Canterbury leave it late

CANTERBURY U21s 34 TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS U21s 24

These East and West Kent rivals served up some lively floodlit Christmas fare as they shared nine tries in the last game of the old year at Merton Lane. The decisive try was scored and converted by Canterbury’s Olly Ashley-Jones three minutes from the end of a match in which forward power played a major role. The Canterbury pack dominated the first thirty minutes and was the keystone in building a 22-point lead. When squad changes came from the replacements bench it was TJs turn to take control of the scrums and reduce the deficit to just three points. It set up an intriguing final session with Canterbury nudging further ahead through a penalty goal before TJs fourth try left everything in the balance with only one point between the sides. Then came the late burst from Canterbury to seal a competitive and entertaining encounter.