Canterbury break clear against Bishop's Stortford Picture: Chris Davey

Canterbury made a positive start to life in National League 3 London & South East, scoring eight tries in a 50-8 win over Bishop's Stortford at Merton Lane on Saturday.

Two tries came in the first 16 minutes, from new captain Mike Melford and flanker George Micans. It wasn't until just before half-time that Canterbury scored again, a drive try from prop forward Matt Pinnick. A Bishop's Stortford penalty goal pegged back Canterbury to a 15-3 lead at half-time.

Further tries followed after the break, from Melford, debutant Martyn Beaumont and wing Ricky Mackintosh, before Bishop's Stortford scored a consolation try from their No.8.

Canterbury pressure led to a penalty try after an infringement by the visitors at the scrum, and the final try came when Beaumont intercepted a pass to sprint 70 metres for the final touchdown.

Tom Best converted all five of Canterbury's second-half tries to bring up the 50 points.