New recruit Tommy Morris had an impressive debut for Oaks 1st XV last weekend against Chichester RFC 1st XV

New recruit Tommy Morris had an impressive debut for Oaks 1st XV last weekend against Chichester RFC 1st XV

As a man who is not one to get carried away with either victory or defeat, Adam Bowman is level in his assessment of the Senior sides matches last weekend, as two out of three sides tasted defeat.  The 4th XV the only side to come away victors, in a match them saw them run out 45-14 victors against the Met Police, and even more importantly raised £300 in memory of PC Keith Palmer.

A performance that frustrated at times, equally Bowman saw areas of Oaks game against Chichester that were encouraging and showed that the hard work in pre-season was bearing fruit.  ‘Look, first and foremost, we were against a very good side in Chichester and we knew it was going to be a game where we had to be at the top of our game to come away with a ‘W’.  They had a number of experienced players who have played at Premier South level for a number of years, so when you give sides with that experiences chances, they will more than often take them.  That said, with just over 10 minutes to go, we were only 18-10 down and well in the game.  We know we made too many errors and the boys know that the focus in training this week will be to cut those out.  If we do that, we will cause teams problems.  But we are not far off.’

Rise to the challenge!  Head Coach Adam Bowman has challenged his squad to cut out errors and rise to the challenge of the local derby against Maidstone RFC 1st XV this weekend.  Photo Credit: David Purday

Rise to the challenge!  Head Coach Adam Bowman has challenged his squad to cut out errors and rise to the challenge of the local derby against Maidstone RFC 1st XV this weekend.  Photo Credit: David Purday

Oaks 1st XV now entertain Maidstone 1st XV this weekend at the Paddock and Bowman and his charges are excited by the prospect of locking horns with their local rivals.  ‘There is no better way of picking ourselves up after a defeat with the thought of playing in a local derby on Saturday, in front of our home support’ said Bowman.  ‘They had a really good start at home to Old Colfieans so no doubt will come to us with a lot of confidence.  But we had a good session on Tuesday, as the boys reacted well and we’ve challenged ourselves to amend the errors from Saturday and put in a better performance.  Maidstone sides will always test you physically, and they have some canny operators out wide, so we are hoping it will be an enjoyable game for those that come along to watch.’

Leader of the Pack.  Sean Derrick led the 1st XV on Saturday

Leader of the Pack.  Sean Derrick led the 1st XV on Saturday

‘The same is can be said for the 2nd XV.  I think the guys were disappointed to come away with a loss, although they competed well with a side that is in London 2.  Competition for places is so high in the squad at the moment, so we’ll be looking for a good performance over at Charlton Park this weekend which will hopefully put some more players in the shop window for 1st XV selection next week.’

‘The result by the 4th XV, against a good MET Police team, shows the talent and strength in depth through the Club.  I know that is a very special fixture to that team, with PC Keith Palmer a colleague of Chris Bright, and no matter what the result, to raise money and remember PC Palmer is something we should be very proud of as a Club.  Long may it continue.’

 

The latest Sevenoaks RFC 1st XV match report can be found by clicking here

Sevenoaks RFC Senior Team Fixtures | Saturday 9th September 2017

1500hrs              Sevenoaks RFC 1st XV v. Maidstone RFC 1st XV

1500hrs              Charlton Park RFC 2nd XV v. Sevenoaks RFC 2nd XV

1300hrs              Sevenoaks 4th XV v. Westcombe Park 3rd XV

 

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