Canterbury’s promotion push in National 2 South suffered a blow with a 21-17 defeat at Redruth on Saturday, their first defeat in seven games.

Their last defeat also came in Cornwall, at Launceston on January 4, and the city club remain winless in the Duchy.

While Canterbury have ground out victories despite not being at their best in recent weeks, they were finally found out, despite a late rally, surrendering possession too often and being punished by the hosts.

A penalty from Murray Westren within two minutes put the Cornishmen ahead and after Tom Best produced a try-saving tackle to keep the hosts out, Westren slotted another kick for a 6-0 advantage on 12 minutes.

A knock-on gave Redruth the chance to build an attack, with Michael Allen eventually barging over for a try, though Westren struck the post with the conversion.

Guy Hilton reduced the deficit to 11-3 with a penalty, but the hosts added a crucial unconverted score before the break when a Rhodri McAttee cross-field kick bounced to Luke Jones, who sent Westren away to score.

The 16-3 lead then became 21-3 when wing Jones squeezed in for a try after a Redruth catch-and-drive was stopped short.

The city club missed the chance to reply with a trademark catch-and-drive after a knock-on, but with time running out Aiden Moss sent Kwaku Asiedu clean through, with Reuben Meares converting.

With some momentum and possession Canterbury kicked a penalty to the corner and did manage to drive the lineout ball to the line, eventually being awarded a penalty try, which Meares converted.

The gap was down to four points but there was no time for play to restart as Canterbury’s cushion in second-place, the sole promotion play-off place, was cut to three points by Ampthill, who do have a game in hand, while leaders Hartpury are now 11 points clear at the top.