Sheppey 10 Vigo 10

Sheppey battled back from a 10-0 half-time deficit to earn a valuable point in their Kent 1 relegation battle with Vigo.

After applying early pressure, Sheppey were gradually pushed back in the first half and Vigo’s efforts were rewarded when Mark Grassick charged down an attempted clearance by the Islanders and Andrew Milford picked up the loose ball to score. James Weller converted, and soon after he kicked a straightforward penalty to put Vigo in the driving seat at the break.

The second half was a different story, however, as Sheppey threw everything at Vigo, led by their two centre threequarters, Nathan Gilson and 17-year-old Dan Adams.

One move earned a penalty award between the posts but the shouts of “take the points” from the home supporters were ignored, and it looked like the chance was lost as Vigo defended stoutly.

But Sheppey’s determination won them a second penalty and this time the quick tap paid off as Alec Nicholls wrestled over the line. Bradley Box converted to cut Vigo’s lead to 10-7.

This was now Sheppey’s best spell with the forwards making a platform for some impressive back-line moves, but the home side then suffered a blow when Kiwi centre Jason Kroskoy had to off injured.

Sheppey, however, were not to be denied and another good phase of play saw them earn a penalty which Box converted to level the scores.

Sheppey coach Frank Davis said: “Although we would have obviously preferred two points, I think we have a slightly easier run-in than Vigo and so this point could still prove very valuable.

“The good thing is that our supporters can see that our young side is definitely making progress now, and that in five years time we could have a very good side here.”