by Alex Hoad

Canterbury head coach Andy Pratt has backed his new-look side to consolidate on their return to National 2 South rugby this season.

The City club eased to the London 3 South East title last season with 24 wins from 26 games following their relegation the year before.

Pratt (pictured) has bolstered his title-winning side with several new arrivals ahead of Saturday’s opening trip to newly-promoted Bournemouth (2.30pm).

He said: "We’ve never played them before so it is a bit of a step into the unknown but they are a strong team. They did well in London 3 South West last season and are on a roll.

"We did pretty well ourselves and we’ve got a few guys in."

One new facem blindside flanker Tom Sherson, is awaiting clearance after his move from New Zealand but wing Ricky Mackintosh will miss the game with a hamstring injury.

Pratt said: "It will be a challenge this season but I want to see us improve and progress.

"We’ll know by the midway stage of the season when we’ve played everyone once, roughly where we stand and what we need to do in the second half of the season.

"It’s important that we progress through the season, I want to finish stronger than we start."

Do you think Canterbury can consolidate back in National 2 this season? Have your say below.