Canterbury Triumphs in Hard-Fought Battle Against Gravesend 4ths

Zingari 34pts. Gravesend 4th 24pts.

The Zingari entered this contest as underdogs after losing out in an away match earlier in the season, and in the opening moments, it looked as if Gravesend was going to repeat their earlier success scoring in the opening minutes. Already five points down within the first four minutes after some sustained heavy forward pressure Canterbury took stock, and in what can only be described as a lesson in tackling put the heavy Gravesend pack on the back foot. This gave the city backs their opportunity to run the ball that paid off with a converted try, and again with ten minutes before half time spread the ball wide touching down in the corner for a 12-5 halftime lead.

The second half started this time with Canterbury coming out of the blocks securing an early try out wide extending their lead. Gravesend reply was again to use their forward power, but again the Zingari tackling was up to the task stopping the momentum often behind the gain line. Canterbury had the territorial advantage and with the game going into the last quarter broke free in midfield for a clear run under the posts for a converted try. The city side looked in control when they were struck with an injury reducing the side to fourteen with twenty minutes to go. Gravesend took full advantage throwing everything into attack securing a converted try. The Zingari held out until the last minute before the Gravesend forward managed to force their way over the line for a converted try, too late to alter the result but added a degree of respectability to the final score in this very hard-fought contest.