Canterbury 31 Rochford Hundred 12: National League 2 East match report

By David Haigh

Canterbury ended a four-game losing streak with a bonus-point win over Rochford Hundred in National League 2 East.

Two tries in the final 10 minutes sealed victory after the visitors had cut a 17-point lead to just five - leaving head coach Matt Corker relieved for his players after what has been a tough few weeks.

Corker said: "I am really pleased for the players after a difficult period.

"Our composure and the way we played territory in the second half was excellent."

Too often the closing stages have been the city side's downfall, but this time they had the game and the power to pass the test with scores from Ben Cooper and Alex Evans.

They knew they had work to do after a largely dominant - but patchy - first half was marred by errors and ended with a modest 10-point lead.

Frank Reynolds, who made an important contribution with a flawless display from the tee, converting all four tries, put the first points on the board with a penalty goal, but it was not until the 28th minute that Canterbury could top it up.

The visitors' defence for once went missing and Tyler Oliver scored under the posts.

Rochford, however, could be quietly pleased as they had the breeze and the slope in their favour after the break. They made an early impact but a try-saving tackle by Will Calder and a great turnover from Frankie Morgan rescued Canterbury and from that point they took control of the third quarter.

Rochford leaked penalties and when Reynolds kicked his side into the corner the pack did the rest with a driving maul and touchdown from prop Elliot Lusher.

All seemed well in the Canterbury camp until the Rochford backs, quiet for much of the day, sprung to life and produced two tries in the space four minutes.

Centre