Sheppey Rugby Club open their Kent 1 season at Gillingham Anchorians on Saturday with head coach Peter Olliver admitting his side are now regarded as more than just also-rans.

After several years of struggle, last season’s dramatic improvement to an eighth-place finish, plus the signing of experienced players such as Martin Robinson from Deal & Betteshanger and Aylesford’s Dave Smith, has raised expectations that Sheppey are capable of challenging for the title this time around.

Olliver, who has changed his surname from King for family reasons, said: "It’s nice to have people worrying about Sheppey for a change.

"But I know as coach I will be the one to carry the can if we don’t live up to those expectations."

Olliver, now concentrating on coaching after a long playing career, has been encouraged by his side’s pre-season displays which included winning a tournament at Rye and narrowly losing 14-8 to a strong Tonbridge Juddians 2nd XV last weekend.

However, he is apprehensive about this weekend’s opening game, saying: "All through my playing career Gillingham Anchorians were a bogey side. We never seemed to beat them. They are always tough opposition, especially at home.

"But that applies to the whole of Kent 1 which looks a tough division this season. Normally you can go through the fixtures and pick out a few teams who you know will struggle but you can’t do that this time."

Sheppey will be without Robinson, who is on holiday, on Saturday and his place at fly-half will be taken by Luke Barker. Otherwise, Olliver has a full squad to choose from.