CS Rugby 1863 27- 15 Sevenoaks 1st XV

Last Saturday saw Oaks travel to the banks of the river Thames in West London to take on high flying CS Rugby 1863. Oaks were looking to extend their recent winning streak to four matches whilst the hosts were aiming to hit back hard after a shock loss last week to Maidstone.

The first stanza was in large part, played out in the Oaks half. For much of the time it was a case of irresistible force foundering on immovable object. The first score of the day went to the hosts once Oaks winger Short had been carded for transgressing the offside line. They quickly made the extra man tell and registered a second soon after to make the score 12-0 just prior to the half. 

Head Coach Adam Bowman gives his thoughts post match as Sevenoaks 1st XV lose to CS Rugby 27-15

Oaks, now back to a full compliment, struggled to achieve field position but when they did a well worked move between Owen and Derrick saw Saunders saunter unopposed under the black dot and send the visitors into the half trailing by 5 points. 12-7 to CS Rugby at the break.

Oaks started the second half much the brighter of the two sides with Power going particularly close to ruffling the whitewash, however if was CS who caused the scoreboard to click round first through a penalty kick and a well worked set play that sent their blindside winger on a mazey run across the pitch to score in the opposite corner. 20-7 to the hosts.

On 60 minutes Oaks were awarded a penalty which allowed them to push deep into enemy territory and after a number of near misses Edwards crossed the try line for his first ever 1st XV score.  Much like London buses, Oaks were awarded another penalty soon after and Saunders stepped up to knock over the kick. 20-15 and the hosts now well and truly rattled.

Sevenoaks 1st XV Captain Stuart Coleman and scrum half Oliver Shirtcliff give their thoughts post match after Oaks loss to CS Rugby

However, despite Oaks pushing hard and having a number of chances to register the go ahead score the hosts kept their heads and line intact and scored themselves with the final play of the day. This was a dagger to the Oaks hearts as it removed a well deserved bonus point from the visitors grasp. Final score 27-15.  

Squad

1 Rolfe

2 Sedgwick

3 Power

4 Coleman

5 Naismith T

6 Derrick

7 Desmith

8 Humble

9 Shirtcliff

10 Phoenix

11 Short

12 Tree

13 Osgood

14 Owen

15 Saunders

16 Simmons J

17 Henley

18 Edwards

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