Sheppey head coach Frank Davis praised his players after they recorded their first league win of the season with a 15-7 triumph over fellow Kent 1 strugglers HSBC on Saturday.

After the disappointment of losing to basement boys Erith last week, Sheppey responded with a hard-fought win, which kept them two points ahead of Erith and within two points of HSBC.

In difficult conditions, Sheppey won a good toss and opted to play against the wind and receive the kick, but it was a full 15 minutes before HSBC managed to take advantage of the conditions, going 7-0 ahead.

Sheppey piled on the pressure and forced a series of penalties and after being held-up on the line several times, Steve Croall barged through under the posts, with Brad Box adding the extras to level the score.

After the break HSBC were reduced to 14 before Simon Stanton was sin-binned for an indiscretion and Sheppey were forced to refocus.

Box secured more points from a wide angle penalty to put Sheppey 10-7 ahead and his cheeky chip led to an opportunity for Croall to crash over for the final score and the home side were able to see out the win.

Davis (pictured) said: "The boys made me eat my words. I have torn into them enough this season, but praise where praise is due.

"They showed a lot of passion, commitment and desire. They wanted it most. They stepped up and produced what was a convincing win in the end."

He added: "I think the attitude changed. Everyone took responsibility and shared the workload. Hopefully we can keep building on the work ethic from here."

Sheppey now face Surrey 2 side Raynes Park in the EDF National Junior Vase 3rd Round at The Ditch on Saturday.