Guernsey 41 Canterbury 23: National League 2 East match report

By Chris Fullbrook

With both sides unbeaten in National League 2 East so far this season, Canterbury knew they were facing a stern test as they travelled to Guernsey but it proved a trip beyond them in a 41-23 loss - despite a hat-trick of tries from wing Garry Jones.

The city side started stronger, going 8-0 up after five minutes through Jones’ first try and a Frank Reynolds penalty. The visitors should have gone further ahead, but squandered opportunities when camped on the Guernsey try line as the home side stood resolute.

A penalty kick from Ciaran McGann, after a Canterbury indiscretion, was followed by a quick break and slick hands from the Guernsey back line allowing McGann to ghost through the defence to score and convert his own try. From here on the hosts didn’t let go of their lead.

Jones did close the gap, scoring his and his team’s second try, leaving the half-time score at 17-13 with Reynolds’ normally trusty boot unable to add the extras.

Canterbury became responsible for their own demise as the penalty count increased giving the home side the platform to put the game to bed. Three unanswered tries, two scored by back-row Welch from catch-and-drive mauls and one from winger Smith, as well as a McGann conversion, took the Raiders’ lead out to 34-13.

The visitors, however, did not roll over and enjoyed a purple patch in the third quarter. Pressure from their pack gave the opportunity for Frank Morgan to put Jones in at the corner for his hat-trick and Reynolds’ conversion from out wide, as well as a further penalty, gave the visiting side a glimmer of hope.

However when a scoring chance was missed at a lineout two metres from the Guernsey line not only the win, but also the prospect of valuable bonus points, went begging.

To add insult to injury Guernsey had the last say with a try from full-back Roberts, converted by McGann, to earn his side a-deserved victory.

With this loss Canterbury relinquished their position at the top of the table and will be looking to bounce back this Saturday when they entertain one of the league’s newcomers, Havant.