Canterbury lost on home soil to Southend on Saturday in the National League 2 South.

The 29-44 defeat extended the side’s winless run in the league to four matches.

Hopes were high of a return to winning ways against Southend, especially as they held a seven point lead by the break.

In the opening 16 minutes the lead changed hands four times and 31 points were scored.

Southend scored the first try of the match, which was converted, but Canterbury quickly replied as Pat Sykes scored from an attacking scrum and Phil Gibson converted.

Gibson added a penalty goal but Southend responded with another converted try to put themselves back infront at 14-10.

Carlton Littlechild then grounded for the hosts and Gibson’s conversion put Canterbury back ahead at 17-14.

A Southend penalty levelled it back up but at the other end Cristoff Blom added his name on the scoresheet and Gibson again kicked the extras.

With a 24-17 lead at the break Canterbury were in the driving seat but after conceding two soft tries, inbetween a Matt Pinnick score, they were again behind and Southend romped home to take the points.