Vigo RFC face Uckfield in promotion play-off
Published: 00:00, 20 April 2018
Updated: 06:40, 20 April 2018
Vigo Rugby Club are one game away from promotion after setting up a play-off showdown this weekend.
They host Uckfield at Swanswood on Saturday (3pm) for the right to play in London 3 South East next season.
Having finished runners-up in Kent 1, the Villagers believe this could be their year.
Head coach John Whitehead said: "It's an immense thing for the club.
"They could hold their own in London 3 South East but getting out of where you are can be the biggest stumbling block.
"They've done it once before but weren't able to maintain it. The club is better equipped now than it was before.
"Players are the right kind of age - it's quite a young side. Last time it was an older side that went up and large parts of that retired but the chances of the club building and going onwards are huge.
"It's a one-off game so it can go either way. It's both clubs' cup final so it's whichever team settles down and finds their rhythm quickest.
"We have a small advantage being at home but the comes with added pressure as well."
Whitehead joined Vigo last summer having previously coached at Maidstone, Gillingham Anchorians Sevenoaks, Thanet and Beckenham.
He said: "It very quickly became apparent there was a lot of potential that could be exploited and taken forward.
"The lads have responded to a change of system and taken it on board.
"Some very good coaching has gone on before but it was just a case of putting in a few new ideas and game plans to tap into the potential.
"For a small village club, Vigo do wonderfully well."
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Steve Tervet