Erith hold firm for vital Sheppey win

ERITH RFC secured a vital 15-12 win in this bottom-of-the-table, Kent One clash at home to Sheppey, writes Brian Bastick.

Despite another few changes in personnel in the pack last Saturday, Erith managed to frustrate their much-larger Sheppey counterparts and performed magnificently in defence, both close in and out wide.

Erith were already 3-0 up through a Tom Amzaleg penalty when, after 30 minutes, their strong defence led to a turnover by Scott Ferris, who fed Phil Slator.

He, in turn, offloaded a well-timed pass to the on-rushing Christian Samuels, who beat two defenders and then slipped in Simba Mohovo for his first try in Erith colours.

Sheppey were awarded a number of penalties throughout the opening 40 minutes, but they were just unable to get themselves on the scoreboard and - buoyed by a half-time lead - Erith went on to dot down another score through Charlie Vennor.

Once again, the second half mirrored the first, with yet more solid defending from the hosts.

But, a mistake under the high ball resulted in Sheppey's try under the posts, which was duly converted to set up a nervy last 15 minutes.

The visitors, suddenly sensing a chance to snatch something from the game, threw everything into their attack.

However, Erith stood firm until the last minute of the match when Sheppey were able to register their second score of the afternoon.

It was too little, too late though and ultinately did not affect the outcome of a much-needed Erith victory. Erith's second string also prevailed with a 35-28 success over Westcombe Park's Gents XV.

SIDCUP lost 22-7 in London One South at Cobham's Old Surbitonians Memorial Ground, where tries by Nick Sutton, Rob Smedley and Matt Johnson took the hosts joint second in the league.

Arran Cowell converted twice and added a penalty with the boot.