Canterbury scrum-half Jack Long releases the ball against Dings Crusaders Picture: David Stephenson www.avonsports.co.uk

Three tries capped an excellent team display as Canterbury beat Dings Crusaders 23-3 in National League Two South at Bristol on Saturday.

Ed Roche, Rob Kier and skipper Chris Hinkins were the scorers with the City club proving deserved winners on a quagmire of a pitch.

They led 13-3 at half-time, Roche diving over following two powerful bursts by flanker Peter Kelly, and then Michael Melford and Gert De Kock setting-up Keir, with Phil Gibson adding a penalty.

Fly half Gibson added a second after the interval, and Canterbury looked comfortable until the closing stages when Dings put them under the cosh.

Hinkins then added the third try, with Gibson converting as Canterbury claimed four points from their first win of 2010.

Head Coach Danny Vaughan said: "It was very difficult conditions, but we played extremely well."