Pilgrims hold nerve to pip title chasers

Pilgrims toppled Zoo League leaders Hertford 2nds to move into second spot. A massive defensive effort in the closing minutes eventually gave Canterbury a 29-24 win as they avenged a heavy defeat at Hertford earlier in the season. They resisted early pressure and opened a 14-point lead with tries from flanker David Bailey and wing Guy Hilton, both converted by his brother Will. New prop Elliot White’s charge and the work of a strong back division led to the Bailey try and those backs were prominent again when Hilton registered his touchdown. It was the only time in the match that there was clear water between the sides. Hertford stormed back with a converted try and when Ross Comfort was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on a minute before half-time it proved costly. Before he returned the visitors drew level with another converted score early in the second half. The experienced Tom Best forced the gap to put Pilgrims ahead again, Hilton converting, but it did not last long. Hertford were back level within minutes through a third converted try. Will Hilton, a controlling influence together with the Best brothers, landed a penalty goal and a try from the younger Best – Ollie – pushed Canterbury into a crucial eight-point lead. Hertford cut that back with a penalty goal and then threw everything at the home line. In the last play of the game, they were forced into touch a metre short as Pilgrims claimed a notable scalp.

Canterbury 3rds fell to a 20-17 defeat at Invicta 2 East League leaders Maidstone 2nds. The city side started strongly, with controlled play releasing Brad Allchurch for a converted try. However, Maidstone showed their quality, breaking through with ease to score an unconverted try. They followed this up with a penalty kick and another converted try to lead 15-7 at half-time. After the break, Andre Allen beat a retreating defence to score an unconverted try for Canterbury and it remained tight until the last 15 minutes when sustained pressure from the home side saw them grab an unconverted try. A cross field kick by Ollie Jaynes then created a try for Ollie Simpson but the city side couldn’t find the decisive score.

Canterbury 5ths lost 50-12 at home to a strong Hastings and Bexhill 3rd XV.