Sunday 10th April 2022
The Mote, Willow Way
CUP Final: 4.00pm
Sevenoaks v Westcombe Park
*** From little Acorns grow old OAKS***
I have often been asked why the Sevenoaks Veterans team are called the "Acorns" and whilst the story has changed over many years it seems it is because once you reach the dizzy heights of Vets Rugby you like to roll back the years and pretend you can still play with the skill and pace of younger days!
Most of us started our rugby through mini and junior ages at some point although for some of us there are only black and white photos to prove this and nothing on social media! Vets Rugby is officially from the age of 35 and you can play for as long as the body is able which is usually shorter than the mind thinks it can! You usually find the changing room is over flowing with tape and deep heat and strapping the old muscles can sometimes take longer than the warm up! Jack Mortassagne has played 25 seasons for the Vets with Rob Thurnell a close 23 seasons! I'll let you do the maths..
The Acorns is a very special part of Sevenoaks Rugby and you will find some big names on the honours list like Trevor, Woolybags, Howard, Roger and the man credited with starting it back in 1975 Peter Hunt (deceased) The longest serving Captain/Manager was Alasdair Bray from 96/97 to 03/04 for 8 seasons and his reign saw the Acorns compete in the "Evergreen cup" reaching the finals a number of times but failing to win the main cup, although we were plate cup winners in 2010 (see photos).
There have been many tours over the years visiting France, Spain, Georgia, Belgium, Holland and even Bahamas and South Africa! The touring and social side is such a big part of vets rugby and there has been a strong representation at international and national competitions with a number of Sevenoaks Vets representing Kent at last years National vets wooden spoon tournament - Kent crowned the winners!
More recently the Acorns have enjoyed enormous success in the Spitfire Kent Vets competition, reaching the finals day 5 out of the last 6 years and wining the plate once and the main cup twice - hoping to make it a hattrick on Sunday! And whilst the pace of the game is slightly slower than the 1st team! There is no less passion or desire to win and now and again you will see a piece of skill as if we were in our 20's again! The lads would be grateful for any support on Sunday and if you previously played and miss the smell of deep heat and the beers after a good game then please contact me, we are always looking for more people to discuss "How good we used to be!"
We are always looking for new players - if you are interested, please contact:
Miles Hayward
