Head coach Matt Corker has warned Canterbury Rugby Club’s players the hard work is not complete as they aim to end a productive season in style.

With seven National League 2 East fixtures to go, Canterbury sit fourth as they return to action after a fixture-free weekend.

They will do so - aiming to respond after back-to-back losses - at second-placed Barnes, who still have the league title within their sights.

On the break, Corker said: “It’s come at a really good time for us.

“We’re carrying quite a few injuries and it just gives some of the guys time to heal.

“Hopefully, a couple of those will come through and be available for selection by the weekend. That will definitely strengthen us.

“We go into what I would consider to be the business end of the season with seven games to go. We’re in a great place.

“If we finished the season where we are, we will probably reflect very positively. But that is, by no means, guaranteed.

“There’s some very tough games to come at home and some exciting challenges on the road.”

Canterbury’s players have returned to training this week after having last weekend away from the pitch.

“We’ve given them a bit of a freshen up,” explained Corker. “With the situation as well, it was a good change of pace for the lads.

“This is our last sort of lengthy block, with four games in it, although it’s not that lengthy compared to some of the others we’ve had.

“We’ve had two losses in a row and face a real test against second in Barnes. That’ll be a great challenge.

“We will just really focus on our performance, which is the way we’re going to move forward now.”

Canterbury have tended to return from the more regular breaks - something introduced by the Rugby Football Union - in positive fashion, and will aim to do so again.

But Barnes will be out to complete the double over them, having beaten them 22-13 at Merton Lane in late October, despite winger Alfie Orris’ try and contributions from the boot of fly-half Frank Reynolds.

Corker noted: “I think we’ve said before about how important momentum is in these blocks.

“Starting the blocks well is something we have done quite well this year. We’re really focused on coming back ready again.

“From a training perspective, we have got a good understanding of how best to prepare the lads.

“It’s that time of the year where squads are stretched, but that creates opportunities for others.

“In the reverse fixture, that was one of our worst performances of the season. We turned around, playing down our slope, and didn’t score a point!

“That’s something we definitely want to put right on Saturday.”

While Canterbury look set to improve on last term’s seventh-placed finish, Corker thinks they need to perform consistently against the top sides in order to continue climbing up the table.

He said: “The reason, so far, we have been as successful as we have been is because we have gained a really good understanding of how we’re at our best. Now, we need to do it under pressure.

“Against Tonbridge Juddians and, even against Westcombe Park, we were not at our best. The next step for us is performing under pressure against the top-four teams.

“Doing it under pressure, that’s how we will maintain our position in the league.”