Our current all conquering 1st XV have achieved unprecedented heights this season and are on the brink of equalling our top side’s record League winning streak set over 25 years ago. We were playing at a lower level than now which makes today’s potential milestone even more commendable, but records stand whenever achieved and are there to be broken.
Thinking of such a record those of us longer in the tooth than most can reminisce on the most unlikely of similar achievements created by one of our lower teams also 25 years ago. In those days Sevenoaks RFC fielded six sides every week and on 1st February, 1997 our Extra A XV (the 4th team of the 6) lost to Cranbrook thus ending an epic 42 matches unbeaten run stretching back almost two years to March 1995.
With few if any players at that level training it was up to the Captain and a few trusted lieutenants to pull together a motley crew and send them out to battle each week.
Charlie Marchetti, in those days probably the only rugby player of Italian origin we knew but speaking in a broad Scottish accent, was the inspirational Captain of his sidedespite only jetting in almost every Friday evening from his work in Milan.
In Charlie’s first report he said “our mission was to enjoy rugby” and he carried that mantra throughout his tenure. Familiar names of yesteryear like Russ Goater, Alex Sherman and Richard Ewence crop up in Charlie’s extensive reviews while of current luminaries Billy Belither, Roger McKerlie and Paul Vizard also receive due praise.
He has a full paragraph on Rob Pearl who “first and foremost deserves special mention as unsung hero. Only through his persistence and patience were we able to field a side consistently each Saturday, despite the inevitable changes since selection”.
Of the non players, Chris Birch “has to be recognised as a cornerstone to our triumph. In his weekly role as “God” he was instrumental in helping to keep the important nucleus of our team together.” Charlie was also extremely proud that President Peter Hunt and ChairmanAlan Townsend showed such a keen regard in the team’s performances.
It is also so heartening that the majority of those mentioned above are still with us in fact and in spirit.
Charlie also wrote: “One consistent factor throughout has been the infrastructure of our Rugby Club which we could rely on to provide the framework where we have built our success.” So in many ways plus ca change, plus la meme chose as Mike Wooldridge and Trevor Nicholson and the present Committee are equally proud of every team that represents the Mighty Oaks. We are living with head spinning success these days and with a history of inclusiveness that is the envy of our fellow rugby clubs.
There is no better way to close than quote Charlie’s finalsign off after his unbeaten season of 1995/96: Thank you for your friendship and support – FORZA!
Played 42 Won 41Drawn 1Lost 0 Points For 1,576 Against 390