Skipper’s back in the fray

Rugby

Rhys Fussell is set to return to lead the side when Ashford visit Sheppey on Saturday, writes Andrew Gidley.

The skipper has been sidelined for a month after dislocating a finger, and breaking a bone in his hand during the 41-10 London South East 3 win over Aylesford Bulls in October.

However he has been at every game while recovering and is eyeing a repeat of the 22-8 Kent Shield win against the Islanders last month.

Fussell (pictured) said: “It’s been frustrating being out, but the boys have done well,

“We lost to (then leaders) Pulborough on the last kick of the game which was tough to take, and were beaten at Eastbourne in the last play of the game which knocked us for six.”

He added: “We are looking to be hard to beat at home, and will take any points away.

“We will go to Sheppey full of confidence, but not complacent, knowing what kind of challenge it will be, and that it will be all hands to the pump.”

“A win there would set us up nicely for Folkestone the following week which is a big one to end the year, after conceding a disputed try when they beat us 19-10 at home in September.

“We were convinced the ball wasn’t grounded and that our winger got there first, and the referee was quite a long way away. “I am not saying it would have altered the result, but it would have kept things in the balance.” Youngsters like Jack Weaver and Charlie Colman have caught the eye. Scrum-half Weaver, still only 18, has made a big impact since coming into the side after returning from university. Fussell added: “He has really stepped up, and brought a new dimension to our game.

“He is quick, brilliant on the ball, and has got a good eye for a gap.

“He and Charlie are two of many youngsters who have come through the ranks at the club, while Dan Brown and Andy Ticehurst have both done well leading the side – Andy skippering for the first time against Sheppey.”

Aylesford Bulls v Haywards Heath, Eastbourne v Folkestone, Gillingham Anchs v Lewes, O Dunstonians v Thanet Wanderers, Pulborough v Park House, Sheppey v Ashford.

PW F A Ps Postling A ......... 12 11 80 28 80 Little Chart A..... 10 7 55 35 55 Iron Room B...... 12 7 54 54 54 Iron Room A ...... 12 6 50 58 50 Little Chart B..... 10 5 48 42 48 Ruckinge A ....... 11 4 46 53 46 Challock A ........ 12 4 41 67 41 Postling B ......... 11 1 31 68 31