Ashford Rugby Club have been hit by a double blow following the late cancellation of their Kent 1 home game against Gillingham Anchorians last month.

The Medway club have been awarded the match but Ashford have launched an appeal against being docked another two points themselves.

The game was called off after the match referee failed to arrive. Anchs refused to play, despite a qualified official being found to take over, although they did agree to a friendly.

Ashford coach Dai Fussell said: "Giving Gillingham the points is fair enough, because there was a breakdown in communication at our end but we feel our punishment is harsh, because we did find another suitable referee.

"We have appealed against the decision and our secretary Ian Nelson is waiting for a reply."

The points deduction make Saturday’s scheduled visit of bottom club Sheppey crucial but the game is already in doubt, with a decision on whether it goes ahead due to be made ton Thursday. The club’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th XV games have already been called off.

Ashford started the year with a 41-5 defeat at local rivals Cranbrook on Saturday, scrum-half Ali Vant scoring their only try, after the game had been put back two weeks because of the weather.