Canterbury needed to display both patience and resilience before claiming Saturday’s narrow 22-16 victory over Lydney in National League 2 South.

Not until the second half did they discover their scoring touch when three tries proved enough to see off dogged West Country visitors.

Those tries, from wingmen Carton Littlechild (2) and Mike Melford, came as welcome relief after a bizarre first half in which Canterbury enjoyed 80 per cent of the territory, created at least four clear-cut chances, but found themselves 10 points down at the break.

Canterbury took the initiative and found a way to the Lydney try line. Pressure on the right saw Littlechild squeeze over with Ben Thomas converting from the touchline.

Wicks kicked Lydney’s second penalty but Canterbury’s enterprising play was rewarded with two tries in as many minutes. Debutant full-back Ollie Faulkner presented Melford with a try.

The next was scored by Littlechild, who finished in style, and when Thomas added the goal, Canterbury looked capable of running away with the game.
Disappointingly, the additional points came from the boots of Thomas and Tony Wicks with a penalty goal apiece.