Head coach Matt Corker has spoken of the role Canterbury Pilgrims have played in helping develop first-team players - as they celebrate a second successive promotion.

The Pilgrims, Canterbury’s second string, ensured they will go up from Kent 1 as champions this season with a comeback 28-18 win over Ashford on Saturday.

It capped a productive day, their first team beating Guernsey 33-19 to earn a second consecutive National League 2 East victory.

On the Pilgrims, Corker said: “They didn’t have it all their own way. They were 13-0 down.

“I managed to see the second half. Getting promoted two seasons in a row is something the group and the club can really be proud of.

“Not that long ago, the Pilgrims were struggling for numbers. But seeing how they’re doing now, it’s great.

“Jon Foster, Justin Loveridge and John Mitchell (second-team coaches) have done a fantastic job.

Report: Canterbury 33-19 Guernsey Raiders

“A lot of our players that have played Pilgrims rugby are in the first team now. It’s a breeding ground for us, creating first-team players.

“It’s a real success story - for us as a club and for them as a team.”

Perhaps fittingly, Frank Morgan - a player who has progressed through the ranks at the club - got two tries in their win against Guernsey.

Corker said: “I love Frank’s story.

“He spent a long time chomping down, trying to break into the first team over quite a few seasons.

“To see him play his 100th game for the first team recently, that was a real testament to the work he’s put in. Seeing him get those tries was really good.

“We’re just seeing him go from strength-to-strength every week. He’s a really important player.”

Others to dot down for Canterbury were Elliot Lusher and Presley Farrance as they completed the double this season over the Islanders, fly-half Frank Reynolds’ boot again also influential.

“It was just what we needed in terms of backing up a win (41-12 against North Walsham) the week before but, also, there were some really good improvements,” reflected Corker.

“We scored some really good tries, one especially was a try-of-the-season contender. We have got to be getting into good positions - in terms of us controlling possession and the phases, and that’s something we did really well, especially in the first half. But it wasn’t easy.

“It was 0-0 for a long period, then we got our chance.”

The result wasn’t enough to help Canterbury climb the table, though. They remain seventh.

Corker said: “Once you get too far ahead, that’s when you get into trouble. We have got quality opposition again this weekend. But we’re going in the right direction.

“We’re at the bottom of the pack that we’re in. If we keep getting results, hopefully, we can start reeling in the teams above us.

“That’s why it’s so important that we’re consistent.”

Canterbury’s game at Old Albanians this Saturday, a side three places behind them in the table, will be their final one before a rest weekend.

Corker said: “Our last block (in February), we didn’t get a single point. We have got one game to go before the Easter break and we’re in a very different position.

“But we have got to keep our focus. Old Albanians have been in this league for a long time and they have got some good results this season.

“They will feel they have underachieved this season.

“These are the games you want to play in. They’re important for both teams.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the lads go away and put in another big performance.”

Back-rower Jesse De Vries is set to make his Canterbury comeback after he came off the bench in The Netherlands’ 50-28 weekend win over Germany.