Home   Sheerness   Sport   Article

Sheppey coach Rob Dengate backs players to rise to the occasion once more when they take on Beccehamians as battle for Kent 1 play-off place hots up

Rob Dengate says top opposition bring out the best in his Sheppey players Picture: John Westhrop
Rob Dengate says top opposition bring out the best in his Sheppey players Picture: John Westhrop

Coach Rob Dengate claims big games bring out the best in Sheppey rugby players ahead of a key clash at promotion rivals Beccehamians.

A four-try victory on Saturday would move the Islanders eight points clear of Beccs in the race for the Kent 1 play-off place.

Dengate said: “We get the best out of the players when the stakes are high. They’re always more focused and better disciplined in the big games. They seem to go about their business with more conviction and hopefully that will be the case on Saturday.

“If you look at the Sittingbourne game a few weeks ago, there was a lot at stake and the performance was commendable. Then we knew we needed a bonus-point win against Old Gravesendians and we managed it."

Last weekend’s home game against King’s College Hospital was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but Sheppey held on to second place after Beccs were beaten by relegation battlers Old Gravesendians.

The Islanders are three points clear of Beccs with a game in hand and Dengate said: "We’ve done the maths and need 18 points from the 25 on offer to secure the play-off place. If we beat Beccs it leaves them in a position where they have to open up and chase bonus points."

Rob Allum is out with a knee ligament injury, with the partnership at No.9 and No.10 the only selection poser facing Dengate.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More