Lordswood chairman Tony Gue says he fears for the rest of Kent 2 following the club’s controversial demotion after dropping out of London 3 South East midway through last season.

The Medway side made the decision after struggling to field teams due to lack of players, with many unable to travel due to personal and work commitments.

The club faced a two-year ban from all rugby if they failed to fulfil another fixture.

Mr Gue, pictured, said: "The club would probably have disbanded if that happened. We wanted to avoid that and expected to drop into London 4 South East or Kent 1. It was the choice of the Kent RFU to put us in Kent 2 not ours."

Lordswood thrashed Merton 67-0 in the EDF Junior Vase last week and Mr Gue believes they could hand out similar hammerings this season, with their new league campaign beginning at Shooters Hill on Saturday.

He added: "I do worry for the opposition if we field our strongest team, as the players who couldn’t make the long trips and early starts last season are available."

It’s the first time Lordswood have played grass-roots level for nearly six seasons and the switch coincides with moving to a new pitch at the Martyn Grove complex.

Skipper John Jones continues to lead the side.