Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16 21-20 Westcombe Park RFC U16

The responsibility of bringing the 15-a-side season to a close belonged to the academy U16s on Sunday as they welcomed Combe to the Paddock for a rearranged league fixture. 

Oaks were looking for their first league win of the season and were cautiously optimistic after improved performances in their last two games, as well as Combe's own league performance to date (W1 D1 L3).

What became immediately apparent is that to have any chance of success, Oaks were going to have to contain an absolutely enormous Combe forward pack. This seemed a tall order in the early exchanges as Combe very quickly set up in the Oaks 22. Home defenders hurled themselves at visiting ball carriers, but Combe's progress towards the try line was continuous and seemingly inevitable. However, Oaks' line speed did just enough to force an error as Combe attempted to move the ball to the edge for an early score. Three scrums followed, in which the much larger Combe pack had Oaks under massive pressure. However, the Combe loosehead got greedy and was penalised for illegal scrummaging. 

Oaks kicked to touched before immediately winning another penalty as Combe infringed at the maul. Another kick to touch, this time inside the Combe 22. Oaks set up the maul before centre Arthur Luboinski cut a great line off scrum half Toby Shrimpton and wriggled through to score a try that had very much been against the run of play. Fly half George Rehbein converted to give the home team an early 7-0 lead. 

A common theme for this team during the season has been immediately conceding points after scoring. Despite a lot of recent work in training on exits, Oaks butchered the kick off receipt and Combe quickly moved the ball to the near edge and scored. This try was followed by another from the Oaks kick off as a nasty head knock for hooker Luke Coll stopped several of his teammates dead in their tracks. Unfortunately, the referee was unsighted as the ball had already been moved from the ruck. Combe (also unaware of the injury) moved the ball beautifully to the edge and ran in from 80m out to go into a 7-12 lead. 

There was a 20 minute stoppage as the medical staff from both teams treated Coll to ensure that the suspected concussion was the worst of his injuries (we are glad to confirm that it was). The ambulance arrived in good time and the game was restarted with Oaks having suffered the kind of blow that earlier in the season would have led to the flood gates opening. 

To their credit, Oaks forced a scrum from the kickoff and then set up camp in the Combe 22. Unfortunately, errors at lineout combined with incredibly physical Combe defence meant to Oaks missed several opportunities to score. To make matters worse, some missed tackles allowed Combe to break from deep off a turnover and then Oaks infringed under pressure just inside their own 10m line. Combe put it in the corner and then drove their way over from close range to head in 7-17 up at half time. 

Oaks knew that the 2nd half had the potential to be season defining. Could they come back from 10 points down and win a game that really mattered? Or would they fight bravely for another 15 mins before ultimately being comfortably beaten?

Things looked promising as Combe's ill-discipline became more and more of a factor. Rehbein kicked two penalties within the first 10 mins of the half to get Oaks back to 13-17. There was then another stoppage as the medical teams attended to an ankle injury to one of the Combe players. A well-worked three phase move from the scrum then gave centre Callum Le Roux space to roam down the left inside the Combe 22. The defence refused to bite, so Le Roux threw the dummy and put his head down to bundle over the line and take Oaks into the lead with 10 mins to go. 18-17.

Oaks were flying and Combe seemed to be reeling as the penalty count mounted against them. However, they still had their juggernaut pack and the ferocity of their carries increased to the point where Oaks started to fall off more and more tackles. A penalty was conceded, and Combe stabbed it through the posts to take the lead again with just a few minutes remaining. Would it be heartbreak again for Oaks?

The home side summoned one final defensive effort from the kickoff and were rewarded when a Combe player was deemed to have left his feet at the breakdown. Rehbein stepped up and slotted the kick from in front of the posts and the Paddock went wild as the final whistle blew. Final score, 21-20.

This was an absolutely enormous result for the U16s. Winning is a habit and it was vital that improved performances were accompanied by the satisfaction that comes from winning games of rugby. There is still a huge amount of work to do as these players look to secure spots in Academy 1st and 2nd XVs next season, but things are looking up!

Squad list : Dexter Williams, Luke Coll, Jack Pearson, Tom Kerton, Ben Thomson, Herman Waschefort, Tait Andersen, Sam Pearl (C), Toby Shrimpton, George Rehbein, Alessandro Valaguzza, Arthur Luboinski, Callum Le Roux, Tiger Bussey, Hugo Schwemm

Subs : Owen Abel, Will Blackmore 

MotM : Sam Pearl

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16s 24-17 Beccehamians RFC U16s

In the curtain-raiser to the U17s game, the academy U16s played a friendly against Beccs in preparation for their final Kent League game against Westcombe Park next Sunday.

It has been a challenging season for the 16s, who are still yet to win a league match. However, their previous outing against league champions Dartford Valley represented a massive improvement in performance that the group were keen to build on.

Increased aggression and physicality have been the buzz words pretty much all season for this team. After a hugely physical performance against DV, the 16s started where they left off as they climbed into a well-drilled and athletic Beccs side from the off. Huge hits from the likes of captain Sam Pearl and centre Arthur Luboinski led to turnover ball that returning fly half George Rehbein was only too happy to zip wide where the ever-threatening winger Tiger Bussey made huge amounts of metres.

One 1st half try from Luboinski was complimented by three more in the 2nd half from Pearl, Rehbein and Bussey to cancel out the three tries scored by Beccs across the 70 minutes. Rehbein converted two from four to give Oaks a deserved 24-17 win. 

Given that Oaks are in Kent Div 1 and Beccs in Kent Div 2, one could be forgiven for thinking that a victory should have been expected. After performances like their last two outings, perhaps this group of players will start to expect more of themselves as they look to push themselves into the top two or three sides in the county - where any Oaks academy team belongs! 

Squad list : Dexter Williams, Luke Coll, Gurvan Ollivier, Tom Kerton, Ben Thomson, Yiannis Papadopoulos, Owen Abel, Sam Pearl, Toby Shrimpton, George Rehbein, Harry Mitchell, Arthur Luboinski, Callum Le Roux, Tiger Bussey, Hugo Schwemm

Subs: Zach Owen, Jack Pearson, Toby Kirkpatrick, Tait Andersen, Will Blackmore, Priam Van Asche, Preston Williams

MotM : Tom Kerton

MotM : Tom Kerton

Tonbridge Juddians RFC U16 21-17 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16s

The Academy U16s travelled down the road for their 2nd Kent League fixture of the season on Remembrance Sunday.

After a humbling 58-0 defeat away at Old Colfes in their first outing, Oaks were keen to put on a better showing against their old friends at rivals at The Slade.

Oaks started physically, applying pressure right from the kickoff. TJs were forced into a handling error and Tiger Bussey, usually a back three player but starting at 7 after an impressive training week, kicked through to score. Fly half George Rehbein added the extras and Oaks took an early 0-7 lead.

TJs threw the kitchen sink at the visitors for the next 5 minutes. Solid defence and TJs handling errors kept them out before Oaks won multiple penalties in quick succession to work up the field. Oaks drove the lineout, before working infield and opening up a nice little shortside for the man of the moment, Bussey, to dive over on the right. The conversion attempt was from a horrible angle and so Oaks had to settle for being 0-12 up. 

Unfortunately, Oaks then rather lost concentration as they gave away an easy 3 immediately from the ensuing kickoff. They then repeatedly struggled to exit their own 22 which led to TJs possession close to their line. The TJs pack put together an impressive lineout drive, before barrelling over from close range. Suddenly it was 8-12 and the home side were in the ascendency. 

Oaks' failure to tidy up their backfield was exposed repeatedly by the home half backs at the back end of the half. Another penalty was conceded and TJs kicked the 3 to go in at half-time only 1 point down at 11-12.

A lengthy half-time followed as both sides did their team talks before standing shoulder to shoulder to honour the fallen. 

TJs got back into gear much more quickly than Sevenoaks as they dominated territory and possession for the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half. During this time, the home side went over for two tries, but converted neither. Despite being 2nd best for 40 or so mins after their rapid start, Oaks were somehow only 9 points down with 15 minutes still to play. 

To their credit, Oaks rolled up their sleeves and began to exit their own territory more effectively. This led to errors from TJs and the game was much more even for the next 10 minutes, before Oaks started to really gain the upper hand in the final 5. 

Livewire winger Alex Hayward finally got the ball in some space, before beating 3 defenders to score and bring Oaks to within 4 points at 21-17. Unfortunately, Rehbein couldn't quite add the conversion, so Oaks needed another try to win the game. 

Bussey, now playing at 15, made no fewer than 3 linebreaks on the counter attack to repeatedly get Oaks into a position to win the game. Sadly, it wasn't to be as Oaks seeked contact instead of getting the ball to the edges on all 3 occasions, leading to turnovers. TJs won a final penalty on the floor as Oaks pressed into their 22, and the game was over. 

Whilst the result was tough to take, Oaks can be hugely proud of the fight they showed to make this game so tight at the finish. There were moments after TJs went 21-12 up where even the staunchest Oaks supporter would have felt like a drubbing might have been on the cards. On the flip side, Oaks will be disappointed that having started like a train, they allowed themselves to slowly ship points by going off-process and making poor individual errors in the middle portion of the match. 

Next up in the league is Canterbury, at the Paddock in two weeks' time (Nov 26th). It forms a league triple header, with the 1s and 2s both playing Sidcup in their respective U18 leagues on the same day.

Squad list : Jack Pearson, Sam Pearl, Dexter Williams, Toby Kirkpatrick, Tom Kerton, Harry Perman, Tiger Bussey, Ed Karsak, Will Blackmore, George Rehbein, Alex Hayward, Arthur Luboinski, Callum Le Roux, Hugo Schwemm, Preston Williams

Subs : Ben Thomson, Tait Andersen, Barnaby Burns

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16 5-7 Sidcup RFC U16 (26-03-23)

Sevenoaks Academy U16s hosted Sidcup in the Kent League, with the game now officially recognised as the final by the county after previous results in the league dictated that these two teams would be finalists regardless of the result. 

Sadly, the weather did it's best to curtail both teams' attacking ambitions and the first half lacked execution, if not endeavour. 

Sevenoaks definitely had the ascendancy in terms of territory and possession. Two impressive line breaks aside, the visitors spent the vast majority of the first half defending for their lives inside their own 22. Unfortunately for Oaks, a lack of patience and accuracy meant that despite their dominance, they only went in at half time 5-0 up, courtesy of a close range effort from flanker Harry Bouverie.

If Sevenoaks were the dominant force in the first half, the second half definitely belonged to Sidcup. Their dangerous runners, kept relatively quiet in the first period, started to find their way into the game more and more as Oaks errors gifted the visitors plenty of possession. A clever switch play from a left hand side ruck just inside the Oaks half saw Sidcup make a clean break through the midfield before executing the 2v1 to score under the posts. The extras were added and Oaks found themselves 5-7, but with plenty of time to find the win if they could just eliminate their errors. 

Sadly, it was not to be. Oaks would defend stoically and win possession back, only for errors in the attacking third to then gift possession back to Sidcup so that they could have another crack. 

The half went by with no more scores until Oaks found themselves with a lineout inside the Sidcup 22. The lineout drive had been a source of joy for the home side all game. The home support held their breath.....but the throw was deemed not straight and a penalty conceded by Oaks at the ensuing scrum ended the game and with it, their multi-year run with the title 'Kent Champions'.

Whilst certainly a tough loss to take, there have been huge positives to take from this groups' first season as part of the academy. Throughout the game, their driving lineout play was a constant headache for a large Sidcup pack. Their attacking shape, so lacking in the previous league outing vs TJs, was much improved and created multiple opportunities that sadly, weren't taken on the day. When this group mix in with the current U17s, many of whom have been playing Academy 1st XV level this season, Oaks will have another strong contingent to work with next year.

The U16s now take a few weeks off before reconvening to have a pop at the Kent 7s competition in April.

Squad list : Taylor Nash, Jake Borawiak, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Noah Bruce, Luca Esposito, Josh Martin, Harry Bouverie, George Booth, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Benjy Collingwood, Joel Walter (C), Will Taylor, Charlie Drysdale, Tom Hyde

Subs : Dylan Tootil, JC Vermuelen, Gerran Prescott, Harry Gullet, Max Harrison

First reserve : Arthuro Stephan

Canterbury RFC U16 10-62 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16

The Sevenoaks Academy U16 A team made the one hour trek down to Canterbury, starting in dense fog, but emerging into a glorious sunny autumn day to take on their third match in the Kent League.

Playing on a 4G pitch suited the Oaks team, who like to recycle the ball quickly and play the game at a high pace. After a few minutes of Canterbury possession, the oaks got off to a good start with prop Colby Bedford-Eatwell barrelling over for their first try. After a few more minutes camped in the Canterbury 22, Oaks centre Joel Walter cut a great line through the Canterbury defence to go over for the team’s second try. The Canterbury restart was gathered by Oaks scrum half Zach Loder who quickly distributed the ball to wing Tom Hyde. Hyde blazed down the wing, drawing a man and tipped the ball to number 8, George Booth. Booth then ran half the length of the pitch leaving the Canterbury defence dazed and confused as he went under the posts. However, Canterbury did not give up and kept themselves in the match with a good score near the posts, which was duly converted. Loder then secured the bonus point for Oaks by darting round a ruck for Oaks fourth try. After receiving the ball out the back from Oaks 10 Will Brook, Walter then stepped a few lazy defenders to go over for his second just before half time. Brook converted three of the first half tries, narrowly missing the others, making the half time score 7-31 to Sevenoaks.

The Oaks forwards stepped up the intensity in the second half with multiple phases of hard lines. Second row Harry Clayson opened the scoring in the second half with a strong run over the try line. Canterbury were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and decided to take the three points. Brennan O’Keefe broke through a couple of tackles shortly after the restart to run most of the pitch for the Mighty Oaks seventh try. Canterbury still fought hard and almost followed up with an end to end try, but the kick ahead didn’t quite go to the Canterbury player’s hands. Oak’s Prop, Taylor Nash then strode over for Oaks’ eight try. Then it was O’Keefe’s turn again to turn on the gas and outpace Canterbury’s flagging players. With a few minutes left on the clock the Oaks set up a ruck just inside the Oaks half. Loder passed to Nash on the crash ball. Breaking through a weak tackle, Nash ran the rest of the pitch unchallenged to secure Oaks 10th try. Brook slotted three of the second half conversions to make the final score 10-62. Another fantastic win for the U16s in their Kent League campaign.

Squad list: Taylor Nash, Dylan Tootill, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Harry Clayson, Noah Bruce, Gerran Prescott, Harry Bouverie, George Booth, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Louie Ashenden, Joel Walter, Brennan O'Keefe, Arthuro Stephan, Will Taylor

Subs : Jake Borawiak, John Hollman, Tom Hyde 

Tunbridge Wells RFC U16 0-38 Sevenoaks Academy RFC Academy U16

The Oaks U16 Academy team travelled down the A21 to their local rivals Tunbridge Wells on a very wet and windy Sunday, a complete contrast to their last Kent League match. Unfortunately, T Wells only had 14 players, so the Oaks cut their team to 14 to match their opponents.

Oaks played up hill in the first half, but had the considerable wind behind them. Clever kicking by the Oaks 10, Hamish McQueen, kept their opponents pinned in their own half. The opening score was a long range run in from Oaks Centre Joel Walter who cut a great line through the T Wells defense. The conditions made the game very scrappy with lots of knock ons from both teams. However, the Oaks forwards dominated the breakdown and kept possession of the ball for most of the first quarter. After a couple of close catch and drives from line outs near the T Wells try line, Oaks prop Colby Bedford-Eatwell barreled over for the second try of the game. Oaks open side flanker, Josh Martin, was everywhere around the pitch and managed to get his hands on the ball more than most. Martin was rewarded by scoring the third try after a very strong run through several T Wells players. Oaks camped in the T Wells 22 and piled the pressure on. The last try of the half came after several phases of play from the Oaks. Bedford-Eatwell found himself with the ball in space with just a couple of T Wells backs to beat. He chose route one, bounced the final defender off his feet and then scored with a rampaging dive over the line. With McQueen converting two of the tries, the half time score was 0-24.

Playing downhill the Oaks grew in confidence. Will Brook, the Oaks scrum half ran the ball from his own 10 metre line. His quality grubber kick through was chased up hard by Oaks centre Brennan O’Keefe. O’Keefe kicked the ball on and grounded the ball over the try line for the first try of the second half. After the kick off, the Oaks prop Taylor Nash started a counter attack in his own 22. He ran through a couple of weak tackles and set off down the left wing. A strong hand off on the T Wells full back enabled Nash to complete a 70m run with a fantastic try. The heavens then opened even more and torrential rain lashed down on the players. The Oaks continued to try to throw the ball around to extend their lead, but several knock ons and forward passes thwarted their efforts. A tighter game plan would have been more rewarding, which I am sure the Oaks will remember for next time! With McQueen slotting the two second half tries, the final score was 0-38. All-in-all a great day out despite the weather.

Ashford RFC U16 7-67 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16

The Oaks U16 Academy A team travelled to Ashford first thing on a sunny Sunday for their first Kent League match of the season.

The anticipation of a great match ahead was palpable as Ashford kicked off. The Oaks back three communicated well to let the ball travel over the dead ball line giving the Oaks a scrum put in on the half way line. On the front foot, the Oaks backs and forwards piled the pressure on Ashford with quick ball and hard running culminating in Harry Bouverie going over for the first try of the match. Only a few minutes later, after more sustained pressure, Bouverie went over for his second. Talk of a hattrick was premature as Ashford fought back. With the wind and sun behind him, the Ashford 12 put in some quality kicks behind the Oaks back 3 including a very impressive 50-22. Ashford gained the upper hand as Oaks gave away a few too many penalties in their own half. The Oaks held their line for almost 10mins before Ashford went over for their first converted try. The game was on with the score at 7-12.

The Oaks learnt from their mistakes in the second quarter, getting their discipline at the breakdown under control. The forwards started to get on top of the larger opposition with aggressive rucking and fantastic fitness levels. They provided quality clean ball on a plate for the Oaks backs. The Oaks fly-half, Hamish McQueen, started to take control of the game and the Oaks backs dominated with some sublime moves. Tom Hyde went over for the next try and the Oaks just kept their foot on the pedal. The fourth try was a joint effort by Taylor Nash and Benjy Collingwood both going over the line together. The last try of the first half started from a line out with Brennan O’Keefe cutting a hard line following some sweet in the boot passes by McQueen and Joel Walter. Nash’s amazing work rate provided the link support to O’Keefe as he was tackled and then a neat offload gave Walter his first try. McQueen slotted 4 out of the 5 first half conversions to make the first half score 7-33.

Oaks kicked off with confidence in the second half, now benefiting from the wind and sun behind them. McQueen kept Ashford in their half with some very clever kicking and fantastic chasing from the whole team. Hyde and Louie Ashenden in particular pinned their opposite numbers down under the high ball. The first try of the second half came after relentless pressure from Oaks ending in Collingwood scoring. Ashford’s heads started to go down as they were on the ropes. Oaks didn’t let up, after some excellent ruck phases from the forwards another perfect backs move led to O’Keefe cutting a hard line in the Ashford 22 for Oaks try number 7. Walter then followed up with a couple of signature side steps and a strong run in from near the half way line for his second. The last try was scored by Collingwood, who courageously went over whilst sustaining a knee to the head. We’ll let Nash and Collingwood debate whether Collingwood scored a hattrick! McQueen slotted his 8th conversion out of 9 to take the score to 7-61. With the points difference over 50, the game was stopped early. A truly impressive first league match performance from the Oaks.

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16A 60-7 Thanet Wanderers RFC U16A

After a friendly mixed warm up game against Medway in early September, the Sevenoaks Academy U16A team faced Thanet in their first full outing of the season. The two teams hadn’t played each other since before Covid, so it was going to be a voyage of discovery for both.

The Oaks forwards came out all guns blazing and dominated the breakdown to give their backs clean ball. Brennan O’Keefe capitalised on this and with quick thinking and quick feet scored one of the quickest hattricks in history at the beginning of the first half. Thanet struggled to cope with the Oaks intensity and gave away a number of penalties in their own half. Hamish McQueen took the opportunity to slot a conversion from in front of the posts. The Oaks back row were on fire, with some very strong carries from George Booth, Harry Bouverie and Arthuro Stephan. Bouverie linked up with his backs to cross for another score under the posts. A sweet backs move with a 15m left handed pass from Joel Walter put Will Taylor in for the 5th try of the match. Louie Ashenden chased hard for each of Oak’s kicks pinning Thanet in their half. Ashenden was rewarded with a fantastic break down the left wing following one of his kick chases to cross over in the corner. With 4 conversions from McQueen, the half time score was 41-0 to the Oaks.

Thanet came out stronger in the second half. Their back three learnt from the first half and covered Oaks kicking game making some strong carries in response. Oaks maintained their shape and after continued pressure John Hollman ran through 3 of the opposition to go over for the first try of the second half. The Oaks forwards continued to put the pressure on at the breakdown providing high quality ball to both the backs and hard line running forward pods. Bouverie went over for his second try and, not to be outdone, O’Keefe broke another tackle and went over for his fourth try. McQueen slotted the conversions of Oaks final two tries to bring the score to 60-0. In the last play of the match the Oaks took their eye off the ball, spilling it in a tackle, which enabled the Thanet winger to run 30 metres for a consolation converted try. With a final score of 60-7, the Oaks U16s can be very proud of a fantastic start to the season.

Squad: Taylor Nash, Jake Borawiak, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Harry Gullet, Noah Bruce, Arthuro Stephan, Harry Bouverie, George Booth, Max Harrison, Hamish McQueen, Harry Barnard, Joel Walter, Brennan O’Keefe, Will Taylor, Louie Ashenden, John Hollman, Dylan Tootill, JC Vermeulen, Harry Gullet, Josh Martin, Zac Loder

Tonbridge Juddians RFC U16A 3-57 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16A

The Academy U16As travelled to local rivals TJs on Sunday for their penultimate Kent League match. Oaks were undefeated heading into the game and keen to take another step towards the county title.

TJs knocked on from the initial kick-off, granting Sevenoaks an attacking scrum in a good position over to the left, just outside of the TJs 22. A messy, but ultimately successful scrum strike enabled centre Fin Stables to power through the TJs defence and score the 1st try of the game.

A superb short restart by the home fly half caused Oaks all sorts of problems at the restart. TJs took possession and several direct carries from their forwards off 9 led to a penalty for a high tackle, bang in front of the uprights. Their kicker stepped up and nailed the 3 to make it 3-5 with a few minutes gone.

Sevenoaks had their most controlled period of the game for the next 15 minutes as good attacking shape - combined with a flair that has become synonymous with this age group - led to tries for 2nd row Rui Beaufoy and centre Raphi Simmonds-Dance. The latter was particularly 'tasty'. A turnover on the floor after a lengthy Oaks kick found fly half Angus Hall with time and space to execute a superb crossfield kick to winger Oli Ebsworth. Ebsworth was edged towards touch as he bore down on the try line, but he found Simmonds-Dance back on the inside in the nick of time.

Oaks scored two more tries before half-time, punishing some loose TJs kicking with superb counter-attacking and support play. Stables was the beneficiary as he got on the end of both counters to secure his hattrick.

5 tries from Oaks combined with 3 Angus Hall conversions had given the visitors a commanding 3-31 lead going into half-time.

The 2nd half started in the best possible way for the Oaks as a clever kick through from fullback Brett Smith was chased enthusiastically by Ebsworth. He forced the error from the TJs cover and as the ball spilled loose inside the dead ball area, Jake Tucker - on at half time for Stables - pounced to bag try number 6. With Hall now off the field, replacement scrum half Ben Pearl casually drop-kicked the conversion to take Oaks out to 3-38 just minutes into the 2nd half.

The remainder of the game followed a distinct pattern as Oaks kicked deep and challenged the home side to play their way out of their half. Powerful and organised Oaks defence led to clearance kicks that were then mopped up and turned into often devastating counter-attack. Flanker Ryan Dixon and Oli Ebsworth both bagged tries in this way before Dixon broke through from a rare Oaks starter play off lineout. He fed the supporting Max Gilbey - on at half time in the 2nd row - who dotted down for Oaks' 9th try. Of the 4 second half tries scored, Pearl converted 3, taking the final score to an impressive 3-57.

It is no secret that this particular year group at Sevenoaks are blessed with talent and depth. However, it was particularly pleasing to see the Academy attacking shapes really starting to bed in at certain points during this performance. This group are starting to merge a devastating open running game with an organised defence, solid attacking shape and a robust set-piece. The sky really is the limit!

The Academy U16As have two weekends off now before their final league game vs Canterbury on April 24th at the Paddock.

Squad list: Fin Thomas, Charlie Andrews, Will Tarry, Arthur Hansen, Rui Beaufoy, Ryan Dixon, Liam Thomas (C), Joe Sussmes, Isaac Canham, Angus Hall, Max Avery, Fin Stables, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Oli Ebsworth, Brett Smith

Subs: Max Gilbey, Tom Hewitt, Jake Tucker, Ben Pearl, Will Francombe, Sam Sherwood

Sittingbourne RFC U16s 7 - 50 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16Bs

The Oaks Academy U16Bs enjoyed an impressive away win versus a spirited Sittingbourne RFC U16s on Sunday 27 March.

Oaks started very strongly and in the first half showed a huge amount of commitment and focus to play some well-structured rugby.

The pack a good day, carrying with determination to set up phase ball that led to some sublime tries.

The opener came from a scrum set piece after an intelligent kick by Freddie Rudd at 10 forced a knock on. Will Tarry picked up from the base and barrelled over the line for the first of three first half tries for the number 8.

Oaks’ next score came in the formidable shape of Charlie Andrews who dotted the ball down under the posts for Jake Tucker to add the extras as he did on the next five tries, which featured a brace for Jacob Bund and an excellent score by Conrad Sykes.

Credit to Sittingbourne who stayed in the game throughout and got an interception try just ahead of the half time break.

In the second half Oaks were not quite at their fluid best and Sittingbourne managed well to get on equal terms for certain passages of play. Nevertheless, there was much for Oaks to celebrate in two tries apiece for Liam Thomas and Kam Satrettin as well as a try for Tom Hewitt.

Oaks will look to continue their unbeaten Kent Cup run in the final two rounds of the tournament. Thanks to Sittingbourne for being excellent hosts.

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16Bs 48 vs Beccehamians RFC U16As 7

On a lovely sunny spring afternoon, the unbeaten Sevenoaks u16B team came up against a huge Beccs squad - both physically and number-wise as Beccs brought a squad of 25 players. Playing with the wind in their backs, Sevenoaks received the kick-off and it was straight away clear that Sevenoaks were meaning business as Fionn Daly caught the ball before beating seven defenders and finally getting dragged down on the Beccs 40m line. Sevenoaks won a penalty from the ensuing ruck and kicked for the lineout, which they won and this time it was Will Tarry who made loads of meters before another infringement from Beccs gave Sevenoaks another penalty. Again, Sevenoaks kicked for a lineout which was 5 meters from the Beccs try line. The lineout ball went over the hands of the jumper but Fin Thomas caught the ball at the back of the lineout and charged over for the try. Freddie Rudd missed the conversion but Sevenoaks in the lead 5-0. From the kick-off, Sevenoaks continued to make yards into the Beccs half and then won a scrum. The ball was swung wide and Chris Barrett went over for the try, which Freddie converted. 12-0 to Sevenoaks. Again, from the kick-off, Sevenoaks played constructive rugby to get into the Beccs half of the field and this time it was Will Francombe who sliced through and side-stepped numerous players to score under the posts, with Freddie adding the extras. 19-0 to Sevenoaks within 10 minutes and it was very clear that although Beccs had very keen players, they had no answer to the excellent and organised rugby dished up by Sevenoaks. After some more clever rugby, Will Tarry picked up the ball from the back of the scrum and when he was finally tackled 5 meters from the try line, he popped the ball to Alex Holden who charged through for his first try of the match. Playing in his old boots and kicking with a Beccs kicking tee, Freddie was in excellent form and converted the try to move the score to 26-0. It wasn't long before Sevenoaks were back in the Beccs half and this time Max Gilbey set off with the ball, beating numerous defenders to score out wide. Freddie just missed the conversion to make it 31-0. From the kick-off, Sevenoaks gave away a penalty and Beccs kicked for the corner. From a clever lineout their massive pack charged forward to score and their kicker added the extras. 31-7 and that brought about half time.

With Sevenoaks in full swing and playing champagne rugby off structured foundations, they played from side to side with Alex Holden scoring an excellent team try out wide. The conversion was missed but Sevenoaks leading 36-7. Not long thereafter Holden caught a wayward kick from Beccs and sliced through the defence to score close to the posts, bringing up his hat-trick, with Freddie adding the extras to make it 43-7. With the game opening up and Sevenoaks tiring, due to playing against fresh players while not having many subs themselves, it took a while before Sevenoaks scored again and this time it was Sam Keenor going over from the cleverly worked overlap. The conversion was missed but the score moved to 48-7. With 15 minutes left to play but league rules requiring games to be stopped when 50 points were reached, the referee discussed the situation with both team's coaches and it was agreed that the official score for the match would be recorded as 48-7, with Sevenoaks scoring 8 tries to 1.

Both teams were keen to continue playing, even if it was only for the enjoyment of being able to play rugby, and so the match continued 'unofficially'. With Sevenoaks now throwing the ball around like barbarians, it wasn't long before Will Tarry finally capped a great performance by scoring a deserved try. 53-7 to Sevenoaks. Beccs then decided to play only with their massive forwards and they managed to make yards after yards and finally one of their units broke through for the try which was even cheered by the Sevenoaks supporters. The conversion was missed, making the score 53-12. Then in the space of 10 minutes came two magical moments - firstly, from the Sevenoaks kick-off, Fionn Daly plucked the ball out of the air in front of the Beccs players eyes and swerved passed a few players to score under the posts, making Hansen's try for Ireland against France in the 6 Nations look easy. With the team deciding that the try scorer should take the conversion, Daly converted his own try to make it 60-12. Not long thereafter Fin Thomas went on a charge to cap his excellent performance with a 20m try under the posts, which he duly converted to make the score 67-12. With Beccs deciding to have the last say in the match, came the second moment of magic with the Beccs forwards breaking through the Sevenoaks defence. The ball was passed to a massive 18 stone unit who charged through the Sevenoaks line at full pace and with all the defenders beaten other than the Sevenoaks full back, Alex Holden, it looked like a certain try. Imagine a rhino on full charge with only a honey badger in front of him - but this is not any player and the brave Alex Holden executed a technically perfect tackle around the ankles to bring the big man crashing down to the roars of all the supporters and his Sevenoaks teammates. The final whistle went soon thereafter and although the opposition was clearly not in the same league as Sevenoaks, the boys gave a master class of playing rugby using the newly taught structures as the base for launching attacks and running their opposition off their feet. Too many amazing contributions from the entire team to name but man of the match award must go to Alex Holden for his three tries and 'stupidly brave' try saving tackle. Onwards and upwards towards the trophy!!!

Squad: Nic McLean, Charlie Andrews, Fin Thomas (VC), Max Gilbey, Fionn Daly, Conrad Sykes, Kam Satrettin, Will Tarry, Louis Parker, Will Francombe (C), Joe D'Alessio, Freddie Rudd, Chris Barrett, Sam Keenor, Alex Holden (VC), James Fry, Alex Blackmore, Tom Flann

Tunbridge Wells RFC U16 0-15 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16

On a chilly grey morning, Sevenoaks u16 As travelled to Tunbridge Wells ("TW") for a local derby. With a depleted squad due to school 7s and Saracens performance group commitments, it was a very inexperienced Sevenoaks team taking the field, but despite the big occasion and coming up against a monstrous pack of forwards, there were no signs of nervousness and the team gelled from the kick-off and Tunbridge Wells quickly realised that Sevenoaks meant business. Sevenoaks camped in the TW's half and at the first scrum, they demolished the much bigger TW pack and won the ball and it was only desperate defence from TW that stopped Sevenoaks from scoring. Sevenoaks launched attack after attack with Ryan Dixon, Fin Thomas and Max Gilbey leading the charges. Unfortunately Sevenoaks were constantly penalised for holding onto the ball which gave TW breathing space to clear the lines. With a strong breeze and Max Gilbey being a menace in the lineouts on TW ball, TW struggled and Sevenoaks stole or disrupted ball after ball. After another stolen ball, Sevenoaks drove up to the TW line with pick-and-go's and it was Ben Pearl who sneakily dived between the TW players legs to score the first try. The conversion was missed but Sevenoaks deservedly leading 5-0. From the resulting kick-off, TW kicked deep and into Liam Thomas, the Sevenoaks captain's, hands and he decided to run the ball at TW. They finally managed to drag him down 40m later. From the resulting ruck, Ben Pearl chipped and chased with the TW fullback saving a certain try, but giving away a scrum to Sevenoaks. Again, the Sevenoaks pack pushed the counterparts meters back and Liam Thomas picked up the ball from the back of the scrum and charged over for the try. With the conversion missing the uprights again, Sevenoaks led 10-0 and the first half whistle went soon afterwards.

TW came out as a very different side second half and with the wind at their back, they launched attack after attack and with Sevenoaks being penalised on an ongoing basis by the referee, it felt like it was merely a matter of time before TW would score. However, this special group of players kept on playing for each other and with desperate defence at times, they managed to keep TW out from crossing the white wash. Such was the intensity and their commitment, players surprisingly started to ask to be subbed as although being top fit, they were knackered from throwing everything to stop TW from scoring. Finally, the breaking point came as TW heads started to drop, Sevenoaks managed to get out of their own half and win a scrum in the TW half. After another strong Sevenoaks scrum, the ball popped out on the side and Tom Hewitt, the smallest forward on the pitch, scooped up the ball and set off to the try line and ran straight over two defenders to score in the corner. The conversion was wayward but Sevenoaks led 15-0 and they played out the last 10 minutes continuing to stop TW from scoring, for a well-deserved victory against all the odds. The 'official' Sevenoaks players of the match were Liam Thomas and Sam Sherwood but this was a massive team effort so congratulations to the entire team who made their club, coaches and parents very proud.

Squad: Peter La Trobe, Andrich Skein, Fin Thomas, Rui Beaufoy, Max Gilbey, Jacob Bund, Ryan Dixon, Liam Thomas (C), Ben Pearl, Will Francombe, Alfie Stratton, Sam Sherwood, Max Avery, Sam Keenor, Alex Holden, Nich Maclean, Tom Hewitt, Louis Parker, Chris Barrett

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16Bs 10-7 Old Colfeians RFC U16As

On a grey, overcast and chilly winter’s morning, Sevenoaks u16B came up against a strong Old Colfeians team. Playing with the strong wind in their backs, Sevenoaks started well and dominated the first few minutes. The pressure led to Old Colfs going off their feet and the resulting penalty was kicked out 5m from the Old Colfs line. The Sevenoaks pack won the ball and drove over the try line, but unfortunately the ball was held up, allowing Old Colfs to get out of their 22 from the resulting kick out. Buoyed by the strong start, Sevenoaks kept the pressure on Old Colfs and soon won another penalty, which was kicked out 15m from the Old Colfs try line. This time the forwards demolished their opposition with a catch and drive and Kam Satrettin broke loose from the maul to score the try. The conversion went to the left of the uprights, Sevenoaks up 5-0. From the resulting kick-off, Old Colfs launched various attacks but the Sevenoaks defensive line held on and when Sevenoaks finally turned the ball over, they managed to exit their 22 well with good structured play. After a few tight phases by both teams trying to get the upper hand, Old Colfs kicked the ball through and into the hands of Alex Holden, the Sevenoaks full back. He set off and after beating a handful of players, offloaded to Will Francombe who made good yards before passing to Sam Sherwood who took the ball even closer to the try line. Old Colfs were penalised at the ensuing ruck and Sevenoaks kicked for the corner. After another good lineout and maul, Sevenoaks drove over the line and Max Gilbey was the last player up with the ball. The conversion was again wide, Sevenoaks leading 10-0. Similar to after the first try, Old Colfs managed to control the game after the kick-off. This time Sevenoaks did not manage to exit well with Old Colfs launching attack after attack. Finally, their wing managed to break through five tackles to score and with the conversion going through the middle, the first half score was 10-7 in Sevenoaks’ favour.

With the wind at their backs, Old Colfs set up camp in the Sevenoaks half from the start of the second half. It was a cruel version of Groundhog Day being played out in a rugby match with the following events repeating over and over again: Old Colfs attack, Sevenoaks defence stand strong and Old Colfs make a mistake; Sevenoaks try to get out of their own half but lose the ball at a ruck, with Old Colfs then starting the loop again and again. After enduring 25 minutes of relentless defending and constantly losing control of the ball as Sevenoaks tried to exit from their half, Max Avery decided to take matters in his own hands and came charging off his wing and broke through the middle of the Old Colfs line. This was followed by a pick and drive by Max Gilbey and suddenly the stuttering Sevenoaks machine kicked into gear again and moved the play into the Old Colfs half. From an ensuing scrum, Will Tarry picked up the ball at the back of the scrum and broke down the blind side, beating four defenders before being brought down 10m from the Old Colfs try line. Sevenoaks won a penalty and kicked for the corner to set up a catch and drive. Old Colfs managed to defend it well but Sevenoaks ended up with a 5m scrum. Again, Will Tarry picked up the ball but and as he drove over the line and dived to score the try, Old Colfs’ star player managed to rip the ball lose and dot it down for a goal line kick out. From the ensuing play, Sevenoaks were awarded a penalty and the players made the mature decision to kick for the posts, rather than risking Old Colfs getting their hands on the ball again. The penalty kick shaved past the left post but with the ball dead, the referee blew the final whistle. No points scored by either team in the second half but Sevenoaks managing to grind out a win in a very tense and tight game and staying undefeated at the top of their Kent Cup league table.

Squad: Nich McLean, Charlie Andrews, Jacob Bund, Max Gilbey, Arthur Hansen, Conrad Sykes, Kam Satrettin, Will Tarry, Louis Parker, Will Francombe, Sam Keenor, Freddie Rudd, Sam Sherwood, Max Avery, Alex Holden, Fin Thomas, Fionn Daly, James Fry, Jack Davies O'Malley

Old Elthamians RFC U16 7-31 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16

There was more than a whiff of spring in the air on a beautiful morning at the equally beautiful Eltham College as Sevenoaks RFC Under 16s travelled to take on their rivals and fellow Kent title contenders Old Elthamians RFC.

With a close to full strength side ready for their first run out of 2022, Oaks got into their stride early and some surging forward play, at both the maul and in the loose, gave early field position. After some sustained pressure, Oak’s fly half Max Lindsay jinked his way gracefully through the OEs defence to dot down and open the scoring. Oaks full back on the day Angus Hall duly added the extras from in front of the sticks.

After the restart it was again to be the Oaks’ forward pack who asserted themselves. A clever break from Oaks’ captain Kitchen at the front of the lineout catapulted the young Oaks into the OE’s 22 and eventually the men from the Paddock’s prowess at the maul came to fruition as prop Wilson got his name on the scoresheet by converting from the back of a surging drive. Hall made sure it was worth seven.

Next followed some sustained pressure from the OEs attack with their big ball carriers enjoying time on the ball. However, they were met with fierce defence as again and again their attacks were stoically resisted by the navy and golds. Thomas and Skein in particular deserve credit for the intensity and ferocity of their efforts during this period. The Oaks managed to hold out until the half time whistle blew with the score at 0 – 14.

The Navy and golds started the second half much the stronger as their ball players in the back line begun to come to the fore. Finn Stables came off the bench to carry strongly through the centre and some lovely handling in the outside channels from the likes of Johnson and Ebsworth got them up into the 22. It was here that a moment of magic from half back Pearl wowed the large crowd. A big dummy and step saw a gaping hole open in front of him and he duly finished with finesse. Hall again impressively stroked the conversion through the up rights.

It was to be the home side who claimed a claimed a much-deserved score next. After a string of penalties provided them with field position, the men from South East London capitalised on confusion at the back of the lineout to open their account with a seven pointer.

This was a wake-up call to the young Oaks and they again showed their skills in the outside channels with Johnson once more at the centre of things before Alfie Stratton capped an impressive day on the wing by finding a score of his own. After that, as the minutes ticked away, Oaks became slightly wasteful in the gold zone as OEs defence held impressively firm despite significant pressure coming on from the hard carrying visiting forwards. However, the pressure eventually told as captain Kitchen claimed a well deserved try of his own from a pick and go move near the oppositions line. With that, the music stopped with a final score of OEs 7 – Sevenoaks 31.

This was a very competitive match played at high pace and with serious skill levels on show across the field. Both sides showed why they are expected to be close to the top of the standings by the time the bell tolls on the season in April, next up for the Oaks is a visit from Medway on 13th February. 

Squad list: Peter LaTrobe, Andrich Skein, Jack Wilson, Rui Beaufoy, Zac Johnson, Ryan Dixon, Liam Thomas, Frank Kitchen (C), Ben Pearl, Max Lindsay, Alfie Stratton, Sam Sherwood, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Oli Ebsworth, Angus Hall

Subs: Fin Thomas, Jacob Bund, Tom Hewitt, Joe Sussmes, Fin Stables

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16B 36-14 Beckenham RFC U16B - Kent Cup fixture

On a fresh, grey, overcast January morning, Sevenoaks u16B's started their 2021-22 Kent Cup campaign against Beckenham's B team. Sevenoaks started the game in text book fashion when the forwards cleanly collected the ball from the kick-off, before driving and running out of the Sevenoaks half and from the ensuing ruck, scrum half Louis Parker launched a clever box kick to put Beckenham under pressure in their own 22 and Sevenoaks then being awarded a penalty for offside play by the opposition. Sevenoaks kicked for the corner but unfortunately lost the ball at the 5m lineout and Beckenham managed to escape the first onslaught. With the Sevenoaks pack in control, they launched attack after attack but was thwarted by good defence by Beckenham until it was decided to swing the ball wide and outside centre, Chris Barrett, stepped inside his opposite number to score next to the posts. Freddie Rudd converted the try and Sevenoaks led 7-0. Following strong runs by Ryan Dixon, Rui Beaufoy and Fionn Daly, it looked like Sevenoaks was going to run away with the game but every time they managed to lose the ball at a crucial moment or did not make use of the overlap on the outside. Although Sevenoaks looked fully in control of the match, Beckenham started to win more ball and with Sevenoaks being penalised a few times for being offside, the referee handed out a yellow card for Sevenoaks continuously being offside. Even though down to 14 men, Sevenoaks still looked the stronger team and following a scrum close to the Beckenham try line, Sevenoaks attacked with the forwards and Rui Beaufoy drove over for the try. The conversion was missed, Sevenoaks leading 12-0. Sevenoaks then launched an attack from their own 22 and with the backs handling the ball well, full back Alex Holden cut in superbly to break through the Beckenham line and as he passed the ball to the wing with one player to beat, it was unfortunately intercepted and Beckenham's speedy wing ran 60m to score a try against the run of play. Their fly half converted, 12-7 to Sevenoaks. With Sevenoaks back to 15 players, they launched attack after attack but their own inability to make full use of the overlap, costed Sevenoaks a number of try scoring opportunities. When they finally did pass the ball out wide, Sam Keenor scored easily and Rudd added the conversion. 19-7 to Sevenoaks. The half time whistle went soon thereafter.

The second half was a copy of the first half in that Sevenoaks were the dominating team, but could not score due to bad decision making and players wanting to score themselves, rather than passing the ball out wide. With a massive overlap, Freddie Rudd finally burst through for a try and converting his own try, 26-7. Beckenham then launched a few attacks and with their biggest player running at speed at the Sevenoaks line, the smallest Sevenoaks player (Conrad Sykes) cut him down by the ankles to the cheers of the Sevenoaks supporters. Following a number of offside transgressions, Sevenoaks once again lost a player to a yellow card. The game see-sawed until Conrad Sykes picked a clever line and took the ball at pace and scored. The conversion bounced back off the posts, 31-7 to Sevenoaks. Beckenham then launched attack after attack and finally managed to break the Sevenoaks line following a 5m line out, bringing the score to 31-14. From the kick-off Sevenoaks managed to pin Beckenham in their own half and following a penalty, Sevenoaks kicked for a 5m line out. The ever-safe Fionn Daly won a great lineout ball and fed the ball to Alexander Blackmore, who threw a great reverse pass under pressure to the fly half. For once the ball was sent down the backline in text book fashion and Sam Keenor dived over for a try in the corner. A brilliant piece of rugby to finish the match. Sevenoaks won 36-14.

Player of the match for his endless work in the rucks, mauls and defence: Fin Thomas

Squad: Nic McLean, Charlie Andrews, Fin Thomas, Rui Beaufoy, Fionn Daly, James Fry, Kam Satrettin, Ryan Dixon, Louis Parker, Will Francombe, Joe D'Alessio, Freddie Rudd, Chris Barrett, Sam Keenor, Alex Holden, Conrad Sykes, Max Gilbey, Joe Clark, Alex Blackmore, Thomas Flann, Jack Davies O'Malley

Chobham RFC U16s 12-38 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16s

Oaks' Academy U16s travelled to Chobham for a highly anticipated double header on Sunday.

Both clubs had strong player numbers in the age group and both clubs have been their respective county champions for years on the bounce so two competitive fixtures were expected.

After a 5-19 win for the U16Bs in a game so high on quality that passers-by mistook it for an 'A' game, it was the turn of the big(ger) boys.

Sevenoaks started well. A clever strike move from an early scrum got Oaks in behind the Chobham defence and forced a penalty, which was duly pumped deep into the Chobham 22. Much like their older Academy brethren, the 16s have developed a strong driving game at lineout this season. A trademark drive resulted in prop Jack Wilson doing the honours and dropping over the line for Oaks' 1st try. 0-5.

Chobham showed their own quality as they responded immediately. Their combination of powerful carries and a clever short-passing game challenged an Oaks defence so used to teams trying to play around them with big, looping passes. The visitors over-compensated and were caught very tight to the ruck as Chobham worked a clever 3 man play back down the shortside to score a high class try to level the scores at 5-5.

Chobham's attack was causing Oaks a lot of problems and consequently, the penalty count started to go against the Kent team. This resulted in much of a 1st half that had started so well being played in Oaks territory. This eventually told as Chobham went over from close range at the very end of the half after some admittedly gutsy defence from the navy and golds. The conversion was added and the score at half time was 12-5.

The half time messages were simple. Trust our shape in attack and work harder to get width in defence. To their credit, the young Oaks did exactly this in the 2nd half.

The Oaks changes also made an immediate impact as several quick phases led to the ball finding Angus Hall just inside the Chobham half. The quick ruck ball had spread the home defence too thin and Hall took full advantage. He beat 3 defenders on his way to the line before converting his own score to bring Oaks level at 12-12.

Filled with confidence by their fast start, Oaks accelerated their play and more quick phase ball gave Hall the opportunity to find space in behind the home defence with a clever crossfield kick. Winger Oli Ebsworth, who had defended so valiantly in the 1st half, finally got rewarded for his hard work as he won the foot race to the ball and dotted down to score Oaks' 3rd try. Hall added the conversion from out wide and suddenly Oaks were 12-19 up.

At this point, the energy expended by Chobham in their 1st half endeavours started to tell as Oaks carriers, so often chopped to floor or knocked backwards in the 1st half, started to make consistent inroads. Frank Kitchen came to the fore as time after time he carried over the gainline, ably assisted in this duty by Liam Thomas and the impressive Joe Sussmes. During a very impressive final 15 minutes, Hall scored his 2nd try after a typically powerful Kitchen carry and centre Fin Stables got on the scoresheet with a powerful midfield carry of his own to take Oaks into an unassailable 12-33 lead.

The final nail in the coffin for Chobham came for a scrum 5m out from their own line. Big pressure from the Oaks pack led to messy ball for the Chobham kicker who was charged down by flanker Tom Hewitt. Ben Pearl, having moved to 9 after starting at fullback, was first to react and dived on the loose ball to score Oaks' 6th and final try. The final score was 12-38.

This was a hugely impressive performance by Oaks against a very good rugby team. Chobham for their part were dominant for much of the 1st half, this despite them being without a couple of their first-choice players in key positions. Oaks owed this win to their ability to take on half time messages and then more importantly, to act upon them. With more time to train post-Christmas, Oaks can head into their county competition full of confidence.

Squad list: Peter LaTrobe, Andrich Skein, Jack Wilson, Arthur Hansen, Rui Beaufoy, Joe Sussmes, Ryan Dixon, Frank Kitchen (C), Isaac Canham, Max Lindsay, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Brett Smith, Fin Stables, Oli Ebsworth, Ben Pearl

Subs: Fin Thomas, Liam Thomas, Tom Hewitt, Angus Hall, Alfie Stratton

Medway RFC U16s 7-19 Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16s

On a cloudy but dry Remembrance Sunday, the Sevenoaks u16A team came up against a highly motivated Medway team at Medway’s headquarters. The last time the two teams met, was in the Kent Cup semi-finals in 2020, days before the first Covid lockdown and Sevenoaks then walked away with the laurels. Medway was eager to turn the tables on their fierce Kent rivals and the match certainly did not disappoint. Medway kicked off and launched attack after attack but somehow Sevenoaks managed to keep them out. Sevenoaks then conceded a soft penalty but Medway’s kicker could not convert and the scores stayed at 0-0 after 10 minutes. Medway continued to keep the pressure on Sevenoaks and it was not until the 16th minute when Sevenoaks finally managed to take control of the first half. It all started with a well-executed lineout just outside’s Sevenoaks’ 22-meter line and the forward pack, under the leadership of Frank Kitchen, then mauled their opponents more than 30 meters back into their own half. Being finally be able to play more attacking rugby, Sevenoaks launched various attacks just to be stopped short on numerous occasions, including being held up over the Medway try line. Sevenoaks continued their attacking intent which enabled a sneaky scrum half snipe by Isaac Canham to break the deadlock and score under the posts. Angus Hall converted and Sevenoaks led 7-0. Sevenoaks continued to keep Medway in their half and after another good Sevenoaks attack, the frustrations boiled over and a Medway player was shown a red card for hitting out at Canham. The half time whistle followed soon with Sevenoaks 7-0 in the lead. After discussions with match officials, Sevenoaks allowed Medway to replace the red carded player with a replacement in order to keep the spectacle up and both teams with 15 players.

Sevenoaks kicked off the second half with intent and after launching multiple attacks, Fin stables ran a great line off Hall to scored under the posts, with Hall converting. Sevenoaks 14-0 up and in full control of the match. Medway tried to get back into the game and their chance finally came when Raphi Simmonds-Dance was yellow carded for a suspected high tackle. Medway kicked for the Sevenoaks corner and then launched attack after attack at the Sevenoaks line from the resulting lineout. With Sevenoaks pegged back in their own half, Medway played the ball wide and their players and coaching staff were ecstatic for joy when their wing went over in the corner, just for the try to be cancelled due to the player being adjudged by the referee as tackled out over the corner flag. From the resulting 5-meter line out, the superb Sevenoaks lineout machine stuttered for once with the throw-in going loose and Medway stormed through for a soft converted try, bringing the scores to 14-7. Rocked by conceding, Sevenoaks soon found themselves back in their own half fighting to keep Medway from scoring. Medway finally won a penalty and they kicked for the corner, just sending the kick too long allowing Sevenoaks to breathe again. With 5 minutes left to go, the Sevenoaks machine kicked into gear again and after driving Medway back through many phases, they scored with the last play of the match with Oli Ebsworth going over in the corner. The conversion was missed, making the final score 19-7 in Sevenoaks’ favour. A very hard fought and tight match played in a generally good spirit and some very good rugby.

Squad: Peter Latrobe, Andrich Skein, Jack Wilson, Rui Beaufoy, Arthur Hansen (VC), Joe Sussmes (C), Ryan Dixon, Frank Kitchen, Isaac Canham, Angus Hall, Jake Tucker, Sam Sherwood, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Oli Ebsworth, Alfie Stratton

Subs: Fin Thomas, Fin Stables, Tom Hewitt, Alex Holden

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U16Bs 5-47 Warlingham RFC U16s

Sevenoaks were hosting Warlingham for a B team fixture on a nice sunny morning. After a few unplanned pre-match challenges got sorted, the match finally kicked off 10 minutes late but with an even bigger challenge in that Warlingham did not send a B team and their entire team was man for man bigger than the Sevenoaks players.

Within 2 minutes of the kick-off, Warlingham's adult sized centre sprinted through for their first score (0-5). Hoping that this was just early nerves, Sevenoaks kicked off and found themselves soon in trouble again after slick handling by the Warlingham backline and their winger crossing the try line with ease (0-12). Sevenoaks then started to manage to get some procession and going through the phases, but the ball got turned over 5 meters from the Warlingham try line and against the run of play, Warlingham scored their third try with unacceptable ease (0-19). Being determined to fight back, Sevenoaks finally took control of the match and dominated the second part of the first half, with some excellent runs by Alex Holden, Chris Barret, Max Gilbey, Fionn Daly and Liam Thomas to name a few and some great handling by Louis Parker, coming close to scoring twice but unfortunately left down by handling errors under pressure.

Sevenoaks kick-off the second half and was immediately on the attack in Warlingham's 22, but against the run of play, the Warlingham right winger managed to sprint passed his counterpart and soon Sevenoaks were behind their own try line trying to understand how they have managed to concede a try when they were in control (0-26). Sevenoaks then re-took control of the game and launched attack after attack, playing wide flowing rugby trying to tire the much larger Warlingham pack and back line. Resorting to barbarian rugby and running even from penalties, after some excellent individual runs and rucking, Sevenoaks finally got their reward when Fionn Daly went over in the corner (5-26). With their tails up, Sevenoaks were planning a comeback but they were quickly brought back to reality and that they were playing a A team with Warlingham scoring 3 tries in the final 10 minutes to bring the final score line to 5-47.

A tough day at the office in a clearly mis-matched fixture but the boys kept on fighting and a really good performance by the entire team for 85% of the match. The hard lesson learned was that if you dare to slip a first-time tackle against a very good team, they will make you pay. Sevenoaks player of the match: Liam Thomas.

Squad:
Fin Thomas, Charlie Andrews, Dan Featherstone, Fionn Daly, Max Gilbey, Conrad Sykes, Kamren Satrettin, Liam Thomas (Captain), Alex Blackmore, Will Francombe (Vice-captain), Jack Davies-O'Malley, Louis Parker, Chris Barrett, Joe D'Alessio, Alex Holden, Peter Latrobe, Nich Mclean, Joe Clark

Brentwood Tournament Victors!

We arrived at a cold dewy Brentwood on Sunday the 10th October with our first game being against Woodford at 10:30, the boys started very strongly putting 19 points on a hearty Woodford side and conceding nothing, the next game in our 3 team group was Upminster, a greater challenger for the group but we managed to grind out a 0-0 draw putting us through to the cup final to face moldon RFC, Moldon put up a good contest but we ended up winning 14-0 and progressed to the final against the hosts Brentwood, Brentwood posed the biggest challenge of the day scoring almost immediately after the game started putting pressure on the Oaks team, then with some marvellous individual play from Isaac Canham who picked and went through a gap by the ruck and went half the pitch beating the fullback, levelling the scores, we then managed to score two more with some gritty defence and determination ended up winning the contest 21-7 and left Brentwood tournament victors.

Sevenoaks U16 Academy Teams vs. Aylesford Bulls

Aylesford Bulls U16As 7 - 24 Sevenoaks Academy U16As

Sevenoaks travelled to Aylesford Bulls on Sunday 3 October for a double header at Under 16s As and Bs levels.

In the first match the Oaks As enjoyed a rapid start. Collecting the kick off well and recycling down the narrow channel set up field position for Fin Stables to romp through the Bulls cover for a trademark try that Ben Pearl converted. But that strong start did not open the floodgates; actually quite the opposite.

Bulls were tenacious up front and their riposte came in the form of the home side 10 waltzing through the Oaks defence a little too easily. He converted his own try and at 7-7 the game was on.

What followed were a series of disrupted exchanges as both sides sought the ascendency to no avail and they entered the half time break still locked at 7-7.

A few adjustments at the break saw Oaks emerge with a little more composure and patience which soon paid off.

Oli Ebsworth made the breakthrough for Oaks with an outstanding individual break from the half way line to show his turn of pace and with the extras Oaks were 14-7 to the good.

The game then got stuck in a similarly abrasive pattern to the first half until great play by Joe Sussmus in the loose presented Oaks outside half Ben Pearl with the opportunity to run a try in and put the game out of the home side’s reach.

In the final flourishes there was enough time for Oli to add the icing on the cake as he secured his second try to round off an outstanding all round Oaks performance.

Aylesford Bulls U16Bs 12-20 Sevenoaks Academy U16Bs

Having watched the U16A’s win through in a disjointed game, marred by some interesting refereeing, it was deja vu for the U16Bs!

Despite conceding an early try, the boys played with aggression and intent and responded with a well worked try and conversion for captain Thomas after some good offloading and collision wins However, the first half saw an unbelievable penalty count of 9-0 against Oaks culminating in a penalty try to Aylesford. To the legions of Oaks fans, however,  it certainly wasn’t clear and obvious that a try would have been scored. We levelled the scores at 12-12 despite some of their A team coming on, which led to nervy last 5 mins. 

Oaks then shunned a shot at goal much to the dismay of the away fans but were luckily rewarded with another penalty after excellent rucking in their 22. Thomas kicked the goal to make it 15-12. From the restart, Oaks won back possession and then an off load to Thomas led to a final deserved try, 40m and 7 defenders later. Result 20-12 to Sevenoaks…. Overall, an excellent performance from all 18 – all the basics were done extremely well and the lads handled a very frustrating match admirably.

Squad list: Nick McLean, Charlie Andrews, Jacob Bund, Fionn Daly, Max Gilbey, Conrad Sykes, Kam Sattretin, Liam Thomas (C), Alexander Blackmore, Will Francombe, Joe D'Alessio, Chris Barrett, Will Curtis, Sam Keenor, Alex Holden

Subs: Dan Featherstone, Sashan Chandrasekera, Jack Davies-O'Malley