Canterbury in action against Clifton on Saturday

Flanker Peter Kelly scored a hat-trick as Canterbury ran in six tries coming from behind to beat Clifton 42-32 in their first National League 2 South game of the season at Merton Lane on Saturday.

Fly-half Tom Best had an excellent afternoon with the boot,with a 100 per cent conversion rate, but the result was in the balance until the closing stages, when teenage full back Will Alkin’s impressive individual effort clinched victory, and a bonus point in the process.

Steve Goode and winger Matt Sheen, following a 70 metre run, added the others,with newcomer Wim Barrs prominent in a powerful back row performance as Canterbury held on for an impressive opening day victory.