Sheppey’s promotion hopes are back on track and head coach Rob Dengate is thrilled to see captain Tom Varker leading the charge.

The Islanders beat Old Williamsonians 21-3 on Saturday in their first Kent 1 match following the festive break.

Varker, dropped from the side in October, scored two tries and Dengate was full of praise for his skipper.

He said: “Tom is coming into form at the right time for the run-in and he led from the front on Saturday. He is doing exactly what you want from a captain.”

Dengate’s side have become hard to score against in recent games and visit HSBC this weekend.

He said: “We’ve not had two tries against us since November 22. It’s a big step forward to where we were last year and in the first few games of this season. We were scoring tries but also conceding.

“We have tightened up and that has come about through team bonding with good character and communication and constant selection has helped.”

Sheppey will visit Surrey 1 Battersea Ironside in the National Junior Vase on January 24.