Canterbury brought the league season to a satisfactory close a bonus point 29-24 victory over Lydney which cemented a fifth place finish in National 3 South, ten points clear of their nearest challengers.

At one stage an injury hit and reshuffled city club side, which saw back row man Cris Blom playing at centre, appeared to be on course for an easy win as they led 29-12

Lydney, freed from relegation worries by a victory the previous week, then staged a late rally which was rewarded with two tries as they cut the margin to a single score.

Nevertheless, Canterbury were good value for their success at a ground where it is never easy to win. It was a fitting send off for two players making their last appearances, wing Andy Pratt and flanker Michael Coman

Pratt, who is retiring, did not manage to get on the score sheet but Coman signed off with one of his side’s four tries before his return to New Zealand and the Canterbury Crusaders Academy.

He was joined by Blom, relishing his unfamiliar role, who crossed the line twice while scrum half Jack Long got the other. Three conversions and a penalty goal from Gert De Kock (pictured above) piled the pressure on a Lydney outfit which could only muster a couple of tries, one converted, in reply,

As the city club started to eye a comfortable run-in Lydney stirred themselves to find those two late scores and claim a couple of bonus points as consolation.