Canterbury's top teams

Whatever their standard, Canterbury and its surrounding area plays host to handfuls of different teams over a number of different sports. Though there are so many to choose from, these are a few of the most popular and successful from around the city. I understand everyone may not agree with my choices, but I'd be willing to discuss anyone else's ideas.

1. Kent County Cricket Club

Canterbury’s biggest and most famous sports team, Kent CCC have competed in the County Championship since its inception in 1890. The club suffered their first relegation to the Second Division in 2008, and were promoted again back to the top tier the following season, before unfortunately being relegated from the First Division again in 2010. The club have been County Champions six times (+ one shared), most recently in 1978, and Kent’s last silverware came in 2007 when they were the surprise winners of the Twenty20 Cup Competition. The last few years have been tough on the county; with disappointing results and financial problems meaning life has not always been easy for the club. The current redevelopment work, however, could hopefully cause an upturn in Kent’s fortunes, with former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams set to take over as Head Coach for the coming 2012 season. 

2. Canterbury Rugby Club

Running nearly 20 teams over Mens, Ladies, Junior and Mini Rugby, Canterbury Rugby Club is one of the most popular and well known throughout the city and the county.  Founded in 1929, they, similarly to the Hockey Club, have much of their history based with members who worked as farmers or other positions in the agricultural business, something which has perhaps stood them in good stead for successes. Canterbury reached their peak in 2005/06, becoming the first ever East Kent club to achieve National League status, and though they were relegated last year, the team are currently in the middle of one of their best ever seasons, with their First Team top of National League 3 and still unbeaten, certainties for promotion at the end of this season.

Canterbury Rugby Club Chairman Giles Hilton talking about CRFC’s successful start to the season, and the changes the Club have made, below. (Video from November 2011).

3. Canterbury Hockey Club

Canterbury Hockey Club is one of the largest and most successful in the country, fielding more than 15 sides throughout different age ranges. Their Mens first team is currently top of the Conference East – one league below the Premier Division – and the Ladies side is currently third in the Women’s Premier Division. They have links with a number of current and former international players and coaches.

Chairman John Hinchcliff tells us some more about the Club’s history, below. (Video from December 2011).

4. Canterbury Cricket Club

Canterbury CC, formally known as Beverley Cricket Club, is one of the oldest in the country, and currently runs five teams running throughout a number of different leagues, with a large junior section also in place. Under the stewardship of Club Captain Paul Steer, the first team have been promoted to the Kent Premier League, and will be looking to continue with their excellent form next season.
Club Captain Paul Steer tells us a little about the history of the club and his involvement, below. (Audio from January 2012).
Canterbury CCC Captain Paul Steer - History of the Club by jc498

5. Canterbury City Football Club

Canterbury City Football Club’s history has been far from simple, particularly in recent years.  Having struggled on and off the pitch in the late 90s and early 2000s, they folded in 2001. In 2007, however, Canterbury City FC was reformed as a Community Interest Company, the first football club to do so. Since this reformation, the club has enjoyed happier times and more success – in their first two seasons they secured back-to-back promotions, and by 2009/10 were in the Kent County League Premier Division. For the 2011/12 campaign, the club were elected to join the Kent League.

The map below shows where these different teams are based around the area.

View Canterbury Sports Teams Map in a larger map