I am sure Oak’s supporters, like all players and coaches, were pleased to get back to rugby last week. We were delighted to see wins from the First and Second XVs against CS Stags 1863 and Bournemouth respectively, whilst the Gents suffered a defeat and a tough day at the office at Thanet. It was difficult weather conditions for all, but some great Rugby was played.
This week’s fixtures see the Firsts make the long journey to face a very good Havant team, the Seconds meet Tonbridge Juddians and the Gents play Dover. All very competitive matches, the boys will need to be at their best to get a result.
The Havant match will take place on their 4G pitch which is likely to make the game a free flowing affair, which will suit the style of play our 1st XV like to play. However we know it will be a battle, with the match earlier in the season at The Paddock a good indicator, with Oaks running out 22-7 winners. We will need to do the basics well on Saturday and compete with a strong Havant pack. It is always a good trip down to Hampshire, with the hosts offering a warm welcome off the pitch but a real challenge on it! We are pleased to be getting some of our injured players back, close to first team readiness but still have a deep squad to choose from for both matches. A strong team will be out at Tonbridge, whilst the Firsts team news sees Matt McRae, Matt Holmes, and Josh Livett return to the starting lineup, and Adam King onto the bench for his first cap after impressiving in the 2nd XV.
The Firsts currently sit 3rd in the London & SE Premier league, although North Walsham, 4 points behind, have played one game less than Oaks. It will be a fascinating week with the top 2 teams playing each other, but we need to focus on our own fixture to keep the pressure on those ahead of us in the league.
With the journey down to Hampshire a mere 87 miles 😊 all support will be appreciated by the boys. Alternatively for a match closer to home, the Seconds would be delighted to see you at Tonbridge to cheer them on against our local rivals.
Adam
