Black and ambers putting final touches to plans for new season

Canterbury RFC will complete their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they entertain National Division 3 side Old Elthamians.

The game promises to be a testing encounter for Canterbury as Elthamians have gone on a recruiting spree this summer and will have several former Blackheath players in their ranks, all of whom have played at National Division 1 level.

After an encouraging performance at Blackheath last week, Canterbury will be looking to put on a convincing show for home supporters on the team’s first appearance at Merton Lane.

Injuries and holiday commitments means senior players like Chris Hinkins and George Micans are unavailable while Peter Kelly and Sam Rogers are unlikely to be fit.

The club is marking this first home game with a barbecue and music in the evening.

Canterbury Pilgrims battled to overcome a spirited Medway side 28-22 in the first round of the Kent Cup under floodlights at Medway on Tuesday.

The hosts opened the scoring but tries from Owain Fussell, Jack Long and Richard Corr, all converted by Tom Best, allowed the city side to open a comfortable gap.

However, a heavy penalty count and a lively home back division pushed Canterbury onto the defensive and tries either side of the break, one converted, cut the lead to just two points.

Corr’s second try, after he broke through a line out and Best’s subsequent conversion, brought relief but Canterbury had to survive late pressure and a Medway penalty goal.