Hover RFC 7 – Sevenoaks Rugby 31
Sevenoaks Rugby Club plundered a bonus point win from its visit to the Sussex coast on Saturday, securing a 31-7 victory over Hove RFC in sodden conditions to make it three wins from four League outings.
Oaks were quickly into their stride and opened the scoring through prop Dan Power, living up to his name in crashing through the Hove defensive line with a try that was duly converted by Ben Adams.
The match gave Oaks' back line plenty of opportunities to demonstrate their expansive playing style, aided by the cohesion and unity of the forwards’ platform, however the visitors had other ideas. Despite extended pressure, the first half yielded just an additional penalty to the Oaks and they entered the break with a 10-0 advantage. At this point the outcome seemed very much in the lap of the rugby gods.
The second half is proving fertile ground for the Oaks this season, and before long the navy and golds had taken their lead to 24-0. Despite being pegged back to 24-7 as Hove showed signs of a fight back, a penalty try to close proceedings gave the Oaks their four-try bonus point and the win.
Sevenoaks Rugby has now enjoyed three wins from four matches in a very tight London 1 South Division. The only two undefeated teams at the top of the League, Brighton and Medway, look imposing while a number of teams below them are certainly capable of making a sustained challenge. All of which makes this Saturday's home match at Knole Paddock versus Cobham an intriguing one; the visitors from Surrey have notched up strong results in their two wins from four record so it promises to be an entertaining occasion. Kick off at Knole Paddock is at 3:00pm; entry is free, the bar will be open and the Club extends a warm invitation to members, supporters and visitors to come and enjoy the action.