Canterbury head coach Andy Pratt says the city club face their toughest challenge of the season with the visit of Dorking on Saturday, but believes a win could go a long way to securing their National 2 South status.

Saturday’s 39-24 defeat at leaders Henley Hawks was just their second loss in six games, however the city club remain fifth-bottom and just 10-points ahead of the bottom three, having played a game more than the two sides below them.

Pratt said the key at Merton Lane on Saturday (3pm) would be taking scoring chances, adding: “We have got to be more ruthless.

“I was pleased with aspects of the performance at Henley, and at 27-24 we looked like we had a chance to go on and beat them in the final 20 minutes.

“We matched them for 60 minutes, however, the main difference was that they were able to bring on fresh legs and experience.

“To come away with nothing from the game is frustrating. We had opportunities to get a fourth try and a bonus point, but we were not ruthless enough in scoring positions.”

Second-placed Dorking are hot on the heels of Henley, and Pratt admitted: “This game is probably harder than last week and possibly the biggest challenge we’ll have had at Merton Lane for a couple of seasons.We have a lot of respect for them and we will have be at our best.”