Well, what an exciting set of matches last weekend. A clean sweep of victories with the Gents winning a tight match away at Medway, the Seconds coming from behind to beat Canterbury and the Firsts edging a thriller against league leaders Dorking with the last kick of the game. Enough excitement to keep out the cold ……almost!
The boys have been preparing for this week’s fixtures, which see the Gents hosting Ashford, the Second XV entertaining Medway and the Firsts making the trip to Tring. Oaks remain 5th in London & SE Premier with three fixtures left before Christmas, but our focus is very much on the visit to the attractively named Cow Lane to face a team who are having a strong season themselves, with 7 wins so far. It will be another tough fixture.
Regardless of the fact weather conditions were horrendous last weekend, we were delighted to keep Dorking try-less. Our defence this season has been a great strength (leading the league with less than 12 points conceded per game) and we will need to be on our mettle for this difficult away trip.
Team selection this week sees George Flatman and Josh Baldock start in the pack for Stu Coleman and Sean Derrick. Behind the scrum, Henry Galligan and Ollie Shirtcliff start at 9/10, with Patrick moving to 15. James Fotheringham comes onto the bench after returning from injury.
Just a final word on the support the teams received from the Oaks supporters at the Paddock last weekend. Those who cheered on the Seconds in the biting wind and for the tremendous support that helped us over the line against Dorking (you even get a mention in the Dorking match report!) …thank you. If you can make the short 75 mile trip to Tring that would be appreciated😊
We will do our best to bring as much excitement this weekend, on what looks like being another freezing day of rugby.
