Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Defeat a tale of missed opportunities for Canterbury
Canterbury were the better side for much of Saturday’s contest, but were left with just two Dwayne Corcoran tries and a losing bonus point from a 12-10 defeat to Henley in National 2 South, writes David Haigh.
Justice may have been done had they converted a lastminute penalty, but it proved too difficult.
In hindsight, the decision to turn down two earlier and easier shots at goal proved costly in a tight contest that was high on commitment but short on quality. Canterbury’s hunt for tries rather than points from the boot was misplaced and it was the Hawks, who got both their scores from driving mauls, who were better in that area.
However it was a penalty, the quick-tapped variety, that saw the city side into the lead after 14 minutes as it paved the way for Corcoran’s first touchdown.
Both teams were plagued by handling errors but it was the Henley forwards who eventually nudged them ahead. Canterbury conceded penalties, Hawks drove hard from the lineout and lock Ben Harrison claimed the try.
Cail Cookland’s conversion from the touchline was good but Canterbury survived further damage after Dave Irvine’s yellow card to end the half two points behind. The second 40 minutes was a tale of frustration as Canterbury were in control for long periods but when Hawks did find a foothold they made it count. Another organised driving maul was topped off by hooker Tom Emery’s try but the city side rebuilt and their pressure was at last rewarded through good work by the backs.
Kyan Braithwaite made space for Corcoran to dive over by the corner flag which left 10 minutes to find a winning score. Canterbury came close, but not close enough.
On Saturday Canterbury host Hinckley.
A depleted 13-man Canterbury 5ths side came away with a 39-15 Kent Rural East League away victory over Weavering 2nds despite injury and Covid problems. Clive Johnson (2), Pat Collins, Will Rayner, Johnnie Gaylor (2) and Freddie Vion got the tries. Canterbury: Braithwaite, Hilton, Morgan (Sterling), Best, Corcoran, Reynolds, B Cooper (Heads), A Cooper (Lusher), Young (Otto), Herriott, Cadman, Irvine, De Vries (Stephens), Waddington, Oliver.