Lordswood chairman Tony Gue paid tribute to his players despite a 109-0 hammering at Sheppey in Kent 1 on Saturday.

The visitors fielded a team of clubmen and youngsters but were well out of their depth against promotion-chasing Sheppey.

Mr Gue (pictured), who himself turned out for the club’s 2nd XV at the weekend, said: "We had a team out who wanted to play for the club.

"Our two props had a combined age of over 100 and we also had a lot of youngsters in the team."

The change in personnel follows the club’s decision to take a hard line against those not paying their subs.

"We’ve got a policy that everyone has to pay," said Mr Gue. "We took a team of players who wanted to pay and play.

"The spirit of the club is great, it’s just that we can’t compete at that kind of level.

"We’re doing our best to fulfill the fixtures and we’re very proud of the players. Their heart and soul is in the club, they’re battling away and doing their best."