Late Scores Win Point

OLD ALBANIAN 43 CANTERBURY 31

by David Haigh

The precision and pace of the National 2 East league leaders proved too much for a patched up Canterbury but their competitive qualities earned them late scores and a bonus point. It was the first time Albanians have conceded a bonus point this season, so that was a positive for an injury blighted city squad, but when it came to scoring chances the hosts were far more clinical. Canterbury started well, with a try from Number Eight Tyler Oliver after only two minutes, created from a blindside side move off an attacking lineout. The lead didn’t last long as Albanians clicked into gear and their speed and assured handling saw Alex Noot curve round the defence to leave Elliot McPhun a simple conversion. Before the first quarter was up they had plundered two more tries, through Dan Barnett and Noot again, but from that point the city side seized the momentum. Abanians poor discipline cost them penalties and a yellow card and they were punished by an Eoin O’Donoguev catch and drive try. Frank Reynolds added the goal to cut the deficit to five but in the final play of the half Canterbury gave away a soft try as Albanians wing Jonathan Ilori grabbed an interception and McPhun’s kick pushed his side into 24-12 advantage. The city defence was unpicked again at the start of the second half, with IIore crossing for his second touchdown but another tight driving maul by the city forwards ushered O’Donoghue over to keep them in touch. However, the game began to unravel for Canterbury as the lineout wobbled in good scoring positions and Noot collected his hat trick for the home side after Harvey Furneaux was shown a yellow card. Josh Skelcey took Albanians clear with a seventh try and two McPhun conversions sealed the result. What Canterbury may have lacked in some quarters, however, they redeemed with fighting qualities and skill in the closing minutes. O’Donoghue’s second catch and drive score earned them that valuable bonus point, Will Waddington touched down in the last play and Reynolds two conversions put a proper reflection on the scoreline.

Canterbury: P.Farrance, T.Barton, G.Jones, W.Waddington, H.Furneaux, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, C.McGovern,J.Stephens, J.Walker, R.Thomas, T.Oliver. Replacements: L.Young, T.Mackenzie, H.Kenny, J.Dengate, A.Geddes