Rogers at the double send off in perfect
CANTERBURY’S director of rugby Andy Pratt hailed Tom Rogers for his superb performance as the hooker inspired a 5229 victory over Chinnor.
Rogers is hanging up his boots with the City Men after 11 years of service and dotted down twice in his final home appearance as the hosts crossed eight times at Merton Lane.
The result means Chinnor cannot catch Cinderford at the top of the National 2 South standings and will have to settle for a play-off place.
“We normally get a scalp down here but I would say it was one of most complete performances of the season,” Pratt said.
“It was an emotional day with Tom Rogers playing his final home game and we were quick out of the blocks and we showed some great skills and that was really pleasing.
“Tom got a couple which was fantastic to see – I don’t think we could’ve scripted it any better. He’s been a fantastic player for us down the years and he fully deserved a great home send off like that.”
It was Rogers who got the scoring underway for the hosts, sniping over from close range before Royce Cadman did the same eight minutes later as Canterbury sailed into a commanding 14-0 lead.
Things got even better for the City Men as Aaron Cooper crossed the whitewash to make it 19-0 before Chinnor got on the scoreboard in the 26th minute courtesy for Alex Bradley to haul Chinnor back into the contest.
Chinnor were finally clicking into gear and went over again thanks to Jack Gilding to bring the visitors back to within a score.
But Canterbury were determined to give Rogers
the perfect send-off as Aiden Moss and a second Rogers try extended the home side’s lead.
Moss managed to get on the scoreline once again five minutes into the second half for Canterbury’s sixth of the afternoon.
Daniel Barnes and Philip Chesters dotted down for the visitors to give them a bonus point but Ricky Mackintosh and Harry Sayers capped off the afternoon for Canterbury with fine scores.
Chinnor director of rugby Matt Williams claims his side were complacent heading into the contest but the loss can act as a wake-up call ahead of their National 2 South playoff in two weeks’ time.
He said: “We came up against a very determined Canterbury team on their last home game. They just played very well and we were very complacent unfortunately.
“They very simply did their analysis and they ran very direct and hard. This will act as a good wake-up call for the play-off match.
“We will need to play better in a couple of weeks and we know that.
“I think we’re disappointed about the match but the better team won and congratulations to them.”