Away form holds title key

The top seven clubs in Kent One are remarkably separated by just four points with more than a third of the season completed and all of them have lost at least twice.

Smith said: “The team that will win that league is the team that can start winning a run of away games. No-one is winning away from home.

“In fact, we’re travelling better than anyone else because we’re getting close. We’re doing enough to get a point when we’re losing; other teams aren’t doing anything.”

H&B are two points off the pace in third following last weekend’s 17-12 loss away to new leaders Cranbrook. Smith described the visit of Dartfordians tomorrow (Saturday) as “must win”. Kick-off is 2.30pm.

Rye Rugby Club’s clash away to Haywards Heath II tomorrow, meanwhile, has been described as “a big test of character” by club chairman Tony Pierce.

The New Roaders go into the Sussex One game having lost their last two league fixtures. Prior to these results, Rye had won six out of six.

“When we won six out of six we were playing the best of the rest and this is another of those teams. We’ve got to get back to that mentality. It will be a big test of character to get a result but we’re more than capable of winning.”

Despite the two recent defeats, Rye are still looking good in fourth position - four points clear of the next best placed team. Rye are hoping Pete Brown and Joe Morrell shake off injuries.