Andy Pratt focused on the positives after Canterbury’s National 2 South promotion push was hit by defeat at Redruth.

A run of six straight wins was ended in Cornwall, the county where their last two losses have come and where the city club have never won.

Canterbury rallied from 21-3 down to earn a bonus-point from a 21-17 defeat and head coach Pratt said: “At least we finally have our first point at Redruth.”

He added: “The better team on the day won. We made too many mistakes and we ourselves too much to do.

“I’m proud of the way the boys came back at them. The point we ended up getting might turn out to be crucial.”

Canterbury remain second but are now just three points ahead of Ampthill, who have played a game less.

Pratt said: “They have still got a game in hand on us but we still have to play them and our fate is still in our own hands.”

A second of three testing away trips takes Canterbury to Bristol on Satuday to face Dings Crusaders.

Pratt said: “Dings will be a similar challenge for us, they also have a good pack.

“They are flirting with relegation and will be up for the game. It’s another place where we have not had a lot of success, so we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be tough.”

Pratt praised teenage centre and Simon Langton Grammar School pupil Tom Guest, who produced an accomplished debut at Redruth.

Pratt said: “He was a huge positive for us. He’s done well in the twos and made a big impact in difficult circumstances.”

For the trip to Dings flanker Brook Cowan is expected to return to the Canterbury squad following a shoulder injury.