Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Full report on Canterbury RFC’S league clash
To beat Redruth in their own backyard, Canterbury knew they would have to raise their game to repeat their National 2 South win in Cornwall last year, writes Chris Fullbrook.
It took the city side a while to adapt to the soggy pitch and they went behind after 10 minutes when fly-half Richard Kevern slipped a tackle to dart in for the opening try which he also converted.
This score spurred Canterbury and the tight five, who battled hard all day, set the foundation for their reply.
From a midfield scrum, fly-half Ollie Best put JJ Murray in space to ghost through the defence and score under the posts allowing Best to add the extra points.
Redruth, using the pitch and the elements wisely, took control of the game, retaining possession despite a resolute Canterbury defence.
The constant pressure eventually sucked in the visitors for Alex Cant to score to the delight of a vocal crowd, Kevern adding the extras.
No.8 Bradley Howe crashed over the line from close range for the Cornishmen from a scrum with Kevern adding the conversion.
Canterbury rallied towards the end of the half and having won a penalty after a promising break from Tom Best, kicked to the corner.
From the resulting lineout a City catch allowed Dan Smart to put Kyan Braithwaite in from close range.
Ollie Best kicked a splendid conversion from out wide against the elements to narrow the gap to 21-14.
Canterbury came out for the second half confident of a repeat of last year’s performance but having withstood an early Redruth advance and turning over possession at a lineout, a knock-on allowed the home side to build again.
Despite determined defensive work, including a try-saving tackle from Ollie Best, Jack Hodge barrelled over from close range, allowing Kevern to convert.
Canterbury, though, continued to fight back and went close after the hour when a break from the backs saw Harry Sayers tackled short of the line.
Continued pressure and excellent handling in difficult conditions allowed Seb Clark to take an inside pass and crash over from 10 yards but the conversion attempt slipped wide.
It was, however, Redruth who had the last word with Kevern taking his personal tally to 16 points with close range a penalty goal from the final play. Canterbury: A.moss, K.thompson, JJ Murrray, T.best, H.sayers, O,best, D.smart, J.green, T.rogers, S.kenny, R.cadman, M.corker, J. Rigby, S.clark, M.cantwell, K.braithwaite, A.cooper, J.otto, A.wakeSmith, L.whetton
There were mixed fortunes for Canterbury sides when they met Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club last weekend.
The 3rds travelled to Deal 2nds and came away with a 39-3 win in their Premier East Clash.
Canterbury 5ths were on the receiving end of a 50-14 defeat at home to Deal 3rds in their Cinque East match.