The first home encounter for Havant saw them evenly matched against Canterbury, both scoring two tries apiece. In the end defensive errors coupled with giving away unnecessary penalties cost Havant the match.

Six minutes into the first half, the visitors kicked over a penalty goal, full back Wessel Wolmarans taking the points after Havant committed an offence in the ruck. Seven minutes later, Havant came back into the game with a good break by flyhalf ‘Pucs’ Ngapaku and a pass to Chris Brember only to break down on Canterbury’s 22. A minute on, a good drive from the forwards saw Havant score, with lock Ben Morgan claiming the points, and a Pucs conversion.

Canterbury came quickly back into the game, scoring an unconverted try after a kick by Havant’s fly half was charged down and gathered up by the visitors. The Kent side then added to their points with a penalty goal, after Havant was penalised for an offence in the ruck.

Three minutes into the second half, Canterbury were awarded and scored the penalty after Havant were penalised for being offside. Two further penalties awarded to the Kent side went wide of the post.

Havant came back into the game and after Canterbury were penalised, the home side opted for a kick to the line. After the subsequent lineout, there was Havant’s trademark catch and drive, but the move broke down on Canterbury’s line.

The game continued for the last quarter of the match without either side gaining an advantage until four minutes from the final whistle, when pressure from Canterbury saw full back Wolmarans score a drop goal. The final score Havant 14 Canterbury 24.

Hav:

Richard Duke, Richard Adams, Matt O’Shea, Steve Stapleton, Chris Brember, Pucs Ngapaku, Simon Cole (Grant Morris),

Stu Ingram, Tom Drewett (Steve Cruddas), Tom Wells (Karl Randle), Ali Ramus, Ben Morgan, Harry Heaseman (Maku Kuroiyadi) Steve Cruddas (Dylan Raubenheimer), Dave Beynon,

Hav Scorers

Tries: Ben Morgan, Steve Cruddas Cons: Pucs Ngapaku 2

Canterbury Scores: