CANTERBURY Rugby Club have been given a free passage into the second round of the Shepherd Neame Kent Cup after opponents Tonbridge Juddians conceded this Sunday’s scheduled tie.

Meanwhile, a second trip to the West Country in three weeks presented no problems for Canterbury as they swept aside Cinderford 35-17 in the Forest of Dean on Saturday.

The dominance of the forwards allowed speedy backs to run riot on a pitch that was like a glue pot, and present Canterbury with their fourth successive win in rugby’s National League 3.

Cinderford made early use of the wind to dominate and Canterbury's only serious mistake enabled the home side to take the lead after seven minutes when the speedy Lloyd Stapleton crossed wide out and full-back Eric Maroni converted.

From that point the game swung Canterbury's way. Hooker Matt Ford, enjoying a brilliant afternoon, was driven over in the corner and Dave Dorton converted with an excellent kick into the wind.

Cinderford soon responded worked a three-man overlap which allowed Isaiah Young to score an unconverted try but just before half time a home clearance kick landed in the arms of full-back Gert De Kock who jinked through for a try and Dorton's conversion took Canterbury into an interval lead.

More excellent handling set up Mike Melford and further scores came from Pat Sykes and Wessel Wolmarans, with Dorton converting all of them.

Only a bit of late charity from Canterbury allowed Maroni to grab a touchdown for the deflated home team.