Canterbury Rugby Club coach Matt Corker predicts maul battle will be key in National League 2 East derby at Tonbridge Juddians

Coach Matt Corker has identified where he thinks Canterbury Rugby Club’s eagerly-awaited derby at Tonbridge Juddians could be decided.

Little separates the two National League 2 East clubs ahead of the crunch clash this Saturday.

With seventh-placed Canterbury’s four-match winning streak ending at home to Henley last weekend, they are behind Tonbridge - albeit both sides have 35 points.

Canterbury, who will be backed by a healthy away contingent, were 45-19 winners when the teams met at Merton Lane in September.

Corker said: “We came out on the right side of this game at home.

“I think the maul battle will be really important.

“It’s been a real strength of ours - and they will be aware of that but they have improved in that area, as well. That’ll be a real battlefield!

Report: Canterbury 33-43 Henley

“We’re on level points but we’re one place behind them. In terms of a local derby, I cannot see [more riding] on it.

“Our focus is going to be getting back to what we’re capable of from the first minute and showing that to our supporters.”

Indeed, the derby at The Slade will be both clubs’ last competitive match of 2023 as they look to respond to losses.

Juddians were edged out 16-12 at Barnes at the weekend despite a try from hooker Will Holling and another by Sam Evans, who converted his own score.

Corker added: “Going into a two-week break, things can really change around.

“We have got the opportunity to go into Christmas on a high or feeling quite deflated.

“We’re four out of five wins now since the World Cup Final. Four in six doesn’t sound anywhere near as good!

“So, we’re super focused on finishing the year on a high and getting back to our very best rugby.”

Canterbury head into the clash after a 43-33 defeat to