Leaders Anchorians proved too strong for Whitstable on Saturday, but player-coach Mal Graves remains confident his side are capable of improving int he second half of the campaign.

Whitstable's defeat was their ninth in 12 matches, leaving them ninth in Kent1, but Graves says their results have not always reflected performances in the first half of the season.

He explained: "I'm probably beginning to sound like a cracked record but we're not a long way off. In the first half thy had three chances which they took we had three chances which we were not able to, either because we couldn't just get over the line or get the ball away quicker.

"They scored early but it was 5-0 for 20/25 minutes.

"Then they got a try right on half-time which killed us a bit.

"They are a good side, they played rugby in the right area and once they got in front they were clinical.

"The conditions were horrendous ,it was bitter. I've played in snow and been warmer, but I can't ask for anymore from the lads.

"I can't fault their effort or commitment, we probably just need a few more bodies."

With four players missing from the previous week Graves had to reshuffle his resources, including Sam Holness in the three-quarters, but the Blues gave a good account of themselves before that try right on the half-time whistle gave Anchs a 17- point lead.

The introduction of Jay Ellis helped improve their scrummaging in the second half, but although winger Bobby Powell again carried well, the home side emerged comfortable winners to claim their 11th win in 12 matches.

The Blues resume their campaign on January 5th when they host New Ash Green, the team immediately above them. It is a game they will target to win and Graves remain in no doubt they will collect more points in the second half of the programme.

He added: "The thing is the boys are learning and it's not as if we are being regularly outclassed. The gulf between us and the teams at the bottom us a significant one and I have absolutely no doubt at all that we'll be fine."