Bonus points could be the difference between success and failure

Andy Pratt believes bonus points may prove decisive in Canterbury’s bid to secure a play-off spot in the National League 2 South. City beat London Irish Wild Geese 45-13 on Saturday to pick up another bonus point and remain in second place. They now have a week off to recover ahead of a match-up with third-placed Henley, with just four points splitting the teams. “Right now bonus points are vital, they’re the difference between us and Henley,” he said. “I don’t know if it will but it could come down to them in the end. Any point is vital.” A determined start from London Irish saw them take the lead in the first half, before Canterbury kicked into life thanks to a fine Dan Smart try just before the break. Though pleased with his side’s ruthless response, head of rugby Pratt admits he remains keen to avoid a repeat of the team’s slow opening. “We weren’t the greatest in the first half but they’re a good team fighting for their lives and capitalised on our errors really well. “We scored a good try at the end of the first half which settled our nerves and then we settled it in the second half. “I suppose the danger as a coach is that you’re always looking for the negative side so that you can go ahead and eradicate that.” Canterbury also reacted well to two yellow cards in quick succession in the second half, although were seemingly helped by their opponents’ subsequent approach. Pratt added: “I was not too pleased we went down to 13. Going down to 14 happens but 13 is unnecessary.” City will host Henley on March 23 having edged November’s meeting 32-29, with Pratt well aware of the contest’s importance. “We know from the game down there that there’s not too much between the two teams,” he said. “They’ve got a very athletic pack and threats all around.”