CANTERBURY Rugby Club have been given a difficult draw in the third round of the EDF Energy National Trophy.

The National League 3 South newcomers will be at home to Wharfedale, of National 2, on Saturday, December 9.

Wharfedale are based just north of Skipton, in Yorkshire, and lie just below half way in their division, with four wins from 11 matches.

Canterbury reached round three after a flawless display of goal kicking from full back David Dorton, plus two first half tries, saw Canterbury record a 26-16 home win over St Ives on Saturday.

Dorton, one of three teenagers in a city side showing nine changes from the previous week's line-up, accounted for 16 points with four penalty goals and two conversions.

The city club piled up a 23-6 lead by half time. There were tries for centre Pat Sykes and wing Carlton Littlechild while Dorton converted three penalty chances, including one from half way.

St Ives, who were unfortunate to lose skipper Ian Boase with a back injury, kept in touch through two penalty goals by full back Grant Thirlby.

With two Canterbury players sin-binned after half time, the visitors worked an overlap try for Aaron Baigent before Sam Snee rounded off a strong thrust with another score.

Canterbury were relieved to see Thirlby's conversion attempt go wide.

Once restored to full strength Canterbury were able to go on the attack but it was left to Dorton to put them 10 points in front with his sixth successful kick after St Ives hooker Rob Wills was yellow carded for a late tackle.

The competition’s final is at Twickenham in April.

* For full report and rugby round-up see this week's Kentish Gazette.