Sheppey were handed a walkover home win over Foots Cray for the second season running.

But while the visitors refused to play last year, claiming the pitch was frozen, there was at least a game on Saturday.

“They got in touch on Thursday to say they were missing a front row, so they conceded the game,” said Sheppey coach Pete Jones.

“But, to be fair to them, they said we still want to play, so we played under the RFU’s game-on rules, which means we don’t push in scrums and we match their players.

“They had 11 players, so we played 11-a-side, so we still had a game and it means they don’t lose points.

“We had a meal at the club that day, so it was handy they still wanted to play.”

The friendly match was a useful exercise, with Jones’ side running out 56-24 winners.

“When you know you’ve already won it kind of takes away the buzz, but it was still a good little workout and when they had injuries at different points, we lent them players,” said Jones.

“Even though it was limited opposition, we tried to focus on playing to our plan and that seemed to work well.

“We were taking a bit more time so people, say, who don’t normally carry balls into contact were doing that and it gave them more confidence.

“It also allowed us to work on some defensive stuff although it was frustrating to concede four tries.

“You do lose that competitive edge in a game like that but credit where it’s due - Foots Cray turned up and I can’t knock them for that.”

Sheppey receive five points for the walkover win, leaving them ninth in Kent 4. They’re off to south London this Saturday to play against fifth-placed King’s College Hospital.

Jones said: “They’re normally very strong at home.

“It’s a nightmare for us to get to because it’s round the south circular and you spend more time in traffic than playing.

“They were very physical last year and we’ve got to match them.

“We want to take it to them and then we’ve got a week off, so I really want the guys to empty the tanks this weekend. We’re looking forward to it.”