Canterbury score just before half-time against Worthing Picture: Paul Dennis

Canterbury were beaten 38-20 in National 2 South by visitors Worthing on Saturday, who coped better with the strong wind at Merton Lane.

Whilst Canterbury touched down wide out, handing kicker Tom Best only difficult chances to add the extras, Worthing were able to score much closer to the posts.

Flanker Peter Kelly scored a hat-trick of tries for Canterbury but Worthing held the advantage after a strong start and emerged as comfortable winners.

Despite a score from Kelly, Canterbury found themselves 17 points down after only 25 minutes before a try by Andy Pratt and a second from Kelly saw the home side come back to within one score of Worthing.

After the restart Kelly touched down again for his hat-trick, but the elements conspired against Canterbury and Worthing were able to surge ahead with another try and further points from the reliable boot of Matt McClean.