Sevenoaks Rugby Club Welcomes New Sponsors: The Rock Inn Chiddingstone

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is thrilled to announce a new partnership with The Rock Inn Chiddingstone, a beloved local pub in the Chiddingstone community, renowned for its warm ambiance, delicious food, and a wide selection of beverages. This historic establishment has been at the heart of the Chiddingstone village for generations, making it the perfect partner for Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

"We are extremely excited to welcome The Rock Inn Chiddingstone as our newest sponsor," said Adam Bowman, Commercial Director of Sevenoaks Rugby Club. "Their commitment to the local community mirrors our own, and we look forward to supporting and working with each other. Adam continues "As part of the partnership, our members will be able to benefit from a 10% discount Monday to Friday when visiting The Rock Inn Chiddingstone on presentation of your membership card.

Laurence Bowes, owner of The Rock Inn Chiddingstone said "The Rock Inn Chiddingstone is a proud supporter of the Mighty Oaks and looks forward to a long supportive relationship. As a community pub representing rural Kent it is our shared love of sport that keeps communities like ours together and no better a partnership in my mind than Sevenoaks Rugby Club and the Mighty Rock".

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Hosts Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival

Sevenoaks Rugby Club hosted the annual Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival yesterday, an event which showcased the talents and enthusiasm of budding young rugby players from local primary schools, promoting the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The festival, held on Monday 9th October, brought together primary school students from the Sevenoaks area for an afternoon of friendly competition and sportsmanship. The event featured teams from various local primary schools, including Chevening, Otford, Ide Hill, St Johns, St Georges, St Katharines, Kemsing, Lady Boswells, Seal, Weald, Anthony Roper, Shoreham, Amherst, St Lawrence, Ightham, Churchill, Chiddingstone, Leigh, all of whom displayed impressive skills.

The festival was not just about winning; it was a platform for young local athletes to learn and grow while fostering a love for rugby. It also aimed to promote the values of teamwork, respect, and fair play that rugby instills in its participants.

Adam Bowman, Director of Rugby of Sevenoaks Rugby Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, "We are thrilled to have hosted this wonderful festival for the local primary schools. It's fantastic to see so many young children enjoying rugby and learning valuable life skills through the sport. We are proud to be a part of their rugby journey".

The festival was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of Clare Strange (the tournament organiser), Sevenoaks Rugby Club, Sevenoaks School, the participating schools, Aztech Group for providing the festival trophy, and Sevenoaks Town Council who kindly provided the pitches at no cost. The club would like to extend its gratitude to all volunteers, coaches, teachers, parents, and spectators who contributed to the success of the event.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club remains committed to fostering a love for rugby at all levels and ages within the community. The Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival serves as a testament to this commitment.

September's Wagamama Player of the Month - BARNEY STONE

 PLAYER OF THE MONTH 

Congratulations to Barney Stone ho has been voted as September's @wagamama_uk Sevenoaks Player of the Month after some outstanding displays throughout the first block of the season.

Enjoy Barney!

A reminder, all Sevenoaks Rugby Club members can benefit from a 20% discount when dining at Wagamama Sevenoaks on presentation of your membership card!

Pearl's Corner - 06/10/23

A WARM WELCOME TO NORTH WALSHAM RFC

We welcome back everyone involved with North Walsham Rugby Club, one of our fellow basement dwellers from last season. We both survived the cut last April and it looks like it might just be a case of dejas vu come Spring 2024.  

Our opponents will have travelled 150 miles to get here, but they will be used to extended coach journeys as they are the northernmost club in our division.  Knowing what is at stake no doubt the coach party from Norfolk will have set off early to avoid delays en route.  

Nicknamed The Vikings, presumably due to overseas visitors coming ashore many centuries ago, our guests started life as late as 1962 under the guidance of a local headmaster, Ken Marshall and the resident policeman John Mansfield.  The plan was to tickle the interest of the Walsham youth in rugby.  History relates that several families were somewhat daunted by John, in full uniform, knocking on doors on a Friday night asking if any lads were at home.

Starting off on school pitches, presumably courtesy of Ken, the club soon moved to Scottow their present home.  The early fixture lists comprised all the local Norfolk teams and the club thrived.  Pre leagues success was capped in 1984 by lifting both the Norfolk and Eastern Counties Cups.  

The advent of leagues in 87/88 gave The Vikings the impetus to move rapidly skywards, eventually involving 18 consecutive seasons in the National Leagues. That run came to an end in 10/11 and for the next eight terms they oscillated mainly between Levels 5 and 6.  However, a stellar but Covid induced and abbreviated 19/20 campaign saw the Vikings gallop away with London 1 North.  The 21/22 London & South East Premier promotion contest was epic and both our clubs prevailed, so for 22/23 it was inevitable that they would be finding their feet in elevated surroundings.    

Both of us have had difficult starts to this season so the points on offer today will be keenly contested and most welcome for whoever prevails.  No matter the outcome today our two clubs will continue to serve the community and retain our integrity by operating within our own defined financial and moral guidelines. 

Howard Pearl

Other National 2 East matches being played today:

Bury St Edmunds v Esher                                     Canterbury v Dorking

Guernsey v Worthing                                            Henley v Tonbridge Juddian

Old Albanian v Wimbledon                                    Westcombe Park v Barnes 

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is pleased to announce that CHS Networks have extended their partnership for Season 2023/24

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is pleased to announce that CHS Networks have extended their partnership for Season 2023/24

CHS Networks is an established and expanding IT support services company, providing corporate strength IT solutions to a vast array of businesses in London and the South East.  These range from a simple PC installation to a multi-site WAN solution.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "Neil & CHS Networks continue to play a significant role in supporting the club and we are delighted they have extended the partnership for Season 2023/24.

Neil Schwemm, Managing DIrector of CHS Networks, said: "CHS Networks Limited, a leading provider of Managed IT Support Services, is delighted to announce its ongoing commitment to Sevenoaks Rugby Club. This partnership reinforces our dedication to promoting community engagement, sportsmanship, and the growth of rugby in the Sevenoaks region.

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Announces Two-Year Extension of Partnership with Warners Solicitors

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce the extension of our partnership with Warners Solicitors for an additional two years. This extension reaffirms the strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the club and Warners Solicitors, highlighting their shared commitment to the local community and the development of rugby in the region.

Since the initiation of this partnership, Warners Solicitors has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Sevenoaks Rugby Club. The continued support from Warners Solicitors has enabled the club to invest in vital resources, nurture young talent, and enhance the overall experience for players and supporters.

"We are delighted to have extended our sponsorship deal with Sevenoaks RFC" said Kirsty Humphrey, Marketing Manager at Warners Solicitors.  "We have been involved with the club for a number of years and we are thrilled to have been a part of their journey. It is great for Warners to be able to show support to the Sevenoaks community and a real grass-roots club like Sevenoaks RFC".

Sevenoaks Rugby Club expressed their gratitude for Warners Solicitors unwavering support. Adam Bowman, Commercial Director at Sevenoaks Rugby Club, stated, "Warners Solicitor has been an exceptional partner, and their commitment to our club and community is truly commendable. This extension ensures our continued growth and development, and we are excited about the prospects it brings."

Yours in rugby

Ideal Mats LTD Joins Sevenoaks Rugby Club Family: A Winning Partnership

Dear Members,

Ideal Mats LTD Joins Sevenoaks Rugby Club Family: A Winning Partnership

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Ideal Mats LTD, a leading provider of high-quality entrance mats and flooring solutions. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Ideal Mats LTD into the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family," said Adam Bowman, Commercial Director of Sevenoaks Rugby Club. "This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering connections within our community and strengthening the foundations of our club. Ideal Mats shares our vision for excellence both on and off the field, making them the ideal partner as we continue to grow and prosper."

Bernt Bouverie, Owner of Ideal Mats LTD, expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership: "At Ideal Mats, we believe in the power of partnerships that bring people together. Sevenoaks Rugby Club's dedication to building a strong and inclusive community aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to contribute to the club's success and look forward to sharing many memorable moments on and off the field with players, fans, and the entire Sevenoaks community."

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Bowman's Blog - 29/09/23

As we approach the end of the first month of the season, we have experienced a challenging opening few weeks. The results for all three senior teams have been mixed, but it is early days in the season for the senior squad. 
I have been very pleased with the additions to the squad over the summer and our early season efforts to compete in National 2 East and Counties 2 Kent leagues. The boys are training well and continue to work on new combinations and on field relationships. That said, it is about results and we are entirely focussed on securing wins and putting points on the board . 
Last weekend Oaks teams experienced mixed results. The 2s narrowly lost to Westcombe Park at The Paddock, whilst the 3s bagged a win. Unfortunately, despite staying in the game for an hour, the 1s lost heavily away to Bury St Edmunds . This was the another defeat on the back a big loss at home to Old Albanians the previous week. Despite many good aspects in these games, we failed to deliver a consistency of performance and the organisation needed defensively during the whole game. As a result the Firsts sit thirteenth in the league with one win from four.
This weekend the Second XV travel to Park House and the First XV welcome early season in form Henley, who boast a 3 and 1 record. There are no easy games in National 2, and the squad is fully committed to competing with established teams, like Henley, in this league. We know the key is to be disciplined for the full 80 minutes, maintaining the high intensity needed. 
Whilst we have added to the squad this summer to replace the retirees and leavers, I am delighted we have eighteen home grown players playing in our First XV & Second XV teams tomorrow - a stat we should all be hugely proud of!
We would be delighted to see you at The Paddock on Saturday. Please come and support us and. Make some noise!

COYO

Adam

Pearl's Corner - 29/09/23

A WARM WELCOME TO HENLEY RFC

We give a warm Knole Paddock welcome to The Hawks for the second time, following their initial visit last term.

When we first met last year Henley also just happened to be the 100th different club we played against in League competition since it all started in September 1987.  No prizes for trying to guess all those names, but I wonder how many serial attendees can list the six other 1st XVs we have played in league matches that start with the letter ‘H’?

Old Henleiensians was formed in 1930 for the usual Old Boys clubs’ reason that the recent alumni wanted to continue playing rugby after school.   Competitive matches were played up to WW2 when the club disbanded but then reformed in 1954, for the same reason as previously.  Then, as with several other Old Boys clubs, they went “open” in 1963 and changed their name to Henley – probably much to the relief of other clubs’ fixture secretaries and spell checkers.  All this coincided with their big move to Dry Leas where they have resided ever since.

Henley started League life in South West 2, equivalent to Level 6.  Then, in 1990 Sir Clive Woodward took over the coaching role, with almost instant results. Promotion was gained in 1992 and again in 1994 to achieve National Leagues status.  After Woodward departed to pursue his ambitions, two further promotions were gained to land them in Allied Dunbar 2, now The Championship.  

As they moved up the RFU pyramid, in 1997 The ”Hawks” monicker was added to their name.

The Hawks’ final break with The Championship was in 2005 and since then they have oscillated between Levels 3 and 4, including four consecutive seasons in which they were relegated and promoted twice each.

This is now The Hawks’ seventh season on the trot in Level 4 and, with a 3-1 record so far, continue to be one of the stronger sides in our division.  We did lower their colours at home last November, so a repeat performance would not go amiss for the Knole Paddock faithful.

An intriguing Level 4 match between the established and the sophomore awaits.    

Howard Pearl

Other National League 2 East Division matches being played today:

Dorking v Westcombe Park                         Esher v Old Albanian

North Walsham v Barnes                            Tonbridge Juddian v Bury St Edmunds    

Wimbledon v Guernsey                              Worthing v Canterbury

Aztech Group extends partnership for Season 2023/24!

Dear Members,

Aztech Group extends partnership for Season 2023/24!

Aztech Group, based in Sevenoaks, are a professional arboriculture and forestry contractor covering the Home Counties and London, offering services such as Domestic and Commercial tree works, site clearance, woodland management and arboriculture surveys

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "Aztech Group play a significant role in supporting the club and we are delighted they have extended for Season 2023/24!  A reminder to members that you can benefit from a 15% discount with Aztech Group."

Adam Ashworth, Owner of Aztech Group, said: "We are very proud to be extending our sponsorship for another season…supporting the club the last few years has been a real pleasure. It’s been great to see the team establish itself at this new level, and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve this coming season!"

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Allianz Inner Warrior! 22nd of October 2-4pm! Calling all women - come down & try rugby!!

When? 22nd of October from 2-4pm for all women to come down and try rugby!

Looking for a new challenge and sick of training alone?

Why not become part of a team?

Come train with us and let your new teammates help you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

No previous experience necessary - just come down and have fun!!

Booking can be made through the Facebook page here!

Sevenoaks Rugby Club are pleased to announce The Athlete Media Group have extended their partnership!

Dear Members,

The Athlete Media Group is a leading sports marketing agency representing elite British & international athletes.  With a current portfolio of 78 athletes in 35 sports they work with a unique blend of Olympic medallists, world champions, World Cup winners, world record holders, rising stars & retired sports people including former Sevenoaks RFC women’s & England U20 scrum-half, Tori Sellors.  AMG works with these athletes to help them build their personal brands, enhance their media profiles and establish strong business partnerships to support their careers in sport & beyond.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are thrilled The Athlete Media Group have extended our partnership and are very excited to continue our journey supporting each other."

Mark Middlemas, CEO & Founder of The Athlete Media Group, said: "Sevenoaks RFC are the epitome of a community rugby club with ambitious plans on & off the field. We are delighted to extend our partnership across the 23/24 season & wish the club every success for the season ahead.”

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Sevenoaks Rugby Club are delighted to announce that Chris Potter Country Sports have extended their partnership.

Dear Members,

Sevenoaks Rugby Club are delighted to announce that Chris Potter Country Sports have extended their partnership.

Chris Potter Country Sports, based in Tunbridge Wells, are a leading retailer in shotguns, rifles, airguns, country clothing and accessories.  

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Chris Potter Country Sports, who continue to play a significant role in growing our playing & support services across the club.  Do not forget that members are able to benefit from a 15% discount on all clothing, footwear and accessories."

Charles Harris, Owner of Chris Potter Country Sports, said: "We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of Sevenoaks Rugby football club for another year. Over the last few years we have enjoyed seeing the growth of the club from the under five, girls and ladies teams, up to the senior squad and management. We hope for another successful season in national 2 and looking forward to many lunches, pints and supporting the SRFC at the paddock

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Bowman's Blog - 15/09/23

I am sure you are all enjoying being part of community rugby while following the best international teams slugging it out for the Webb Ellis trophy (although I was shocked to hear this week William didn’t actually invent our glorious game!). Also note to self - we must practice drop goals 😀

We are two weeks into the new season and are already seeing how competitive it will be in the weeks and months ahead. The Firsts have one win and one defeat, 4 league points to date, and the Seconds have the same record in their two warm-up games.

I am confident our summer recruitment and preparations will stand us in good stead for the season ahead. Despite a number of retirements and one or two departures, we have added some new faces, welcomed a number of returners and enjoyed seeing the maturation of younger players. This gives us a strong squad able to compete at National 2 and Counties 2 Kent. An exciting season ahead.

I have been asked what our goals are for the 2023/4 season. We are ambitious, so the 2s competing for the title and the 1s improving on last season’s finish are sensible objectives.

This weekend sees the Second XV travel to Dartford for their first league fixture of the season. The First XV welcome Old Albanians, a team we lost to in a close encounter at the Paddock last year. It is important both Oaks teams get points on the board and build momentum in the early weeks of the season.

The weather on Saturday looks set to be a lukewarm mid 20s, compared to a sizzling 30 plus last weekend. This should allow us to play exciting rugby, entertaining what we hope will be a big crowd at the Paddock.

See you at the Paddock, for the 1s and the 3s game (v Askean) on Saturday.

Pearl's Corner - 15/09/23

A WARM WELCOME TO OLD ALBANIAN RFC

We played a number of new opponents last season, but now firmly set in the National Leagues we can anticipate regular visits from clubs we would previously only come across in cup tie situations.  Old Albanian RFC is one such club and we are delighted to welcome all involved to Knole Paddock for the second time.

St Albans School was founded in 948, and is reputed to be the second oldest school in the country behind King’s School Canterbury.  Rugby was played at the school from the end of the 19th century and, as with many others soon after the end of WW1, a group of former pupils formed their own ruby club so that they could continue playing in adulthood.  The year was 1924 so congratulations in advance to OAs for their centenary – one year older than SRFC.

Their first changing rooms were a converted Great War barracks hut which they managed to survive in for quite some time.  A new ground north of St Albans was acquired in the late 50s, together with a self-built accommodation, similar to our story in the late 70s.  In 1974, while retaining their name, the Club went “open” and increased its playing strength to accommodate six teams weekly.

OAs have a proud playing history, especially since the turn of this century, which coincided with the sale of their ground for housing development.  After playing nomadically in 2000, they joined up with the school and moved to Cheapside Farm, since renamed Woollams in honour of a major school benefactor.

That move was celebrated in style by promotion to London 1.  Solid improvement was maintained for the next decade and in 2010/11 National Leagues status was achieved.  Since then OAs have oscillated between Levels 3 and 4, always turning out strong and competitive sides. 

Saracens use their facilities for training, which has resulted in a strong connection with the Premiership outfit.  Current international and well-known players including Maro Itoje, Nathan Earle, Nick Iswieke, and Max Malins have all pulled on the Old Albanians shirt, while a number of Saracens Academy boys now make guest appearances from time to time.

Both sides have one win from the two outings to date, and all four matches have been close run affairs. Today will offer a good examination of both XVs’ credentials as the embryonic season begins to take shape.  Another exciting afternoon awaits.

 Howard Pearl

Other National League 2 East Division matches being played today:

Esher v Canterbury                           Henley v Bury St Edmunds

North Walsham v Dorking                 Tonbridge Juddian  v Guernsey  

Wimbledon v Westcombe Park         Worthing v Barnes  

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce a long term partnership with Handelsbanken Sevenoaks!

Dear Members,

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce a long term partnership with Handelsbanken Sevenoaks!

Handelsbanken, established in 1871, is a local relationship bank, built on satisfied customers, financial strength and sustainable values.  They support local communities across the country, helping individuals and businesses with their financial needs.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Handelsbanken to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family, and excited for our members to benefit from the excellent financial services on offer in the heart of Sevenoaks!

Daniel Batchelor, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken Sevenoaks, said: "Handelsbanken Sevenoaks are delighted to be partnering up with SRFC under a new long term sponsorship agreement.  The opportunity to work with the club over the coming years was too big an opportunity to miss.  They have built a fantastic sponsorship programme which helps benefits all parties and we are delighted to help the club achieve its growing ambitions.  We wish all the teams and members an enjoyable and successful season." 

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce that Sevenoaks Medical Centre have extended their partnership.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club are proud to announce that Sevenoaks Medical Centre have committed to supporting our club for another season! A key partner in the well being of both players and members alike, we are delighted to have this local business on board for another year!

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director, Adam Bowman, commented: “We are delighted Sevenoaks Medical Centre (SMC) have recommitted for Season 2023/24. SMC have played a significant role in supporting the club in recent years and we are delighted to be extending the partnership.”

Debbie Anderson, General Manager of Sevenoaks Medical Centre said “It is fantastic that we are sponsoring Sevenoaks Rugby Club for the third consecutive season. It is imperative we establish and maintain community links and support the health and wellbeing needs of the community as well as championing the younger generation who participate in the Club’s community programmes.”

Click on the image above for their full press release!

🏆 PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🏆

Congratulations to Drew Mercer who has been voted as August's Wagama’s Sevenoaks Player of the Month, as voted for by the senior squad, after some outstanding effort and performances throughout pre season!

Enjoy that well deserved meal Drew!

A reminder, all Sevenoaks Rugby Club members can benefit from a 20% discount when dining at Wagamama Sevenoaks on presentation of your membership card!