By David Haigh

After a bleak start to the new year with back-to-back defeats, Canterbury made a resounding statement with a seven-try, 46-17 win over Rochford Hundred in National League 2 South.

Covid restrictions robbed them of some familiar names, but the city side brushed aside any doubts with their positive approach and attacking verve.

Kyan Braithwaite and Chris Dudman traded early penalty goals before the city backs gave a taster of things to come.

First they worked a try for Aiden Moss before Rochford, relying on their forward strengths, replied through Harry Hudson's close range, converted score.

Dwayne Corcoran nudged Canterbury back into the lead with an outstanding individual effort from deep in his own half, but yellow cards for Tyler Oliver and Royce Cadman in quick succession gave Rochford a chance they did not miss as No.8 Maciu Nagobi drove over and Dudman converted.

Down to 13 players, Canterbury might have opted for survival but their mindset was different and Sam Sterling hit a line-breaking angle for a try under the posts, leaving Braithwaite to kick the second of his four conversions.

With only five points in it at the break, memories of a close game at Rochford earlier in the season were in order - but this was a different city side.

It took them almost 20 minutes of pressure in the second half to unlock the visitors, but when they did there was no holding them.

With Tom Best releasing his backs at every opportunity Rochdord wilted. The fly-half's cross-kick gave Corcoran a second try, and with Rochford's Sam Fombo in the sin-bin the floodgates opened.

Moss, cruising into space, Tyler Oliver, from a driving maul which rewarded a depleted pack's great afternoon's work, and Best, completing a break on the right flank, rounded off a convincing and motivated display.

Canterbury visit Dings Crusaders on Saturday.