Lordswood coach Paul Essenhigh remained defiant that his team could still avoid relegation despite Saturday’s 12-7 defeat at home to Purley John Fisher.

Before the game, he had predicted that his bottom-of-the-table side would have to beat the four clubs above them – Old Dunstonians, Eastbourne, Sevenoaks and Purley John Fisher – to give themselves a chance of survival in London League 3 South East.

After the defeat he said: “It’s a setback but all the time there are points to play for we cannot give up. It’s important that we battle on until the end."

Purley John Fisher made Lordswood pay for conceding three first-half penalties which left them 9-0 down.

The visitors added another penalty early in the second half to make the score 12-0, before Lords hit back with a Scott Crammond try following a strong run from Shaun Tandy. James Dormer converted.

Leaders Medway cemented their position at the top of Kent 1 with a 20-10 win at Sheppey on Saturday.

Old Williamsonians lost 46-18 at home to Guys Hospital in Kent 2.