pinnock won possession for Canterbury once more and as the team edged back up the pitch, they were able to exploit Beccs' tired legs to allow another breakaway try for Gleeson. Hungry for a try in the dying minutes, speedy winger Curtis was robbed by a thumping tackle just short of the try line. Canterbury managed to keep possession long enough to open up the way for Bridges to score a try in the final phase of play.
Canterbury women's rugby club continues to go from strength to strength as its recruitment drive brings unexpected talent to the team, complementing the consistency of veterans such as Bridges, Clithero and Kirke. A new season brings a brand new development plan which is being put into action this year. In conjunction with the club's overall plan, it is looking improve facilities, increase the number of qualified coaches from within the team and gain greater recognition within the local community. Canterbury welcomes new forwards coach, Tracy Dankert, who, together with existing coach Jemma Horne, brings more than 30 years of rugby experience to the club. The women's side is also seeking to increase its number of representatives at regional level from last year's 4 senior players and 1 junior playing for the South East. The thriving U17 girls' section that was set up last year is entirely managed and coached by the women's side. Coach Jemma Horne said "we are working hard to produce the next generation of female rugby talent, drawing on the experience of current and past female players."
Prospective players are very welcome, regardless of sporting background, level of talent, experience, age, or size. Training takes place at Canterbury RFC on Thursdays 6.30pm (directions and contacts on www.cantrugby.co.uk).
Next match is away at Aylesford on 10 October, 2pm kick-off
Julia Scanlan, Laure Rookard, Claire Bernthal, Sarah Moore, Alexa Kent, Rebecca Willis, Zara Bridges (Tx2), Sadie Graham (Tx1), Jo Gleeson (Tx2), Lucy Kirke, Katy Curtis,
Rebecca Pinnock, Mich Clithero, Rebecca Thomson, Ali Bright
Sunday 22 January 2006
Canterbury 5 -Aylesford 12 @ Canterbury RFC
After a slow start to the season, Canterbury Ladies are finally becoming a team to reckon with. In their previous encounter with Aylesford, it seemed like the two teams were leagues apart. On Sunday however, Canterbury's turn around delighted coaches Jemma Horne and Tracy Dankert, and astounded the many supporters from both sides. Aylesford's relegation and subsequent monopoly of the top of the league table has allowed them some complacency. Canterbury not only picked up a hard defence but turned it round to a constantly attacking game. In the first half, both teams managed to sustain a strong game. As Canterbury spent more and more time in the Aylesford half, it became clear that the visiting side had some work to do. An impressive performance from relatively inexperienced props on the Canterbury side, led by hooker Laura Rookard, fought Aylesford's relentless attack from the forwards. Canterbury's rucks showed they have come on leaps and bounds as they managed to set up continuous phases, allowing scrum-half Lucy Kirke to find runners on both sides. Aylesford put in hard tackles and quick passes which made the gap for their inside centre to break away for the first score. Canterbury's pack continued to secure a good ball and work together with the backs to produce some great runs. A well drilled Ayelsford defence however stole many opportunities to score. A second break-away try which was then converted looked as though it would consolidate their win. However, Canterbury were not willing to go down without a fight. After several phases of rucking, the ball was spun out to Jo Gleeson who was racing up the wing and put some hard-earned points on Canterbury's score. Aylesford continued to try and kick for touch but Canterbury's line-outs stole them many opportunities.
Canterbury's hardest opponents this season have now been met and they have taken their game to a new level. Next game is 12 Feb away at Beckenham and then home on the 19th of February against New Ash Green. Supporters are always welcome, you won't be disappointed!
Hannah Jones, Laura Rookard, Rebecca Pinnock, Rebecca Willis, Claire Bernthal, Hayley Atkins, Lex Kent, Zara Bridges, Lucy Kirke, Laura Day, Katy, Mich Clithero, Jo Gleeson, Dolly Guilliland, Sarah Moore
Sunday 12 February 2006
Canterbury 31 - Beckenham 0 @ Beckenham RFC
Sunday's performance was reward in itself for all those players and supporters who have followed Canterbury ladies on its rocky road to success this season. The wet and windy conditions were perfect for tackling and both teams got stuck in from the first whistle. It was not pretty but it was certainly effective! Handling, however, was another issue. The referee's willingness to play advantage was a great help as the numerous knock-ons did threaten to slow the game down. Canterbury's rucking training paid off as it was the only chance they had to try and keep the ball securely within their possession.
With the wind against them in the first half, Canterbury did all they could to spin the ball wide and away from Beckenham's experienced pack. The scrums seemed evenly matched and as the game went on it was quite apparent that Canterbury had no cause to become complacent. Beckenham's defence was tight but Canterbury managed to create a gap on the wing for speedy Guilliland running at pace. Beckenham vehemently defending their line lost her the score but Bridges managed to recover the ball and dive into the corner for Canterbury's first try.
The second half called for a stronger defence than ever from Beckenham. Canterbury was constantly on the attacking foot with two or three phases of rucking and malling play before the ball was spun out to the backs again. Fly-half Blondie was one minute plowing through the opposition, the next setting up passes for the other backs to gain pace on the ball. Centre Gleeson managed two breakaway tries from such setups and Curtis nearly took one on the wing. However, player of the match went to flanker Sarah Moore who, it seemed managed to cover every section of the pitch at once. Scoring her first try since joining Canterbury last season, Moore took full advantage of Beckenham's costly mistakes. She positioned herself to catch a Beckenham knock-on and score beside the posts. She would have done so several more times if Beckenham's defence hadn't been so hot on her heels.
A courageous performance from Beckenham couldn't stop Canterbury from sealing the game with a positive win to take into next week's match at home against New Ash Green. Kick-off is at 2pm, supporters welcome - you won't be disappointed!
Julia Scanlan, Laura Rookard, Rebecca Pinnock, Lex Kent, Claire Bernthal (Tx1), Rebecca Willis, Sarah Moore (Tx1), Zara Bridges (Tx1), Lucy Kirke, Claire Slater (Cx3), Jo Gleeson (Tx2), Ali Holden, Katy Curtis, Dolly Guilliland
Sunday 19 February 2006
Canterbury 33 - New Ash Green 5 @ Canterbury RFC
Another victory sealed for Canterbury in worse conditions than the previous week. Despite a more marginal win by Canterbury in their previous encounter, a fairly even match was expected when coach Dankert's old team arrived on the Canterbury pitch. The wind and rain were biting but Canterbury's handling came through. A big improvement was also apparent in the home team's runs from depth, thanks to coach Horne's drills last Thursday. This allowed scrum half Kirke more options to pass the ball out of rucks and mauls into the hands of players running at full pace. Considering the slippery conditions, the backs had a busy game and managed quick hands down to the wing with looping support. Two such set-ups allowed player of the match Katy Curtis to take advantage of an overlap and score between the posts twice.
New Ash Green managed to push Canterbury over their line and score in the first half but this was one of the rare occasions that Canterbury needed to defend so close to their line. NAG kicked to safety on many occasions and lineouts were quite evenly won. However Canterbury managed to keep the ball in attacking play and tired out the opposition enough to allow a breakaway try from Gleeson in the second half. Hooker Rookard also had a storming game and drove the opposition over their line to score. New players to the club, Paula ... and Korma ... both made a visible impact. Captain Bernthal, ever present at rucks and mauls, managed to keep the team cool headed and draw in support from the forwards. An apology is due to her for last week's report: Curtis's try was actually scored by Bernthal. However, Curtis more than made up for it this week!
Canterbury's next match is at home against Ashford on 5 March, 2pm kick-off.
Julia Scanlan, Laura Rookard (Tx1), Claire Bernthal, Lex Kent, Hayley Atkins, Rebecca Willis, Sarah Moore, Zara Bridges, Lucy Kirke, Laura Day (Cx4), Claire Slater (Tx1), Jo Gleeson (Tx1), Mich Clithero, Katy Curtis (Tx2), Dolly Guilliland, Paula Clark, Kellie Pattenden
Canterbury 26 - Ashford 0
Sunday 5 March 2006 @ Canterbury RFC
Another great victory for Canterbury at home as they met local rivals Ashford ladies, adding significant points to the South East East division 3 league table. With the Kent under 18s cup final underway on the other pitches at the club, the match still managed to draw a large crowd of supporters who could barely believe this was the same team they had watched at the beginning of the season. Canterbury turned out 18 players and so had the opportunity to roll substitutes and keep legs fresh, a much needed advantage considering the youth and speed of the Ashford team. New players Paula Clarke, Celestine Cheong and Kelly Pattenden made their mark for Canterbury. Despite scoring 3 tries in the first half, Canterbury had no cause to become complacent. Ashford's relatively new side turned out to be a fiercely determined and energetic team, testing Canterbury's fitness and drive at every occasion.
The smooth rucking provided phase after phase of play for Canterbury, allowing the ball to be shipped out to the backs and spun down to the wing. The backs had plenty of action but centres Slater and Gleeson just couldn't break the strong Ashford defence. Yet again, Katy Curtis's pure speed and gymnastic agility on the right wing got her through the opposition's line as she scored two tries for Canterbury, and nearly a third before being robbed by the whistle. Guilliland, another new player for this season, scored the third try. The fourth was powered through by number 8 Bridges with player of the match and captain Bernthal hot on her heels. With countless balls won over in the rucks and Ashford simply unable to compete with the experience and strength of the pack, Canterbury stuck to what they knew and brought the ball forward meter by meter. Excellent play from 2nd row Atkins, prop Scanlan and hooker Rookard who nearly added scores to the board. Laura Day's licking practice paid off as she converted 3 of the tries, all at awkward angles.
The team play, communication and support was the key to Canterbury's success and although Ashford made an admirable effort, the winning team deserved the victory. The real test comes next week when Canterbury will meet last year's league winners, Old Cats.
Canterbury's next match is at home against Old Caterhamians on 12 March, 2.30pm kick-off.
Julia Scanlan, , Laura Rookard, Rebecca Pinnick, Claire Bernthal (Captain) , Hayley Atkins, Rebecca Willis, Sarah Moore, Zara Bridges (Tx1) , Lucy Kirke, Laura Day (Cx3) , Claire Slater, Jo Gleeson, Alison Holden, Celestine Cheong, Katy Curtis (Tx2) , Dolly Guilliland (Tx1) , Paula Clarke, Kellie Pattenden
Canterbury 52 - Beckenham 5
Sunday 2 April 2006 @ Canterbury RFC
An early kick-off for the Canterbury women as they were due to join the fun-bus to Sevenoaks for the Men's Kent Cup final (they were the very loud group of supporters that most people will remember).
Canterbury walked onto the pitch on Sunday with a certain amount of complacency having discovered that the opposition were only able to field 9 players. Beckenham was therefore forced to concede its points and the game went ahead as a fully-contested friendly, with Canterbury lending players to the other side to make up numbers. The game was far from won however, as not only did Beckenham field its best, but the borrowed players were some of Canterbury's most renowned as well. These included Bernthal, Gleeson, Kent, Slater, Moore, Curtis, Jones and Clithero. Coach Horne had decided to lend those who had not been substituted as much throughout the season. Canterbury even came up against their own captain, well aware that a missed tackle could be detrimental to the final score.
It was a slow start to the match. Canterbury did not seem as switched on as usual, in Coach Horne's words, handling began "sloppy". However, once Canterbury realised they had work to do, they cleaned up their rucks and began to meet the gain line. Pace runners provided numerous options for scrum-half Kirke, setting up and rolling off the rucks and scrums. Curtis had several good runs down the wing, but centre Gleeson was certainly try-scorer of the day. With two for Canterbury and one for Beckenham, she showed that players were willing to work just as hard for either team. Holden scored her first for Canterbury, having played for only a few months. Number 8 Moore, quickly becoming one of Canterbury's forwards to be reckoned with, caught a ball straight off a kick-off and broke through the entire opposition to score. Day's kicking was on top form and provided Canterbury with many line-out opportunities and 6 conversions. It was clear that Canterbury would come out on top, but Beckenham were not going down without a fight.
Canterbury's next and final league match is a way against Ashford on 16 April (Easter Sunday). The ladies will also be putting mixed teams together for the Canterbury Mixed Touch League, which kicks-off on in May at Canterbury Rugby club. All welcome, no experience necessary, fun guaranteed!
Julia Scanlan, Laura Rookard, Rebecca Pinnick, Claire Bernthal (Captain), Rebecca Willis, Sarah Moore (Tx1), Lucy Kirke (Tx1) , Laura Day (Cx6) , Claire Slater, Jo Gleeson (Tx2), Alison Holden (Tx1) , Celestine Cheong (Tx2) , Katy Curtis (Tx1) , Paula Clarke, Kellie Pattenden, Michelle Clithero, Hannah Jones, Alexa Kent |
