Zingari battle bravely but Anchorians prevail

Canterbury 21pts. Gillingham Anchorians 2nd 36pts.

A much-depleted Zingari side took on this top of the table Gillingham Anchorians, who in the true spirit of the game agreed to match the numbers to play this fixture. The game started in a predictable manner with many Canterbury players struggling in their unfamiliar positions. Gillingham took full advantage breaking the Zingari defence in the twelfth minute for a converted try followed ten minutes later by another converted try. The Zingari were a little unlucky towards the end of the first half with a fumbled ball near their own line allowed Gillingham to touch down in the corner to give them a healthy nineteen-point lead going in to the second half.

Canterbury undaunted with the score line went onto the attack early breaking Anchorians defensive line to go under the posts for a converted try to break their duck. The city side upped their work rate with some impressive tackling, and soon had Gillingham on the back foot, and with the pack splintering Anchorians defence put the back line away for their second converted try. Gilliam replied with a well taken try on the outside, but the city forwards had the bit between their teeth and soon dominated the loose for their third converted try of the afternoon. All seemed to be going well with now only three points between the sides but they ran out of steam when fresh legs came on for the last ten minutes. The Zingari did well but could not hold the onslaught as Gillingham added a two more try’s, and a conversion to close out this well-contested game by both sides.