Early statement of intent

Only the width of a goal post separated Canterbury from a win their resilience and perseverance probably deserved in their second pre-season friendly against National 1 opposition, writes David Haigh.

Charlie Kingsman’s 40 metre penalty kick two minutes from the end of an absorbing contest under the Merton Lane floodlights hit an upright and bounced the wrong side.

The result may have been disappointing, as the city club were in the lead until the 75th minute, but this combative performance made a real statement about their prospects when league action starts in two weeks’ time.

From a torrid opening quarter, when Canterbury hardly got their hands on the ball but denied Stortford with superb defence, they built steadily and scored twice before the visitors found any answers.

The first city try came on the cusp of half-time after the visitors were robbed of the ball. The pack piled on the pressure before the backs made space for last season’s top-scorer, Guy Hilton, to squeeze over in the corner.

Ollie Best’s conversion was another boost and 10 minutes after the restart, Hilton got another.

By this time Canterbury had shed any doubts they may have harboured against last season’s National 2 champions and their confidence paid off when Aiden Moss saw a half gap and his slick offload released Hilton.

A frustrated Stortford, who will question why they could not make more of the possession they enjoyed, found a way back by forcing a penalty at the restart.

It gave them a hold and a series of driving mauls earned them a penalty try and an easy conversion.

Canterbury still looked the likelier winners but it was a game of nip and tuck and possession given away too easily handed Stortford their late opportunity.

A decisive attack to the left exposed a chink in the city defence and wing Jimmy Rea ran a lovely inside line to take the try-scoring pass and leave a simple conversion.

It was tough on a brave city squad but even in defeat this felt like something of victory.

The Pilgrims’ inexperience and lack of finishing skills told as they lost 24-7 to Deal & Betteshanger in a Tuesday night friendly.

It was the first pre-season outing outing for the city club’s second team and they will have to improve quickly if they are to make a mark in this season’s Zoo League.

The visitors were a better unit when it came to putting away their chances and scored two tries in each half, with two converted.

Pilgrims’ sole reply, in the second half, was an interception try by Ross Comfort, converted by Liam Browne.