Comeback proves to be false dawn

Canterbury Pilgrims went down 47-26 at Shelford 2nds despite a fightback in their Zoo Shield game after falling 25 points behind.

Two tries from scrum half Kyan Braithwaite, another by Matt Barnes, plus a couple of Euan Caborn conversions, cut the deficit to 11 points before Shelford snuffed out the revival and went on to win comfortably.

Pilgrims paid dearly for missed scoring chances and defensive errors in the first half and were 18-0 down at half-time and the home side grabbed another try soon after the resumption.

A great solo run by Braithwaite produced Canterbury’s first try and after a long break for a home injury, the scrum half struck again with his second touchdown.

A quick penalty caught Canterbury napping and cost them another try but a fine run from Chris Richardson then set up Barnes and left Caborn an easy conversion.

At 30-19 it was still game on but Shelford took advantage of a dropped ball and went on to add another three scores.

An injury-stricken Canterbury did manage a last-minute consolation score from Barnes which was converted by Caborn.

Canterbury 3rds ran in 10 tries in their 62- 0 Invicta 2 League win over Weavering but there was little between the sides until midway through the first half when Canterbury’s first try opened the floodgates.

Ollie Jaynes and Andre Allen scored a hat-trick each with Ben Waite, Nick Creaser, Brad Allchurch and Alex Feaver also on target while Scott Payne added six conversions.

There were plenty of new faces in the Canterbury 4ths side but they proved capable and willing despite slipping to a 17-12 Dragon Fire East League defeat at Sheppey 2nds.

Sheppey’s crash ball tactics brought them three first-half tries but a charged-down kick by Tom Lade earned the city side a converted try to narrow the gap to 10 points.

The second half saw Canterbury applying pressure but finding it difficult to break down Sheppey until back rowers Rogers and Evans made the initial surge and some clever handling gave Tom Blackman the try to ensure a losing bonus point.

The withdrawal of Hastings & Bexhill from a league fixture saw Thanet 3rds travel to Merton Lane for a friendly against Canterbury 5ths.

Using the pace of their backs to counter Thanet’s forward orientated game, Canterbury led 24-7 at halftime before running out 43- 14 winners.

Thanet threatened a fightback but with centre Fin Hunt a leading light, Canterbury restored their supremacy.

Picture: Phillipa Hilton Tom Best goes over for one of Canterbury’s second-half scores at Clifton