Staying focused. Head Coach Adam Bowman is keen that his squad remains focused ahead of the last three games of the season. Photo Credit: David Purday
As the Senior Squad enter the last lap of a long and physically draining season, one could forgive the Oaks Seniors for taking their foot off the pedal a bit. The 1st XV, in their debut season in London 1 South, are sitting comfortably in mid-table, safe in the knowledge that they have secured the same standard of rugby for next season. The 2nd XV still have a sniff of winning the Kent Invicta league, although a draw away at Tunbridge Wells 2nd XV last weekend dented their hopes of overhauling Sidcup 2nd XV, whilst the 3rd XV officially wrapped up the Late Red League on Saturday with a win over Sheppey.
Yet Head Coach Adam Bowman and his Senior Squad of players are determined that their hard work, which began on the first Saturday in July, does not go to waste by cruising in the upcoming weeks. ‘If anyone thought we were going to ease our foot off the gas, then the 45 players that we got to training on Tuesday would have shown them otherwise’ remarked the Head Coach. ‘I have set the squad a points target for the remaining games to sharpen the mind and the players have responded with commitment and focus – something that has been there throughout the season.’
He continued ‘The players and coaching staff know that the way we finish this season will go a long way to determine how we start the next. I was incredibly proud to have 45 players turn up on Tuesday – to me it shows the squad believe in the structure and ethos we have tried to create here and that competition for places is as high as ever.’
On paper, the 1st XV face their toughest assignment of the season as they travel to Sidcup to take on the recently crowned winners of London South 1. Bowman said ‘On behalf of Sevenoaks RFC, I’d like to offer congratulations to all at Sidcup on their promotion and winning of the league. They are an extremely good outfit and are without doubt the strongest team we have played this season. We’ve admired as well the way that they have built year on year in this league and we wish them the very best next season.’
Physical battle. Oaks have one of the toughest assignments of the season as they visit League winners Sidcup this weekend. Photo Credit: David Purday
‘We go to Sidcup as underdogs but hope we can click and cause them a few problems. We have put in some of our better performances against the higher teams in this league, so I hope that the quality of opposition will bring out the best in our players. As I said, there’s been no let-up in training so we hope that puts us in good stead.’
‘The 2nd XV also have a big task this week to keep the heat on Medway and Sidcup. We have a few guys back so we will be hoping that we can at least push the league to another week before it’s decided. To be competing at the top end of the league is really pleasing though convinces me that the Squad is going in the right direction.’
The Head Coach reserved his last words for the 3rd XV who, after beating Sheppey at home, were confirmed as league champions and remain unbeaten. ‘It’s been a fantastic year for the 3rd XV. To not only win the league, but remain unbeaten is a huge achievement. I know after speaking with a couple of the guys that they are keen to keep that unbeaten record. With Cliffe (who lie 2nd) as the last game of the season that won’t be easy but the squad and team ethos those guys have will make them a really tough nut to crack.’
To see all the match action photos taken by Official Club Photographer David Purday from last week's 1st XV match against Cobham RFC 1st XV , CLICK HERE
Senior Squad Fixtures
April 1st 2017 - ALL 1500hrs KO.
Sidcup RFC 1st XV v. Sevenoaks RFC 1st XV
Old Alleynians RFC 2nd XV v. Sevenoaks RFC 2nd XV
Sevenoaks RFC 3rd XV v. MET Police