Southend 47 Canterbury 12

A DEPLETED Canterbury squad suffered their heaviest defeat of the National League rugby season, 47-12 at Southend on Sunday.

With a team bus breakdown adding to the problems caused by illness and injury, Canterbury at least brought huge spirit and determination to their second half performance and were unlucky not to score more than Rowan O'Gorman's solitary try.

Southend full-back Andy Frost, who also kicked six conversions, scored the first of his two tries after eight minutes. He was followed by centres Faapolou Soolefai (2) and Simon Green.

Canterbury got one back when James Reilly latched on to Wessel Wolmarans' high kick and converted the touchdown, but Reilly departed with suspected concussion after a high tackle which earned Green 10 minutes in the sin bin.

In the second half hooker Isaac Cook claimed his side's sixth try, before O'Gorman scored after seizing on a loose ball at a line out. A late try from home wing Simon Hoult completed the scoring.

There was a fine contribution from emergency scrum-half Eoin Stewart, who had not previously played any rugby this season, while back rowers O'Gorman and Rob Hussey worked tirelessly.

* SEE THE KENTISH GAZETTE ON THURSDAY FOR THE FULL REPORT.