VIGO came close to an upset but just could not break down a resolute Sittingbourne defence in a barnstorming final 15 minutes when they threw everything at the home side in a desperate attempt to reclaim the match.

The home side started strongly but were held at bay by a Vigo side again much changed from last week for the opening quarter.

In their first incursion into Vigo’s half, however, they gained a penalty which Mark Penney slotted to open the scoring.

The outstanding player on the day, Rob McNamara, then thundered through the Vigo defence for a fine individual try to widen the gap.

Gradually, as Vigo began to gain parity in the scrum, they hauled themselves back into the match, reaching half-time with no further damage inflicted.

A Dan Norton penalty chipped away at the Sittingbourne lead, but Vigo were struggling at the lineouts and were too slow to the breakdown to raise any serious pressure.

Again McNamara burst through some weak tackling to increase the lead, before another Norton penalty gave Vigo some hope.

Just a converted try was all the Villagers needed and they raised their game and smashed away at the home try line.

Held up three times on the line, Vigo just could not find their way over.

All out attack went unrewarded and a further Penney penalty ended all hope of a Vigo victory.