Canterbury were driven to their first victory of the league season by a mighty pack which produced two vital tries in the last quarter of this clash of the Kent clubs.

Elthamians, who had opened up a nine point lead, were undone by the power and  expertise of the city club’s rolling mauls which proved unstoppable at close range and helped suck the life from the big men trying to halt them.

The visitors experienced but injured County lock Ali Vanner, who watched from the sidelines, expressed his admiration. “Those Canterbury mauls were the tightest and best organised I have seen for a long time.” he said.

Elthamians were given a taste of what was to come earlier in the match but, despite a sin binning for flanker Harry Ledger, defended well in an inconclusive first half.   Penalty goals became the order of the day, two from Guy Hilton and one for visiting fly half Paul Humphries who let the city club of the hook by missing three other shots,.

Canterbury, having dominated the first half hour, failed to make the most of their opportunities and then had to put in a solid defensive shift to hold on to their three point lead as OEs made and missed their own chances.

The second half and the try scoring became a tale of two yellow cards.  The first was handed to city prop Ruairi McLeod for a scrum offence as OEs stoked up pressure following a penetrating run from skipper Johnny Williams.

They made full use of their advantage with two tries which threatened to swing the game permanently in their direction.  Number Eight Lee Nelmes claimed the first immediately after McLeod’s departure and when Canterbury lost a ball in contact they pounced again. OEs back division handled smartly to create space for Dave Bonner to score and Humphries to redeem himself with an excellent conversion.

With McLeod back and the game entering the final 20 minutes it was now the visitors turn to go a man down and to pay heavily. Williams was sin binned for a deliberate knock on and the penalty gave Canterbury the attacking lineout they needed. Tom Sherson completed a clinical catch and drive and the score re-energised a city side which put its foot on the accelerator.

A fine run by debutant centre Mason Rosvall was stopped just short but Canterbury came again. They were given the chance to set up another mighty maul and the outcome was inevitable.  Sam Rogers made the touchdown, Hilton converted and the lead was reclaimed.

There was no holding a dominant home side as Hilton landed a third penalty goal and in the closing minutes scrum half Dan Smart pulled of an audacious interception to seal the deal.  Hilton topped up the try to complete a late but impressive revival.

Canterbury: O.Best, A.Moss, M.Rosvall, A.Veale, C.Wallace-Sims, G.Hilton, D.Smart, R.McLeod, N.Wakefield (repl S.Kenny), A.Wake-Smith, R.Cadman, T.Burns (repl B.Massey), S.Rogers (repl F.Tonry-Brown), T.Sherson, G.Micans