Canterbury RFC retained their grip on the lone promotion play-off place in National 2 South with a win over Shelford.

An early Canterbury lead was wiped-out by a penalty and a Shelford try, to give the visitors an 8-5 lead, and although the hosts struck back with a try, a below-par half finished with Shelford restoring their lead with a second score for a 13-10 advantage at the turnaround.

Canterbury had the first say in an improved second half with a converted try, and secured a bonus point with a fourth try to make it 22-13.

There was still time for Shelford to close the gap with a converted try of their own, and a city club penalty to ease the nerves at Merton Lane, as Canterbury recorded their sixth-straight win and ninth in 10 games.

The status quo at the top of the table was preserved as Canterbury remain second, seven points behind leaders Hartpury and seven ahead of third-placed Ampthill, who retain a game in hand.