Canterbury run tha ball against Taunton on Saturday Picture: Phil Houghton

A late penalty denied Canterbury victory as visitors Taunton snatched an 18-17 win in National 2 South on Saturday.

Despite building on the significant improvements evident in recent performances the city side again tasted disappointment as the only score of the second half killed their hopes.

Canterbury won the try count by three to two and deserved more than a losing bonus point.

The visitors' 10-0 lead was wiped out in the space of five minutes. George Micans completed a catch and drive on the left and prop Jimmy Stanford was soon on the end of a similar move on the opposite flank. Nick Dangerfield's conversion from wide out took the city side into a 12-10 lead.

Taunton responded with a try but Canterbury centre Juan Del Val marked his home debut in style by charging down an attempted clearance kick to make the touchdown which brought his side a 17-15 half-time lead.

Taunton controlled possession for long periods in the second half, while Canterbury tended to give it away too easily.

Dangerfield missed a penalty shot and pressure brought Taunton their chance and as the clock ran down they protected their narrow lead efficiently.