Pilgrims Lose Relegation Play-Off

CANTERBURY PILGRIMS 20 DARTFORDIANS 22

This Regional 2 relegation play-off game proved just a step too far for Pilgrims. After the narrow defeat they will be playing their rugby in Counties One Kent next season. Canterbury fought back from conceding an early converted try and by half time had squeezed into the lead through a Will Hilton penalty goal and his conversion of Fraser Doig’s try a minute before the break. A powerful finish by flanker Mo Pangarker, who brushed off two tacklers, gave Pilgrims an ideal try-scoring start to the second half, although Hilton missed the conversion. The game then took another twist as injuries to front row men Sam Rogers and Carter Oliver meant uncontested scrums. Dartfordians, however, began to make inroads and as the match went into its final quarter they had retaken the lead. The backs produced the first of two tries and, as Pilgrims conceded penalties, a catch and drive brought another. A yellow card for Pangarker put Canterbury under more pressure and when they were stripped of possession Dartfordians turned it into their fourth touchdown. With all the conversions failing, Pilgrims were still in the contest and the chance to level the scores came when centre Garry Jones surged over for their third try. But Hilton’s conversion kick was wide and Canterbury fell through the trap door..