Canons dig deep to keep title charge on track

With 5 games to go this season, the Canons knew that victory was the only option against a tough Bromley side to ensure that the Counties 4 title comes to the MTG in April.

The game did not start as intended with Bromley quickly scoring from the kickoff with a missed tackle on the wing allowing the fullback space to chip and chase and gather the ball and score under the posts.

The Canons responded however, winning a penalty in front of the post and choosing to take the points – the message before the game being to keep the scoreboard ticking over. This was quickly followed by a try from Captain Ben Jones, who battled over from short range. A second penalty preceded a second score from Will Rayner after some good footwork on the wing before Bromley responded with their own try just before the halftime whistle. At the break, the Canons lead 20 points to 15.

Bromley carried that momentum into the second half, playing with intent and putting pressure on the Canons’ defence. Canterbury‘s discipline started to slip which resulted in a number of penalties for Bromley allowing them to kick deep into the Canons half. Eventually, they made the most of the pressure and scored a converted try to take the lead.

However, it was in the last 15 minutes that the Canons switched back on and showed why they have been so dominant in this league. Good interplay created gaps in the Bromley defence, allowing Josh Lamb to break through and score under the posts. This was followed by a Harry Jackson try who, playing with intent, collected the ball outwide to charge over for a try.
From the kickoff the Canons won back the ball deep in their half and moved it through the hands to allow Lamb to break down the wing to get close before Vaughan Rothery dived over from close range.

With Bromley heads down, the final try of the afternoon was the pick of the bunch. Strong carries got the Canons back into the Bromley half, which allowed Will Rayner to play a beautiful grubber in behind the defence which was collected by Lamb to grab his second of the afternoon. Job done.

With 2 tough away games to come against Cliffe and 2nd place Old Williamsonians (the prior beating the latter this weekend!), the Canons know that their fate is in their hands for the run into the end of the season.