Home   Canterbury   Sport   Article

Canterbury 46 Rochford Hundred 17: National League 2 South match report

By David Haigh

After a bleak start to the new year with back-to-back defeats, Canterbury made a resounding statement with a seven-try, 46-17 win over Rochford Hundred in National League 2 South.

Covid restrictions robbed them of some familiar names, but the city side brushed aside any doubts with their positive approach and attacking verve.

Canterbury's Will McColl shows strength against Rochford Hundred. Picture: Phillipa Hilton
Canterbury's Will McColl shows strength against Rochford Hundred. Picture: Phillipa Hilton

Kyan Braithwaite and Chris Dudman traded early penalty goals before the city backs gave a taster of things to come.

First they worked a try for Aiden Moss before Rochford, relying on their forward strengths, replied through Harry Hudson's close range, converted score.

Dwayne Corcoran nudged Canterbury back into the lead with an outstanding individual effort from deep in his own half, but yellow cards for Tyler Oliver and Royce Cadman in quick succession gave Rochford a chance they did not miss as No.8 Maciu Nagobi drove over and Dudman converted.

Canterbury's Tom Best in possession against Rochford Hundred. Picture: Phillipa Hilton
Canterbury's Tom Best in possession against Rochford Hundred. Picture: Phillipa Hilton

Down to 13 players, Canterbury might have opted for survival but their mindset was different and Sam Sterling hit a line-breaking angle for a try under the posts, leaving Braithwaite to kick the second of his four conversions.

With only five points in it at the break, memories of a close game at Rochford earlier in the season were in order - but this was a different city side.

It took them almost 20 minutes of pressure in the second half to unlock the visitors, but when they did there was no holding them.

Canterbury ran in seven tries against Rochford Hundred, Dwayne Corcoran among the scorers. Picture: Phillipa Hilton
Canterbury ran in seven tries against Rochford Hundred, Dwayne Corcoran among the scorers. Picture: Phillipa Hilton

With Tom Best releasing his backs at every opportunity Rochdord wilted. The fly-half's cross-kick gave Corcoran a second try, and with Rochford's Sam Fombo in the sin-bin the floodgates opened.

Moss, cruising into space, Tyler Oliver, from a driving maul which rewarded a depleted pack's great afternoon's work, and Best, completing a break on the right flank, rounded off a convincing and motivated display.

Canterbury visit Dings Crusaders on Saturday.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More