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A Message from our Chairman
I am honoured and delighted to write to you following my appointment as Chairman of Cranbrook Sports Club and will share news and updates here.
October 12th 2026
Another weekend of rugby completed and another great showing from across Cranbrook Sports Club!
First and foremost, huge congratulations to our senior sides (1st XV, Nomads and Ladies), with three victories across the weekend! A fantastic set of results and a great reflection of the work being put in by the players, coaches and support teams. Well done to everyone involved — three wins is certainly something worth celebrating!
Our Juniors were also busy with training and fixtures. It was a particularly tough day at the office for the U14s v Deal, but sometimes rugby is about much more than the result. The team spirit, camaraderie and determination shown by the boys throughout was fantastic to see. Heads held high, boys — well done!
The Minis were on the road once again, this time heading to Tunbridge Wells with another fantastic Cranbrook turnout. Plenty of rugby, plenty of smiles and, once again, more medals making their way back to Cranbrook! Congratulations to all our young players and a big thank you to the coaches, parents and volunteers who continue to make these weekends possible.
Finally, a very special Cranbrook birthday deserves a mention.
Bernard Jenner celebrated his 90th birthday on 11th October! Bernard is a Life Vice President, a former Club Treasurer and, importantly, one of the co-founders of our Junior section. Generations of young Cranbrook players have benefited from the foundations laid by people like Bernard, and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to recognise his contribution to our club.
From everyone at Cranbrook Sports Club, Happy 90th Birthday, Bernard! We hope you had a fantastic day.
Looking ahead, we also have our Mums & Daughters Rugby Morning coming up in November — a brilliant opportunity to get involved, have some fun and perhaps discover that the rugby talent in the family doesn't all belong to the younger generation!
Whether you're a seasoned player or have never picked up a rugby ball before, we'd love to see plenty of mums and daughters joining us. No experience required — just come along and give it a go!
To get involved or find out more, please contact Helen at crfc.mini@gmail.com.
Another weekend that demonstrates what our club is all about — competitive senior rugby, youngsters developing and enjoying the game, volunteers making it all possible and a proud history stretching back through generations.
For all the latest news, fixtures, results and match reports, please keep an eye on the club website:
Thank you, as always, to everyone who played, coached, volunteered, supported and represented Cranbrook over the weekend.
See you all pitchside soon!
BR,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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October 5th 2026
Another action-packed weekend at Cranbrook Sports Club, with plenty of rugby, plenty of miles travelled and, as ever, plenty to celebrate!
Before the rugby, a quick word about our club sponsors. Their support plays a hugely important part in keeping Cranbrook thriving — helping us provide sport for hundreds of players, maintain and improve our facilities and continue to develop the club for the future. In return, I’d encourage all of us as members to support the businesses that support us. When you need a service or are making a purchase, please take a moment to consider whether one of our sponsors (see below) can help. Wherever possible, let’s put our business their way and make sponsorship of Cranbrook a genuine two-way partnership.
The First XV were narrowly beaten in a fiery encounter against Folkestone at the Tomlin Ground. A tough, competitive game that could have gone either way, but plenty of positives to take forward into the next fixture.
Our Ladies, meanwhile, returned triumphant from tour — and with silverware! They proudly brought home the prestigious “Spirit of Rugby” trophy, which feels like a particularly fitting award for a team that continues to represent everything that is good about Cranbrook. Congratulations, ladies — although I suspect there may be one or two stories from tour that are best left off the Chairman’s weekly update!
Across our Junior age groups it was another busy weekend of training and fixtures, with the usual mix of results. Perhaps most notable was an impressive 32–20 away win for our U15s at Dartford. Neither M25 hold-ups nor a hard pitch could stop them — a cracking result and well worth the journey home!
Our Minis were out in force at the Hastings Festival, enjoying some glorious weather and putting on a fantastic display of rugby. Medals and memories all round, and a huge well done to all the players, coaches, parents and volunteers who made it such a great day.
Once again, it was brilliant to see so many Cranbrook shirts out on pitches across Kent and Sussex and so many people giving their time to make it all happen.
For all the latest club news, messages, team updates and match reports, please keep an eye on the website:
Well done to everyone who played, coached, supported, volunteered, drove, refereed, organised — or simply cheered from the touchline.
Another great weekend for the club. Onwards to the next one!
See you all pitchside soon,
BR,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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What a weekend at Cranbrook Sports Club!
September 28th 2026
There was plenty to celebrate across the club, with another busy weekend of rugby, great performances and — most importantly — plenty of people enjoying being part of Cranbrook.
Saturday saw a convincing win for the First XV away from home, while the Nomads battled hard at home but narrowly missed out. Not to be outdone, our Ladies travelled to Dover on Sunday and came away with a fantastic win — congratulations to the whole squad and coaching team!
Sunday was all about our younger players too, with Sands hosting two visiting sides for the U12s’ first junior rugby fixtures of the season. An impressive age group recorded a win and a defeat, but there was plenty of enthusiasm and promise on show.
And that was just the start! The club was buzzing throughout Sunday as all our other age groups took to the pitches, with more than 200 children training, playing and having fun. That really is what Cranbrook is all about — a club full of energy, activity and people pulling together.
Looking ahead, next weekend promises to be another big one, with home fixtures across our rugby offering, while our Minis head off in force to the Hastings Festival. Good luck to everyone representing the club — and enjoy!
Please keep an eye on the website for up-to-date fixture lists and wider club news:
Cranbrook Sports Club
Now for a little prompt about an ever growing arm of our sport available to all at Cranbrook.....
Walking Rugby is currently the fastest growing form of the game with over 250 walking rugby clubs and teams across the UK.
We are delighted to be able to offer the game at Cranbrook and so whether you are an older rugby player who has hung up your boots, an injured player in recovery or someone new to the game who doesn't fancy rolling around in the mud or charging up and down the pitch, you are very welcome to come along and see what it is all about.
We currently meet at 3pm on a Friday, play for an hour, then finish with tea and cake - all very civilised! No previous experience is necessary and both men and women are welcome. For those who have played before, think touch-rugby ... (slightly) slowed down!
We enter festivals and tournaments across Kent and Sussex and organise friendlies with local clubs.
For further information either come along on a Friday ... or email/ring Rachel Fagg at crfc.walkingrugby@gmail.com / 07786 222637
A huge thank you to everyone who continues to make the club what it is. The season is well and truly underway, and there is a fantastic buzz around Cranbrook at the moment.
Keep an eye out for forthcoming events, get behind our teams, support our volunteers and, most importantly, enjoy being part of this brilliant club.
See you all pitchside soon,
BR,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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ALEX CORNWALLIS, 250 NOT OUT!
September 25th 2026
I think it’s fair to say that Alex Cornwallis has now officially reached club legend status.
Most capped 1st XV Crane of all time - well, certainly in recent history!
The longest-serving 1st XV captain we’ve had, with a few tries and points thrown in along the way too… although the exact numbers are still being totted up!
250 1st Xv CAPS - That is some achievement!
250 appearances for one club is something to be hugely proud of, and it’s a testament to his commitment, loyalty and love for the shirt.
Well done, Alex.
250 NOT OUT. A Crane legend.
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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A Great Weekend Ahead at Cranbrook
September 22nd 2026
There’s plenty to look forward to at Cranbrook Sports Club this weekend, with the new season really starting to gather pace.
Our Senior Men’s team gets its first fixture of the season away at Beckenham on Saturday. It’s a great opportunity to get the season underway, and I’m sure the team will appreciate plenty of Cranbrook support on the touchline.
On Sunday, our Ladies’ team is also on the road, travelling to Dover for their latest fixture. We wish the team all the very best and hope they enjoy a positive day of rugby.
Back at home, the club will be buzzing throughout the weekend with a full programme of Mini and Junior training and matches. It’s fantastic to see so many young players back on the pitches, developing their skills, enjoying their rugby and, most importantly, being part of the Cranbrook community.
A quick membership reminder
With the season now underway, please make sure membership applications are completed and all player registrations are renewed. This is particularly important for our playing members — without the appropriate registration, players cannot represent Cranbrook in fixtures. Please take a few minutes to check that everything is up to date.
A huge thank you to our volunteers
None of this happens without the incredible commitment of our volunteers.
From coaches and team managers to referees, first aiders, grounds teams, administrators, bar staff, kitchen volunteers and those who simply turn up when something needs doing — our volunteers are the engine room of the club.
Much of what they do happens quietly and often behind the scenes, but their contribution is absolutely fundamental. Without the time, energy and commitment given by our volunteers, Cranbrook Sports Club simply could not function.
So, as we head into another busy weekend, I’d like to say a genuine thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to make our club what it is. Your efforts make a difference to every player, parent, supporter and visitor who walks through our gates.
Let’s get behind all our teams this weekend, enjoy the rugby and continue to make Cranbrook a club we can all be proud of.
See you at the club!
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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AND WE'RE OFF!
September 7th 2026
Hard pitches and a delay to the start of the season did nothing to dampen spirits at the club on Sunday.
The Tomlin ground welcomed back the mini and junior sections with all age groups represented from the mighty U6’s through to the impressive looking Colts!
It was non contact, fitness focused sessions all round while we wait for Mother Nature to provide more rain, but even in trainers the might of Cranbrook’s younger contingent could be heard like thunder!
Thanks to all who turned out in numbers, a special thanks to those volunteers who coach, administer, provide first aid cover, produce scores of breakfast rolls and generally make the clubs Sunday scene run like clockwork.
Next week is “bring a friend” week, please spread the word about our amazing club at schools and friendship groups and bring along our next budding star!
See you on the touch line,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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Cranbrook Charity Fun Run with Sir Kevin Sinfield
September 1st 2026
Dear Members and Supporters,
On behalf of the committee that organised the Cranbrook Charity Fun Run with Sir Kevin Sinfield, I would like to offer our sincere thanks for your incredibly generous support.
It was a day that will remain etched in the memory of everyone involved for many years to come. Seeing Cranbrook Sports Club buzzing with more than 600 runners taking to the course, supported and cheered on by so many spectators, was a truly special and uplifting moment for our whole community.
In the weeks and months leading up to the event, we spoke often about the power of a community coming together to support others and simply “do our bit” for those less fortunate than ourselves. The day captured that spirit perfectly.
We are absolutely thrilled that the event raised just over £230,000 towards Kevin’s 2026 7-in-7 fundraising challenge for Motor Neurone Disease as well as significant funds for the new clubhouse project. This remarkable achievement would simply not have been possible without the generosity, enthusiasm and support of so many runners, volunteers, spectators, sponsors, benefactors and members of our wider Cranbrook community.
I hope you have all had a chance to see some of the wonderful photos and content shared across our social media - it is already bringing back wonderful memories, please take a look and enjoy the moments captured. The event received coverage on both the BBC and ITV evening news, alongside extensive coverage in the local press and across social media — helping to spread the message of the day far beyond Cranbrook.
Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity. The support we received was truly humbling, and we are enormously grateful that you chose to be part of such a special occasion.
Together, we demonstrated just what the Cranbrook community can achieve when we come together behind a common cause.
With sincere thanks,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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ONE DAY TO GO!
August 28th 2026
We’re on the home straight — and we need one BIG FINAL PUSH to get us to 700 runners! ?♂️?♀️
What an incredible response from the Cranbrook community so far. Tomorrow morning, almost 700 people could be coming together at Cranbrook Sports Club to run, walk, cheer, support and raise money for MNDA.
If you’ve been thinking about joining us — NOW is the time! Get signed up, bring your family and friends, and let’s make this a morning the whole community can be proud of.
700 runners. One community. One amazing cause.
Let’s show MNDA what Cranbrook can do! ?
SEE YOU TOMORROW! ?
#CranbrookFunRun #CranbrookSportsClub #MNDA #700Runners #CranbrookCommunity
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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Chairman's Start of Season Letter
July 27th 2026
Dear Members and Sponsors,
As another exciting season begins at Cranbrook Sports Club, I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome you all back and thank every member, volunteer, player, parent and sponsor for your continued support of our club.
The close season has been a busy one behind the scenes, with a huge amount of work undertaken by volunteers to prepare for another successful year both on and off the field. Our club continues to go from strength to strength because of the incredible commitment shown by so many people who generously give their time, energy and expertise.
Whether you are pulling on a shirt, coaching from the touchline, helping behind the bar, sponsoring a team, or simply cheering from the sidelines, every one of you plays an important part in making Cranbrook Sports Club the thriving community it is today.
This season promises to be another memorable one. We have ambitious plans across our men's, women's, boys' and girls' rugby sections, alongside another fantastic summer of cricket, and I encourage everyone to get involved whenever they can.
One of the best ways to support the club is simply by being here. A busy clubhouse, packed touchlines and a welcoming atmosphere make a huge difference to our players and create the environment that makes Cranbrook such a special place.
I would particularly encourage members and sponsors to support our home league fixtures and join us for our ever-popular pre-match lunches.
Club Lunches
19th September - Presidents Lunch
31st October - Halloween Lunch
12th December - Christmas Lunch
27th Feb
10th April
These occasions are always a highlight of the season and provide a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends, entertain clients, meet fellow members and enjoy great rugby together. If you know someone who may be interested in becoming involved with the club, whether as a member, volunteer or sponsor, please bring them along—we're always keen to welcome new faces into the Cranbrook family.
To our sponsors, thank you. Your support enables us to invest in coaching, facilities, equipment and opportunities for players of all ages. You are genuine partners in the success of the club, and we look forward to continuing to work together throughout the season.
Looking ahead, we also hope to share some exciting news regarding the future of our clubhouse in the coming weeks. Many of you know how important this project is to securing the long-term future of Cranbrook Sports Club, and I look forward to updating you on the progress being made very soon.
Our Mission remains unchanged:
To continue building a thriving and inclusive sporting community where men, women, boys and girls of all ages can belong, develop and achieve their full potential—both on and off the pitch.
Together, we have an exciting season ahead. Let's fill the touchlines, support every team, enjoy our social events, and continue building a club that our whole community can be proud of.
Thank you once again for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you all at the club throughout the season.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
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July 9th 2026
Dear Members,
I am honoured and delighted to write to you following my appointment as Chairman of Cranbrook Sports Club.
There is only one place I can begin, on behalf of everyone at Cranbrook Sports Club, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the tireless dedication, commitment, and leadership Michelle has shown during her time as Chair. Through hard work and unwavering support of the club, she has helped transform Cranbrook Sports Club and leave it in a significantly stronger position for the future. Thank you Michelle!
For those who may not know me, I have been a proud member of Cranbrook Sports Club for over a decade and, like many of you, rugby is very much a family affair. I am the father of three boys, all of whom play at the club, and I have experienced first-hand the enormous value this club brings — not only through sport, but through the friendships, support, and sense of belonging it creates.
I am a strong believer in the important role sports clubs play in young people’s lives. Sport teaches values that extend far beyond the pitch: teamwork, discipline, resilience, respect, and community. Clubs like Cranbrook help shape young people, providing an environment where they can develop confidence, build lasting friendships, and thrive.
I take on this role with great pride, but also with a strong sense of responsibility to our members and to the future of Cranbrook Sports Club. We are fortunate to have a proud history, a passionate membership, and an inclusive community spanning men’s, women’s, boys’, and girls’ rugby as well as a thriving summer cricket scene. My ambition as Chairman is to help build on these strengths and ensure we continue to grow and prosper.
Together, we have an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter of Cranbrook Sports Club: strengthening rugby across all age groups, further developing our cricket offering, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. We also have the chance to progress plans for a new clubhouse that reflects the spirit and traditions of our club while becoming the renewed heart of club life. Above all, we must secure the strong commercial foundations that will safeguard the club’s long-term future and enable it to thrive.
Most importantly, I want to ensure that this remains a club where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to contribute. I look forward to listening to members, working alongside our volunteers, coaches, players, parents, and supporters, and building on the fantastic spirit that already exists within Cranbrook Sports Club.
Thank you for your trust and support. I am excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to seeing many of you at the club over the coming months.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Sharp
Chairman, Cranbrook Sports Club
