Alan Martinovic has urged Dings Crusaders to improve their consistency ahead of tomorrow's home clash with in-form Canterbury in National Division Three South (2.30pm).

After struggling away from home before last month, Dings have claimed back-to-back victories on the road against Henley (32-24) and Bridgwater (15-9).

But they badly missed first-choice goalkicker Adam Westall, who remains sidelined with a rib problem, during the 19-15 defeat against relegation-threatened Chinnor in their last home game 13 days ago.

Dings, according to director of rugbg Martinovic, can be brilliant at times – they matched top of the table London Scottish – only to let themselves down with below-par performances, as in the defeat by bottom club Havant.

"Unfortunately, the circumstances conspired against us against Chinnor," said Martinovic.

"You also have to credit the opposition, who played well. It is always difficult when you play teams fighting for their lives.

"You have to look at our consistency levels. Havant look like they are going to be relegated but if you ask them what was their biggest win of the season they will say it was beating Dings.

"And if you ask London Scottish what was their hardest game of the season they will also say it was against Dings. That's how varied our performances can be."

Martinovic believes seventh-placed Dings are in for a tough encounter against a Canterbury side who have won five successive games and are now three points and three places above the men from Lockleaze.

"Apart from London Scottish, who are winning every week, Canterbury are probably the form team in the league," he said.

"They are quite a big, physical side particularly in the back row and at centre. We will have our work cut out to beat these guys.

"But we are coming off the back of a good win at Bridgwater. We need to back that up and that's something we have not done in the past."

With Alex Dancer not available, Dings hand former Colston's School and UWE centre Mike Powell a debut.

Powell, son of former Bristol centre and current director at the Memorial Stadium club, David Powell, joined Dings from South West Two St Mary's Old Boys after Christmas but has been out for six weeks with a back injury.

Powell will be partnered in midfield by Sam Caven, while Gareth Lloyd replaces Rob Rees (shoulder) and Mitch Quoi is not available so Ed Hack comes into the back row.

"I know Mike from school," said Colston's deputy head Martinovic.

"He is quite a strong lad, is a good footballer and he passes and kicks well. He is capable of playing at this level."