The 1st XV proved to be too strong for local rivals sittingbourne as they ran out 41-5 winners.
Sheppey got off to a flying start with an early try from Rhys McDermott and had secured the bonus point in the first 20 minutes with tries from John Kelly, Nathan Gilson and another from Rhys McDermott. Jacob Jeffrey on his home debut added a fifth leaving the half time score 31-0.
10 minutes into the second half No. 8 nathan gilson suffered a suspected leg break and the game was temporarily stopped whilst he was receiving medical attention.
When the game resumed the snow was falling and the temperature dropped and it was quite evident that the players were feeling the cold, despite this Aaron Mills added yet another try with one of his trade mark runs. It wasn't all Sheppey though as Sittingbourne started piling on the pressure and with a penalty advantage being played in Sittingbournes' favour, 3 further penalty offences were committed and captain Tom Varker felt the wrath of the referee and spent the next 10 minutes in the bin. Continued pressure from Sittingbourne resulted in a consolation try.
Sheppey weren't finished though as Debutant winger Ashley Berrill stripped his opposing winger of the ball and touched down.
The final whistle came a couple of minutes later. Final Score 41-5.
After the game John Kelly (pictured) was presented the Frank Kelly Memorial Trophy. The Frank Kelly Memorial Trophy is played in Memory of Sheppey RFC Club Legend Frank Kelly. The trophy is contested annually between Sheppey and Sittingbourne.
Sheppey are in league action again on Saturday, away to Southwark Lancers.
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