Canterbury’s National 2 South promotion chances were dealt a blow as they slipped to an 18-6 defeat at a saturated Launceston on Saturday.

The city club’s lengthy winless run on the road in Cornwall continued to bring a halt to a three-game unbeaten run which had taken them up to second.

The ground staff did well to get the game on but the hosts adapted better to the conditions and built a sizeable half-time lead which they defended well in the second half, preventing Canterbury from scoring a try for the first time this season.

Launceston weathered a bright start from the visitors and opened the scoring with a try from prop Tim Mathias after eight minutes.

Former Canterbury full-back Kieron Lewitt missed the conversion for the hosts but his accuracy later in the half gave the All Blacks the cushion they needed.

Tom Best pulled back a penalty goal for Andy Pratt's side just before the half-hour but fumbles and costly turnovers stifled his side’s momentum and the hosts swarmed forward with centre Ryan Westren driving over for a try, with Lewitt converting for a 12-3 lead.

Lewitt also notched two simple penalties before half-time, while Ben Massey was sin-binned for the city club, who trailed 18-3 at the break.

The visitors did pile forward after the break and dominated much of the final 40 minutes, however staunch defence from Cornishmen restricted Canterbury to a Best penalty, while two other opportunities were turned down in favour of pushing for tries which never came.

The city club are third, three points behind Cambridge and 12 adrift of leaders Hartpury.