Canterbury set-up two huge games against the two sides battling them for promotion in National 2 South with a convincing 29-13 win at London Irish Amateur on Saturday.

Canterbury made it back-to-back wins on the road and eight in nine games overall, despite Irish, winners of three straight at home, taking the lead through a pair of Oscar Thomas penalties.

The hosts threatened to extend their advantage but a superb solo try from fly half Guy Hilton gave Canterbury a foothold and a second score followed from a lineout catch-and-drive after a ferocious driving maul, Brook Cowan getting the final touch and Tom Best kicking the conversion to make it 12-6 at the break.

With both sides depleted by men in the sin-bin, the Wild Geese took the lead three minutes after the interval with a bullish score from hooker Scott Tolmie, with Thomas’ conversion making it 13-12.

However Canterbury showed great character to impose themselves on the game, despite Cowan following Hilton off the field through injury.

Wing Kwaku Asiedu replied with a try, converted by Best, on 51 minutes, the club’s 100th try of the season, and the bonus point was secured by flanker Sam Rogers after a fine driving maul eight minutes from time.

Best’s conversion and a penalty kick gave the visitors a cushion until the close meaning with four games remaining, the city club are seven points behind leaders Hartpury College and two ahead of Ampthill, with both sides having an extra game to play.

On Saturday Hartpury visit Merton Lane while Andy Pratt’s side will travel to Ampthill the following week for a game which could determine which side seals the sole promotion play-off place.