Old Reds with no answer on tough outing

A WELL-DRILLED Canterbury side took a deserved win, outscoring the hosts six tries to three.

The visitors controlled possession well throughout and opened the scoring after seven minutes, livewire scrum-half Dan Smart supporting well after a turnover.

Midway through the half they increased their lead when fly-half Harvey Young intercepted, converting his own score.

Reds were struggling to keep possession and Canterbury pressure told; Tristan King rolling over for their third, Young adding the extras.

The hosts eventually strung some phases together and wing Ezra Caven forced his way over, Groves converting. The half ended with Young landing a simple penalty for a 22-7 lead.

Canterbury started the second period in control and a neat offload let Charlie Grimes dart over. A lineout turnover and swift hands created the next for Ollie Best and with Young’s good conversions Canterbury were well ahead.

Reds responded on the hour, Chris Pursall driven over under the posts after sustained pressure, Kieran Hill drop-kicking the extras. Just as they thought they had a sniff Canterbury put the game beyond doubt, Sam Goatley stretching over after a wellplaced kick with ten to go.

The old boys kept going and were rewarded with a Henry Bird converted try but it was too little too late.