With a drizzly start, the team were up against Beckenham 1’s. With Becks already having played they had blown the cobwebs away but the Mighty Oaks came out blazing but had two tries from Brennan and Lars dis-allowed. Becks over powered the Oaks a couple of times with good passing of the ball down the line to go up 1-0. JC had the bit between his teeth with some excellent ripping to pull one back only for Becks to pull two further tries out of the bag. Some brave scrum half work from Imogen against a very physical team made the game very interesting and some brilliant defensive work from Oli D kept Becks out of our try line but to no avail - Final score: Sevenoaks 1 - Beckenham 3.
Next up after a short break was Westcombe Park. Having watched their first game, we knew we were up against some tough competition. The team was obviously still aggrieved from the first match as they came out firing on all cylinders again with an early try from Brennan - the shape of the team working well with Taylor and Mitch drawing in the defence allowing a swift run to score the try. With The Oaks being given the re-start, it was an excellent kick with a follow up from the whole team with Liam and Luke on the ball instantly. Following some good defensive play from Freddie, Luke made a fantastic run through some players and out to the side to score try number 2. End of first half 2-0. A cracking re-start again, but Westcombe managed to drive us backwards but were held out of our area through great rucking and mauling from Benjy and Edward T. During a tight maul, JC once again managed a fantastic rip and proceeded to score. End of time 3-0 to Sevenoaks.
After an hours wait, game three was upon us against the hosts - Old Elthamians. Some notable play from Luke at scrum half and Imogen on the wing allowing some space and giving Brennan what he needed to pace through and score, 1-0 to The Oaks. OE’s came straight back after the re-start to score a return try making it 1 all. Following a good team talk at half time, Max W came thundering out early to score try number 2 for The Oaks with great support on the run from Liam. OE’s kept trying to come back but Oli D, Mitch and Taylor showed true heart with great defensive work, finishing the game 2-0 to Sevenoaks.
Final game of the day was Old Alleynians. All of the team were fired up to make sure we got this one in the bag. Another great kick off from Oaks put OA’s under pressure instantly. With that pressure OA’s defence decided to kick out of trouble only to be caught expertly by Max on the fly, with some side stepping and a great offload to Benjy, we got the try. OA’s kept up good momentum with some up and down the pitch play only for them to lose the ball in a ruck (alleluhia Sevenoaks!!!) to allow a second try from Benjy. This time OA’s managed to come back at us for a return try 2-1 at half time. With great driving mauls and a bucket load of pressure from the forwards Edward T and Freddie allowed Lars to escape on the wing to do what he does best, fly past all players as though they are standing still to score our third try with great supporting play from Luke D and Liam. Not to be outdone, another great start from The Oaks put OA’s under pressure instantly and a quick ball out of a scrum gave Benjy his opportunity for a hat-trick. Final score 4-1.
A great first tournament for most of the team with some rules being learned, by players, coaches as well as referees! Roll on the U11 season!
