Best on the mark from tee to edge a thriller

THOMAS Best kicked 18 points as Canterbury edged a thrilling home contest with Barnstaple.

Best’s accurate boot saw Canterbury open up a sixpoint lead early on before Barnstaple flanker Nathaniel Bayet scored the first try of the match – which full-back Isaac Hydleman converted.

Two more Best penalties kept Canterbury marginally ahead as Barnstaple paid for their ill-discipline, and it got worse for the away side shortly after as hooker James Starkey was sinbinned for foul play.

Despite that, Hydleman slotted over his second penalty of the match on the brink of half-time to give the visitors a one-point lead at the break.

Canterbury made a bright start to the second period as flanker Hugh McCormick-Huston scored their first try, but a resilient Barnstaple hit back through No.8 Ben Hilton.

However, the hosts’ attacking game proved to be too strong as lock Thomas Burns, centre William Farris and winger Guy Hilton all crossed in quick succession.

But hopes of a comfortable last ten minutes were dashed when Frederick Edwards and Logan Woodbridge both saw yellow – leaving Canterbury with 13 men.

Ben Hilton scored his second try with four minutes to go, before centre Ryan Carter set nerves jangling with a last-gasp try – although the hosts ultimately hung on.