Sevenoaks 1st XV proved last week that they are capable of troubling some of the top sides in the league as they overcame fourth placed Tottonians at the Paddock. In a physical encounter, Oaks scored three tries to Tottonians two to revenge the defeat they had suffered in the return fixture earlier on in the season and move up to eighth place in the London 1 South table.
Full steam ahead! Winger Jonny Short streaks away against Tottonians to score Oaks 3rd try on Saturday. Photo Credit: David Purday
The 2nd XV, playing their first match of 2017, suffered a 42-18 defeat to a talented and well drilled London Cornish 2nd XV side, although the score line didn’t reflect the commitment and endeavour from each player in an Oaks jersey. ‘It was just great to get a game first and foremost’ said Head Coach Adam Bowman. ‘Our big thanks go to London Cornish for coming down and playing the match. They are a great Club and we hope that we see them next season with their 1st XV coming into London 1 South. I know that there were some good individual performances in that match on Saturday from Oaks players, with a number of players putting their hands up for selection for the 1st XV. It’s at this time of the season when selection becomes really competitive due to form, injury etc. so it’s great that we have guys that are ready to step in and compete with each other’.
Sitting a point behind this weekend’s opponents Gravesend, the 1st XV have a chance to move up to seventh in the league if they win. But Bowman is not getting carried away saying ‘It was a huge tussle at their place and we managed to squeak victory. They’ve (Gravesend) have been a bit similar to us in terms of results and they are a side that likes to move the ball so it should be another good spectacle for the supporters.’
Together as one. Adam Bowman is keen to emphasise the squad effort it takes to compete in London South 1. Photo Credit: David Purday
Bowman was also delighted with the performance of the Academy on Sunday as they beat local rivals Tunbridge Wells to progress to the semi-finals of the U17 Cup competition. He said ‘We put in a good performance on Sunday but we have challenged ourselves as a group to make sure we keep improving, which we will need to if we are to make the Final. There is some good talent within the group and we have already spoken to some of the older boys about transitioning into the Seniors set up now their school rugby is over. We will manage it carefully, but I see no reason why there won’t be a good group of Academy lads in the senior squads towards the end of the season.’
Sevenoaks 1st XV are at home this weekend to Gravesend 1st XV, with Kick Off at 2.30pm. The 3rd XV travel to Cliffe RFC in the top of the table clash – all support is welcome for both teams.