Sevenoaks Rugby 1st XV closed the book on its 2017/18 season in London 1 South with an outstanding 44-26 win over Chichester in the Paddock sunshine on Saturday.
Oaks took it to Chi from the get go and plundered a converted try within minutes of the kick off, and some time before the full contingent of 100 guests at the Match Day Lunch in memory of fallen Mighty Oaks Peter Hunt and Ian Wood had made its way to the Bradshaw-Pearl Balcony.
Oh When the Oaks...select the photo above for more match day pictures
Photo credit: Dave Purday
Chi immediately responded; they ghosted through the Oaks defence to dot the ball down under the posts and slot the conversion through the uprights before repeating the same trick moments later. Three tries inside five minutes suggested a try fest was in the offing and so it transpired.
The pick of Oaks’ five tries came just before the first half break; the ball was moved left then right before Josh Pettit combined with Jiggy to level the score. The immaculate boot of Ben Adams, who kicked eight kicks from eight attempts in a fine place-kicking display, gave the Oaks a marginal 17-14 advantage to take into the half-time break.
The game continued to ebb and flow before two telling scores broke the hearts of the exuberant and game travelling Chi faithful. First the Oaks pack rumbled the ball over the line all the way from just outside the Chichester 22, then Sean Derrick capped another imposing display with an interception try that saw him outpace, sidestep and exhaust the efforts of the covering defence.
Oaks finish the season in ninth position in London 1 South, short of their target though thankfully clear of a drop zone that saw three teams relegated. The squad will now enjoy an end of season tour to Ghent alongside pals from the 4s before recharging the batteries for the joys of off season training, which begins on 30 June.
Overall the Club’s seniors and juniors have enjoyed an exceptional season with highlights including four Kent Cups for the Acorns, Under 16s and Under 13s Boys; Kent and Regional Cups for the Under 15s Girls, and League Victory for the 4th XV.
“To win our final game in such style says everything about the quality and commitment of the entire squad,” said Coach Adam Bowman. “Our performances in a very tough League this season have been solid, and we have held firm to our principles of investing in and nurturing local talent.”
“The Juniors’ outstanding results bode well for the future and plans for the 2018/19 campaign are well underway.”
Sevenoaks Rugby Club fields four progressive senior teams that offer young and old players at every ability level the chance to run out in a competitive, fun and friendly family environment. Visit www.sevenoaksrugby.com to get in touch about playing and social membership opportunities.