Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Errors and injuries hamper Pilgrims’ victory bid
After an error strewn start Canterbury Pilgrims fought back at Westcombe Park 2nds but could not sustain their challenge in the Zoo Shield encounter and lost 20-14. After slipping 10 points behind, Euan Caborn put them back in the hunt with three penalty goals. The revival was dented two minutes before half-time when Park added a second converted try to their tally, which included an early penalty. Pilgrims were still very much in it but at the start of the second half the errors continued and they missed scoring chances. A yellow card for Matt Barnes spelled more trouble but the hosts were limited to a penalty while he was in the sin bin. Canterbury went close on several occasions but the loss of the outstanding Harry Dance, then Simon Jaynes and Liam Browne to injury did not help their rhythm. Before he left Jaynes made a fine solo break which led to a good try for Logan Woodbridge to earn a losing bonus point, but the vital score eluded them. Having won promotion, the city side’s 3rds will find life tougher in the Premier 2 East Division and had to work hard for their opening victory, 19-0 at Aylesford Bulls 2nds. They did not break a strong Aylesford defence until midway through the first half when Ollie Jaynes made the break for a try and Scott Payne converted. Two minutes later they repeated the trick, this time Andre Allen’s pace on the wing proving too much for Aylesford and Payne added the extras. A dominant pack provided the platform for Canterbury’s second-half pressure and when the city side turned down a simple penalty chance in favour of a scrum it paid off. The ball was spun wide and centre Brad Allchurch raced over for his side’s third try. A late cry-off by Dover 3rds robbed Canterbury 4ths of their chance to register an opening Late Red 3 league victory.