In the corresponding away fixture at CanterburyRFC’s Marine Travel ground back in October 2019, DMPRFC found them hard to break down and difficult to overcome, only managing a slim victory. (13 – 17)

However, in contrast to that meeting, DMPRFC were in no mood for a repetition of proceedings, running in a 9-try performance, with the visitors unable to respond to a 36-point second half blitz.

With the current injury situation, DMPRFC were forced to name both Director of Rugby Danny BROWN and Head Coach Garry LAW in the match day squad and both were required to enter the fray during the game.

Without Canterbury RFC ever having touched the ball, Mowden scored from the kick off and after around 20-odd phases of play, full back Paul JARVIS scampered over the visitors’ line for the opener (5 – 0) and with National League One top points scorer DMPRFC’s fly half Warren SEALS in his usual imperious form, the afters were secured. (7 – 0)

Canterbury responded well and when Mowden were penalised on the half way line, the penalty was kicked to the home 20-metre line for the corresponding throw in. Canterbury possessed some solid citizens in their pack and it was no surprise when they opted to catch and drive, but the momentum they gathered seemed to have been halted at times, however the Premiership referee in attendance was happy to allow progress to the try line, with visiting hooker Tristan KING dotting down (7 – 5) and with scrum half Daniel SMART adding the extras (7 – 7) Canterbury were level before ten minutes of play had elapsed.

Next, home scrum half Euan McKIRDY found himself in possession within the visitors’ 20-metre line and evaded would be tacklers to score an excellent individual try (12 – 7), with the extras assured from SEALS. (14 – 7)

McKIRDY repeated similar within another five minutes (19 – 7) and with SEALS again successful (21 – 7), it looked as if the home side may be going to run away with it at that stage.

However, from an innocuous maul which the visitors expertly progressed towards the home try line, the official awarded a penalty try (21 – 14), which reduced the visitors’ arrears.

Mowden responded again just before oranges, securing the try bonus point, when prop Talite VAIOLETI found himself out on the wing, galloping over the try line for a score, (26 – 14) which SEALS converted. (28 – 14)

Canterbury had been competitive in the first half, so there was no indication of what was to come after the break, where the visitors weren’t able to register a point.

SEALS kicked a penalty for the first points after the restart, (31 – 14) and as the home side sought to dominate the game, Canterbury’s involvement was mainly confined to defence, fighting a rear guard action, not being able to gain enough meaningful possession with which to mount any attacks.

Home wing Brandon ASHER-WOOD sparked the game into life with two consecutive tries, the first cutting a line across the defence, using his pace to evade any would be defenders, the second being a typical speedsters try, out-thinking the defenders in his wake and with SEALS adding the extras for both tries, Mowden began to pull away. (45 – 14)

Replacement lock Ross BUNDY (on loan from Stirling RFC) scored the next try on his debut (50 – 14).

Mowden applied further pressure to the Canterbury defence, adding a further two tries before the final whistle, with flanker Callum MACKENZIE and lock Max DAVIES scoring close quarter tries, both converted by replacement Garry LAW. (64 – 14)