An injury-ravaged Canterbury side were beaten 27-12 at home by National League 3 South promotion contenders Rosslyn Park on Saturday.

The home side put up a spirited display but their efforts were hampered by the loss, through injury, of forward trio Matt Pinnick, Rob Keir and Chris Hinkins plus centre Pat Sykes.

Before the game Canterbury's hopes were boosted by the return of their two most dangerous attackers. Full-back Gert De Kock and leading try scorer Mike Melford justified that optimism after six minutes, combining for a Melford try which put Canterbury in the lead for the first and only time in the game.

However, by half time Park had struck twice to carve out a nine-point advantage and 11 minutes into the second period they increased their lead courtesy of a penalty.

Canterbury did muster a second try, Danny Willcox finishing under the posts for De Kock to convert but by then it was a case of catch-up, and Park claimed a late bonus point with theit fourth try to round off the scoring.