Andy Pratt says Canterbury Rugby Club’s next few games may go a long way to deciding their National 2 South fate this season.

The city club aim to respond from Saturday’s agonising 37-36 defeat at Clifton when they host Taunton, who sit one point behind them, on Saturday.

They then travel to Launceston, five points ahead of them, the following week before games against bottom two, Barking and Lydney, during the festive period.

Canterbury are 10th but could have gone to within a point of Clifton had they held on through the final 10 minutes on Saturday.

Pratt (pictured) said: "The teams around us in the table are always going to be tight games but these next few results can dictate how our season goes.

"It’s important to get points before Christmas and if you can pick up points away from home, then so much the better."

New arrival Jesse Liston could feature against Taunton (3pm) after the former Blackheath back row returned from a spell in Australia seeking regular first team rugby but David Devlin-Jones and Juan Del Val miss out.