Set piece domination not enough to overcome heavy defeat against Ashford.
The 1st XV travelled to Ashford on Saturday in their first preseason game of the 2015-2016 season. With players missing and others out of position Sheppey were always going to be the underdogs against an Ashford side who sat two leagues above them.
The first 20 minute period saw Sheppey concede a number of needless penalties and were rightly punished by Ashford, when Sheppey piled on the pressure Ashford were on the back foot but were very dangerous on the counter attack.
Sheppey were dominant in the set piece throughout the first half, turning over ball a majority of the time.
10 minutes before the end of the first half a suspected neck injury to scrum half Rhys Mills meant that play was stopped and moved to another pitch while he received medical attention, he was taken to hospital but soon released after a thorough inspection, a penalty was Sheppey's only reward for their first half pressure.
The second half was very similar to the first, lots of Sheppey pressure thwarted by silly mistakes and strong Ashford defence.
Lots of positives to be taken from the game but also lots to work on.
1st XV debuts were made by Anthony Dell and Colby Cox who both impressed.
The 1st XV return to action next week against Gillingham Anchorians.
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