Andy Pratt has called for the support of the rugby-loving public as Canterbury face their “match of the season” as they bid to avoid relegation in National 2 South.

Canterbury slipped back into the drop-zone in National 2 South after a 14-3 defeat against sixth-placed Chinnor on Saturday and now have won just one of their last five games.

With third-bottom Lydney drawing against Old Elthamians, Canterbury slipped below their rivals and into the drop-zone by the tightest of margins, making Lydney’s visit to Merton Lane on Saturday potentially crucial.

Head coach Pratt said: “It’s an important game – probably the biggest of the season.

“It’s important for both sides. Not only can you pick up points for a win but you prevent the other team picking up anything, too.

“It’s going to be difficult for whoever does not come out on top (to survive) but even if you were to win, there is still plenty of work to be done in the last four games.”

With both sides level on 46 points and Launceston and Southend just five points ahead, Canterbury are only below Lydney courtesy of the number of games won – Lydney’s nine to Canterbury’s eight.

Pratt added: “It’s a shame we couldn’t get at least a bonus point at Chinnor, we should probably have done.

“It’s up to us now, though. We have got players coming back and we have got three home games in our last five.

“We still have to play the four sides directly above us but despite all that, we have still got to go out and do it. The time is now.”

He added: “If ever anyone is going to come out and support us, we need it now.

“The weather forecast is good and we’ll have the England/Scotland game on. We’re hoping it could be the match of the season.”

Lock Tom Burns and scrum-half Dan Smart came off the bench at Chinnor and could start, while skipper Tom Sherson returns from New Zealand. However, top scorer, wing Mason Rosvall, misses out with a knee injury.

Pratt added: “He hopefully still has a big part to play in our season.”