Canterbury returned to National 3 South action with a 39-27 win against Rugby Lions at Merton Lane on Saturday.

The home side, who had been without a league game since early December, exchanged penalties with Rugby Lions early on.

Centre Pat Sykes then powered through to score the game's opening try with Gert De Kock adding the extras.

Kieron Lewitt then scored from a drop goal before De Kock went over for a try of his own. He then added the extras as Canterbury opened up a 20-3 lead at half-time.

In the second half, Canterbury moved further ahead through tries from Ben Thomas and Sykes. De Kock's conversion made the score 32-3.

Rugby Lions then got back into the game with two well taken tries.

Mike Melford looked to have made the game safe with a try which was converted by De Kock, but the visitors hit back with another two tries to set up a nervy finish.