Coach Matt Corker praised Canterbury Rugby Club’s in-form players as they completed a National League 2 East derby double over Tonbridge Juddians this season.

They had to dig deep to secure their 28-24 triumph, a fifth win in six, at The Slade last weekend.

It leaves Canterbury - whose recent form is only bettered by that of leaders Esher - sixth, going into 2024, having bounced back from the previous weekend’s 43-33 loss to Henley.

Corker said: “It was just a really proud day.

“The week before, we, obviously, were really disappointed with the way we performed. But the way we defended the line right to the end was brilliant on Saturday.

“We could be a bit critical and say we invited some of that pressure - but it was phenomenal defence. The players put it all out there - 20 men, for 80 minutes, just gave it everything.

“We want to be involved in these tight games with the best in this league. We know, coming out on the right side of the game, that was really important.

“It keeps us sixth - just past the halfway stage of the season - which is crucial.

“Since we had the break for the World Cup Final, there’s only one team that has a better record than us.

“It’s testament to the hard work of the whole group.”

Canterbury had already beaten Tonbridge 45-19 at home in September and, while the away victory margin wasn’t quite as convincing, Frank Reynolds’ boot contributed a valuable 13 points as the fly-half also scored a try. Others to cross Tonbridge’s whitewash were prop Will McColl and hooker Eoin O’Donoghue.

“It was a real physical battle,” said Corker.

Report: Tonbridge 24-28 Canterbury

“When we played them at home, we scored a lot more tries - but they worked really hard to stop us. But I was really impressed that the boys found other ways to score.”

Derby wins are always particularly sweet ones for supporters.

Corker noted: “I sometimes talk about us being on this journey. It’s not just us as a club and as players - it’s the supporters, as well.

“It’s really important to share these moments with everyone involved at the club.

“It’s a privilege but, also, a big responsibility for us.”

While Canterbury now have a couple of weeks without a match, their coach is eager for them to not rest on their laurels, with a trip to fourth-placed Bury St Edmunds on January 6 and a mouthwatering home clash with frontrunners Esher seven days after that.

Corker said: “The focus now is to enjoy Christmas - but then we have two games against teams above us in the league - and we’ve not beaten a team above us in the league yet.

“I’ve said to the group that to rest is to rust. So, that has to be our focus.”

The first-team’s success came a day after runaway Kent 1 leaders Canterbury Pilgrims eased past Thanet Wanderers’ 1sts 60-24 at Merton Lane.

“The Pilgrims is such a fantastic story,” Corker enthused.

“During Covid, we were struggling to get teams out.

“[Coaches] Jon Foster and John Mitchell have done some great work with them. It’s such a wonderful part of the club.

“It helps us develop players for the first team but, also, it’s a link to the 3rds.

“For them to go unbeaten to Christmas, dropping just one point, that’s really impressive.”