Canterbury (black and amber) lost out at home to Westcombe Park. Picture: Chris Davey

Canterbury's five year stay in National Division 2 South came to an end after their 25-18 home defeat against Westcombe Park on Saturday.

For Westcombe Park this was also their last shot at survival and they edged home by taking their opportunities and enjoying a slice of luck which sealed the match.

With seven minutes left and Canterbury defending a five-point lead, city club skipper Chris Hinkins was sinbinned. That decision was punished with a try from ‘Combe’s Craig Chatley and Luke Giles’ conversion won back a two-point advantage.

Undaunted, the city club were on the attack again when Giles cleared downfield.

His speculative kick landed in no man’s land between Carlton Littlechild and Will Hilton then bounced straight into the arms of chasing wing Tom Hockedy who raced to the line unchallenged.

That was five minutes from the end and although it was a cruel twist of fate which Canterbury did not deserve, they could not recover from the blow.

With slope and breeze in their favour, Canterbury managed just one try in the opening 40 minutes, a superb effort from Mike Melford, and a Hilton penalty.

The second half started with a flurry of penalties, two by Giles and one from Hilton, putting ‘Combe 13-11 ahead.

Flanker Peter Kelly's 29th try of the campaign after 68 minutes and Hilton’s conversion lifted home spirits further but ‘Combe stepped up the pressure and the decision to sin bin Hinkins left Canterbury short handed and the city club were headed for the drop.