Canterbury Rugby Club head coach Matt Corker hails 29-25 National League 2 East win against Bury St Edmunds as one of his favourites of the season

Matt Corker described Canterbury Rugby Club’s narrow win over Bury St Edmunds as one of his favourites of the season.

They responded from defeat last time out two weeks earlier with a 29-25 victory in National League 2 East at Merton Lane in windy conditions.

Club head coach Corker reflected: “It was one of my favourite wins of the season - and we have had some good ones.

“With the conditions and the wind, I think that really affected how you were able to
play. It was a test of character.

“For us to come through that character test against a really strong team, who were on a resurgence, as well, [was great].

“Bury have had a tough run but I would say they were nearly back to full-strength.

“For them to be sitting above us, having barely won since January, that shows how the beginning of the season went for them.

“Our execution was good. There were some really big moments that we won where we came away with scores.

“That’s what turned the game in our favour.”

While the visitors edged the try count 5-4, despite two-try centre Will Waddington, prop Eliot Lusher and winger Alfie Orris dotting down, fly-half Frank Reynolds - the division’s
leading points scorer - teed up victory with three conversions and a penalty.

“One of the big differences between the two teams was his kicking,” said Corker, who saw Reynolds’ counterpart Ben Penfold miss the target every time.

“I think it shows where Frank is that he missed one in some really strong winds and was frustrated with that.

“But it was a really good performance from Frank - on the ball and with the boot.

“Teams I have played in, we have got promoted through having good kickers.

“I think Frank is really turning into that sort of dependable kicker that we need.”

Seventh-placed