Croydon number 8 is stopped in his tracks by Sheppey Picture: Andy Payton

by Luke Cawdell

Sheppey head coach Frank Davis will be preparing his players for a physical test on Saturday as they go head to head with fellow strugglers Erith.

Neither team have won in Kent 1 so far, six games into the season, but Sheppey will be boosted by their 17-15 Junior Vase win over Croydon this weekend.

Micheal Lamb and Steve Croall scored the tries and Ethan Roach kicked the extras in the morale boosting victory against their Surrey 1 opponents.

Sheppey experienced a heated game at Erith last season, in what Davis described as a "blood bath", and he’s expecting more of the same this weekend.

"It’s a four-pointer for both sides," he said. "Last year’s game resulted in a few sightings and it’s an intimidating place to go.

"Fortunately now all of the players in the squad are up for the physical challenge.

"There is not one player who I’m worried about playing - I’m quite confident that everyone is adequately up to the task."

Davis feels his side can win the game by staying disciplined and playing the game the right way.

He said: "We need to get the mind-set right and let the rugby do the talking rather than the fists. We need to keep our discipline."

Brad Box, who signed last week from Deal & Betteshanger, was left out against Croydon due to uncertainty over paper-work. "That’s all in order now and he’ll be feature this week," said Davis.