Canterbury slipped to their fourth National 2 South defeat of the season with a 38-34 reverse at Taunton on Saturday.

They led 24-7 at half-time, scoring four tries but form and confidence dipped alarmingly in the second half as the Somerset side stormed back, Aiden Moss’ late try earning the City club a second bonus point, which proved little consolation.

Kwaku Asiedu, Martyn Beaumont, Charlie Harding and Royce Cadman eased Canterbury in front at half-time with Harding adding two conversions.

Two converted tries by home pair Tom Popham and San Skinner cut Canterbury lead to three points but Harding’s penalty put the visitors 27-21 ahead.

Man-of-the-match Paul Davis and replacement Ollie Claxton, both then went over, with the home side adding a penalty to go 38-27 in front with five minutes left.

The comeback stunned the city club but good build-up ended with Moss scoring underneath the posts, Harding’s conversion proving too little too late.