Frank Reynolds has again earned praise from Canterbury coach Matt Corker.

Canterbury were edged out at home to second-placed Barnes 29-20 on Saturday, fly-half Reynolds scoring two penalties and two conversions.

It was another valuable contribution by the influential Reynolds - despite a second straight defeat.

“He’s really delivering in terms of points,” said Corker.

“We have changed our focus slightly this season.

“We are a bit more comfortable taking the three-point option and that’s keeping us in touch.

“But, when the chance comes to get seven, it’s important to take them, as well. But Frank is kicking really well.

“He delivered some excellent conversions.”

Reynolds’ conversions came from tries by scrum-half Ben Cooper and winger Frank Morgan.

Canterbury led approaching the final quarter, only for the high-fliers to turn it around late on.

Corker reflected: “I think the story of the game for us wasn’t converting our line-breaks. We were unable to build pressure.

“The other story is that they have got a very strong maul and we gave them too many opportunities to kick to the corner.

“But there were some really good defensive sets, as well. The referees have come back with a new focus on tackles - but we only had one high tackle in the whole game on Saturday.

“That was really good. But actually for us to come out on the right side of these games, we need to convert these line-breaks.

“The boys are pretty much there.

“We just need to work on the execution.”

The game saw back-rower Jesse De Vries return after playing for The Netherlands.

Corker noted: “Jesse had a really good game. You could see the experience of being with The Netherlands has paid off.

“It was great to see him with the ball in hand and with some line-out steals. That made a big difference.”

The seventh-placed city club are set to play a derby at Westcombe Park this Saturday (kick-off 2pm) as they aim to do the double over them - having earned a 25-19 win against Park at Merton Lane in November - and get back on track.

“They’re big days for both clubs,” said Corker.

“We were really proud of our result against Tonbridge Juddians (a 28-24 away victory) before Christmas. But Westcombe Park have put in some really good performances.

“It’s going to take a really big effort from the whole squad.”

With Canterbury Pilgrims continuing to impress, back-rower Tom MacKenzie and Will Hilton have been given first-team chances, Hilton sidelined earlier this campaign due to back issues.

Corker said: “The squad depth has been really tested. Tom MacKenzie joined us from Folkestone in the summer and has had a good spell of coming off the bench. Will Hilton is back, as well.

“We know it’s going to be tough - and that’s why the Pilgrims are so good for us as a club.”