Head coach Matt Corker believes Canterbury’s team spirit is a big factor in their fine form.

The city club are up to sixth in National League 2 East after three successive victories, the latest of which came at Guernsey on Saturday.

They won 34-10 away to the Channel Islanders before enjoying an overnight stay.

“It’s not at all easy going to Guernsey, especially at this time of year with the weather as well,” said Corker.

“I was really impressed with the way the lads set their minds to the challenge and focused on what we needed to do to be successful. I thought it was a fantastic performance.

“They didn’t let the challenges of the travel interfere with their preparations and they showed how they can control a game.

“We stayed overnight after the game and the boys seemed to enjoy a night out. It’s a really tight group this year and they enjoyed the win together.

“We want to build a team that’s full of friends and I think that’s part of the experience.

“It’s not just playing rugby, it’s playing rugby with your mates.

“You can’t engineer that, we just try and create an environment where people can be themselves and develop as players.”

Man-of-the-match Frank Reynolds - the leading points scorer in the league on 121 - starred in the Guernsey win.

He’s an important player for Canterbury and proved it once again.

“He was very good,” said Corker.

“Part of the reason we’re doing so well is he’s the top points scorer in the league at the moment.

“That’s down to a lot of hard work from Frank.

“He’s been excellent off the tee and out of hand and a couple of tries on Saturday helped him out.

“I think he’s set himself some targets in terms of what he wants to achieve in points scored every game and that’s something he’s done all by himself.

“Frank’s very motivated. He wants to be at his best so the team can be successful and that’s what he’s doing.”

Canterbury host Old Albanians this Saturday (3pm).

Their opponents are two places and five points behind in eighth spot.

“It was only a few weeks ago we were in a different part of the table,” said Corker.

“We’re under no illusions - it’s still very tight behind us.

“There’s only one win separating quite a few places in the table but we just go week by week and prepare for the next opposition.

“Part of the journey we’re on is learning what makes us tick, how are we going to be at our very best every week and what we need to do to be there.

“We’ve lost more than we’ve won against Albanians in recent years, so it’s a really big home game for us.

“We always want to put on a good performance for our home fans who support us so well.

“Our last two wins have been away and coming back home we’ll be looking to put in a strong performance.”