By Andy Rogers

Once again Canterbury showed plenty of endeavour but only after the initiative had been lost as they suffered a 31-17 National League 2 East defeat at Bury St Edmunds.

Injury and illness shaped team selection, with four players making their first start of season, but the outcome was all too familiar.

As in the previous week against Barnes, Canterbury shipped their first try within two minutes when Mick Stanway waltzed his way through a gaping hole in the defence.

In trying to gain a foothold in the game the city side repeatedly failed to kick effectively, inviting Bury's talented back three to run the ball wide, and a 13th-minute try from No.8 Ruaraidh Williams stretched the home side's lead to 14 points.

Guilty of far too many unforced errors and poor tactical kicking, Canterbury did strike on 20 minutes when No.8 Tyler Oliver scored a pushover try, but while the hard work was there the precision needed was not.

A further Bury try from Matt Bursey, converted by Kodie Hawkins, saw them go in at the break 21-5 to the good and second-half scores from Ben Cooper, from a catch-and-drive, and full-back Will Affleck, after an interception and 60m sprint, tightened their grip just as Canterbury were building some attacking momentum.

With the game now beyond them the city side went on to grab two scores in the final 10 minutes as they searched for a consolation losing bonus point. Relentless carrying from inspirational skipper Jamie Stephens led to tries for winger Guy Hilton and debutant loose head Cameron Macmillan, with Frank Reynolds adding one conversion. Alas, even that single point was to elude them.

Canterbury, 11th in the table, return to action on November 26 at home to Old Albanians.