This weekend saw both our U18 Girls and U16 Girls win the Kent Cup and Plate in two entertaining and impressive games of rugby played at The Paddock!
U18’s
On Sunday, the Under 18’s had their toughest game of the Kent season in the Cup Final against a well drilled BeccsValley team.
BeccsValley had most of the ball in the first 15 minutes but the BullOaks defence remained strong and organised. After a big first quarter the BullOaks found their feet and started advancing in attack, which resulted in a superbly well worked try by Niamh Sutherland in the first half.
The second half started in the same way as the first half ended with the BullOaks on the front foot. This game was never going to be a try fest with both teams so proficient in defence. BullOaks tested BeccsValley's resolve with phase after phase of attack. Eventually Bulloaks were rewarded with an exceptionally well worked try off a set piece, dividing BeccsValley defenders with Imogen Mockford racing over the line to score BullOaks second try. Both trys were masterfully converted by Niamh Sutherland taking the final score to 14-0.
The U18 Girls have won the Kent League and Cup for three years running. What a great way to finish the league and cup season, adding to the successful history of the U18's campaign in this competition.
The last part of this teams journey this season is the Kent 7’s, and we wish them all the very best.
U16’s
Sevenoaks Under 16 Girls finished the season off with a hard fought victory in the Kent Plate Final against local rival Tonbridge Juddians.
An early kick off at the paddock in glorious sunshine set the tone for the day with lots of tries and running rugby. Sevenoaks opened their account with a try from Sienna Bennett ably converted by Olivia Norley. TJs answered with a try in the corner to make the score 5-7 to Sevenoaks. This back and forth continued throughout the game with Daisy Dennis dotting down and the extras coming from Olivia. TJs responded with a converted try to make it 14-12.
After some great defensive work from the Sevenoaks pack, the ball was turned over inside TJ’s 22 and Lucy Aleppo scored out wide, followed almost immediately by TJs scoring to go in at halftime with the score 17-19 to Sevenoaks.
The second half was just as equally matched with the TJ’s fly half kicking superbly from hand and putting the Sevenoaks backline under pressure which they managed to weather well until a break down on the left wing by Emelia Smith who offloaded from the floor to Jess Carroll who dived over into the corner for a fantastic team try. 17-24.
The next 15 minutes showed serious grit and determination by both sides with the play rarely entering either 22 due to some massive defensive efforts. TJs then scored one under the posts after a break away run through the middle which was again converted to make the score 24-24 with five minutes to go.
Just as both teams were preparing for extra time, TJs took advantage of a penalty taken quickly and scored almost under the posts. TJ’s flyhalf, put off by an effective charge down, uncharacteristically missed the conversion making the score 29-24 to TJs. With mere seconds left on the clock, Darcey Rummun scythed through the opposition backline to put the ball down under the posts and Olivia Norley handled the pressure admirably to slot the extras for a well deserved victory. 29-31 to Sevenoaks.
Lifting the plate at the Paddock was a fitting end to a fantastic season. With the Kent Sevens coming up, we wish the girls the very best of luck and huge congratulations for their progress this year.
