Intensity key for rugby club

That’s the opinion of head coach Kevin Smith as the rugby club prepares to entertain Vigo in Kent One tomorrow (Saturday). Kick-off at William Parker Sports College is 2.15pm.

Smith said: “We’ve got to keep the intensity up all the way through the game. It’s all about intensity. That’s what I think we’re lacking. At this level you mustn’t drop your intensity and sometimes we’re guilty of it.

“We switch off at certain times in the game and we’re never that comfortable in a lead, whether it’s fitness or lack of concentration. We need to keep that pressure on and do the simple things right for the whole 80 minutes.”

Last weekend’s very good 21-18 win away to Old Gravesendians has moved H&B up to fifth and they were only beaten by three points in October’s reverse fixture against a Vigo team which has won 14 of its 16 games to date.

“For me that game (against Vigo) was a turning point because I knew that we could play top of the table sort of teams and do well,” continued Smith. “It was a good performance on Saturday and they should be proud.”

But Smith would still like to see more bodies at training. He estimates that numbers are generally between 10-15 for the Tuesday night sessions and more like 25-30 for those on Thursdays.

“It’s all about the passion and the commitment,” he added. “That’s a big issue for me. I drive down from London to make training, and I expect my players to have that passion and that commitment.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Rye RFC will continue their quest for a top half finish in Sussex One as they travel to Seaford.