Stortford show they are a class above

BISHOP Stortford’s pace and accuracy proved key as they kick started their pre-season campaign with victory at Canterbury.

Just one score in front after the opening 20 minutes, the National One side ran in another five tries to remind Canterbury of their status.

When the chances were created through sure handling and quick thinking they put them away and while the home side’s competitive instincts never deserted them their lack of accuracy and basic errors undermined their attack.

That said, Canterbury did hit back strongly in the final quarter of a match played in 20 minute blocks and frequent changes to accommodate expanded squads.

Stortford had to defend solidly in the early stages before their backs served notice by creating an overlap try for Charlie Parkhouse, whose try was converted by Dan Cole.

The lead didn’t last long as Will Waddington latched on to a shrewd kick from fly-half Frank Reynolds for a Canterbury touchdown, which Josh Reynolds converted.

Scrum-half Connor Lloyd sniped over to recapture the advantage for Stortford but in the next 40 minutes they took command.

Tries from Jake Morris, Parkhouse, Charlie Garwood and Luke Bury, plus three Cole conversions, put Stortford well clear and illustrated the home side’s overall dominance.

The final session, however, saw Canterbury roar back into the game thanks to a pack which dominated the scrums.

Their work rewarded with a pick up and strong finish from impressive No.8 Harry Andrews, who burrowed his way over the tryline.

Tom Best converted and on a pitch that was in top class condition in this hot, dry summer, they ended on high note when Best’s break set up a converted score for fellow centre Frankie Morgan.