Peter Kelly goes over for a Canterbury try against Richmond on Saturday

Canterbury paid the price for a dismal first-half performance as they slipped to a 35-14 defeat against Richmond at Merton Lane in National 2 South on Saturday.

The injury-hit City side were all over the place in the first 40 minutes, conceding four converted tries to trail 28-0.

There was more resolve from Canterbury in the second half and they were rewarded with two tries by flanker Peter Kelly, both converted by Tom Best. But Richmond's pack mauled their way over for a fifth try, again converted, to emphasise their superiority.