LORDSWOOD Rugby Club claimed the Kent 1 title as they sunk local rivals Sittingbourne by 11 points to five in a tense derby at North Dane Way.

Lords now have an unassailable lead at the top of the table as they lead by four points but Sittingbourne are still in deep relegation trouble after this defeat.

Player-coach Lee Evans said: “I’m so proud of the boys. They have worked so hard this season and they deserve their success.

“We had a plan to get the club moving in the right direction but I never thought it would happen so quickly.

“The Champagne was flowing last night and there were a few sore heads on Sunday morning. We’ll enjoy our success now but we'll be meeting soon to get plans in place for next season.”