Andy Pratt says the next three weekends will almost certainly decide Canterbury RFC’s promotion fate.

The club retained their grip on the lone promotion play-off spot in National 2 South with a 25-20 win over Shelford at Merton Lane on Saturday.

It was a sixth straight win and ninth in 10 games for the city men, although the status quo at the top was preserved as Canterbury remain second, seven points behind leaders Hartpury and seven ahead of third-placed Ampthill, who retain a game in hand.

Five of Canterbury’s last seven games are away from home and the next three Saturdays hands them trips to Cornwall, Bristol and London Irish Amateurs.

Pratt said: “We’re certainly going to be spending a lot of time together this month.

“This run of games could well define our season - away games against three very difficult teams. Redruth (on Saturday) and Dings Crusaders are always difficult places to play and London Irish are one of the form teams at the moment.”

He added: “We’ll not really know what our chances are until after this run. They are going to be tight games - I’d take four points from each right now.”

Pratt added: “When you look back and see we have won 10 games by seven points or less this season, you have to be really proud.

“We sat here early in the season and said we would likely either be in a relegation battle or a promotion battle given the way the division is, and we have shown a lot of character to win so many close games.

“Whatever happens in the final seven games, we have to be proud of what we have done, though of course we haven’t achieved a thing yet.”