After securing promotion last season with a 2nd-place finish in Counties 5 Kent, Sevenoaks 3rd XV have their sights firmly set on back-to-back promotions as they compete in Counties 4 Kent this year. With just three games remaining, the 3s currently sit top of the table.
This campaign has seen a number of new faces join the squad, while some experienced — and increasingly familiar — players have also returned to the setup. As with many evolving teams, the season began with a few challenges. A rocky start saw the side suffer a couple of early defeats and draws as the squad worked to build chemistry and understand how best to play together.
However, week by week the group has continued to develop. Performances have improved steadily as combinations have settled and confidence has grown within the squad. Through consistency and determination, the 3s have gradually closed the gap on early league leaders Cliffe and have now climbed to the top of the table.
3s captain James Anderson reflected on the team’s progress this season: “The goal at the start of the season was simply to secure our place in the league after being promoted last year. But quite early on it became clear we had the strength and talent in the squad not just to compete in this league, but to push to finish at the top. The lads have turned up every week and delivered for each other, and that’s been a huge part of why we’ve been able to put ourselves in this position.”
Attention now turns to what could be the defining fixture of the season. On 21st March, Sevenoaks 3rd XV host Cliffe at The Paddock in a crucial clash that could go a long way in deciding the destination of the Counties 4 Kent title.
With promotion within touching distance, the 3s will be eager to put in a strong performance in front of a home crowd and maintain their position at the summit as the season enters its final stages.
