CS Stags 1863 17 Sevenoaks Rugby 29
Leighton Ralph, pictured in action against Guernsey RFC earlier this season, scored Oaks second try. Photo Credit: David Purday
Sevenoaks Rugby Club is enjoying a couple of outstanding weeks. On Saturday 23 November, victories for all the Club's four senior teams for the second week in succession included an imposing 29-17 win Away to CS Rugby in west London for the 1st XV. The results reflect the Club's quality and strength in depth, while the win against CS Rugby for the first time in several seasons continues Oaks' drive to establish themselves in the top third of London & South East Premier division.
Oaks' first two tries were extremely well worked. An early try for Josh Livett was followed by a wonderful line move that resulted in Leighton Ralph dotting the ball down before the trusty Ben Adams slotted the conversion. A CS converted try and then a penalty just before the half-time whistle meant Oaks took a narrow 12-10 advantage into the sheds.
The action in the second half was relentless. CS Rugby were first to make their mark, gaining the upper hand early on the second half in the form of a converted try that gave them a 17-12 lead. Oaks regathered, and calmly and efficiently took control by combining resolve up front and the right decisions with ball in hand to land the bonus point win. Oaks' ascendancy started with a rumble up the field and over the line from close quarters for converted try. Their resulting two point advantage was held onto for a crucial middle period of the second half as both teams tried to gain the upper hand. Neither could quite find the breakthrough until a sublime blind side move from Oaks put Josh Pettet over in the corner.
Oaks' 24-17 advantage felt vulnerable as CS Rugby threw everything they had at Oaks, before the navy and golds capped proceedings off with another wonderful set-piece movement setting up a try for Henry Galligan that Ben Adams duly converted for the 29-17 win. Mike Bowyer's immense game at 8 won him the Savills Man of the Match award.
Oaks now find themselves in fifth slot as the League winds down and takes a weekend off rugby this Saturday. The 1s will be returning to League action on Saturday 7 December away to 3rd-place Rochford Hundred, with all support very welcome. Kick off will be 2:00pm.