Canterbury battled their way to a 21-17 win at Staines on Saturday which puts them within touching distance of the league title.

A win at Luton on Saturday will see the city club crowned champions of National 3 London & South East and see them overturn last season's relegation at the first attempt.

Saturday's performance, however, was a long way short of championship form as Canterbury were nothing like the confident outfit that has dominated the league tShis season.

Martyn Beaumont (pictured) got the opening points from a penalty before Nicky Woodbridge's try and Beaumont penalties saw Canterbury go into an 11-point lead which then cut to four just before half-time.

Beaumont went over for a converted try during the opening exchanges of the second half and those points became precious as the Staines pack began to dominate and their pressure paid off with a converted try.

Beaumont's third penalty bought Canterbury a little more space as the demands on the city defence became relentless.

Staines, though, were restricted to a penalty which brought them within one score of victory but Canterbury held on to win.