Havant Match Report
For the second week running Oaks First XV were able to dominate the opposition, with visitors Havant comfortably beaten as a result of an impressive all-round display by the home team. Oaks came close to keeping Havant scoreless for the full 80 minutes with only a last minute converted try saving the Hampshire team’s blushes. The Oaks made two changes in personnel and two positional alterations from last week’s victory but the depth of talent available to Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman is notable. Continued set piece effectiveness and a growing fluidity of attacking play have been the platforms for 3 victories on the run.
After a respectful minutes silence for the sad passing of the Havant President, Nigel Campkin, the game began on another warm and sunny September day. A quiet opening 20 minutes saw some early pressure from Havant but no real danger, whilst Oaks exerted influence in the set-piece, disrupting their opponents’ early lineouts, which was to be a feature of the day. Then there followed an outstanding midfield break by centre James Fotheringham which led to several good phases, a penalty infringement by Havant at the breakdown and an easy 3 points from the boot of Oaks Ben Adams.
The first of a number of injuries didn’t disrupt Oaks momentum as Tom Morris was replaced by Sean Derrick, who also later needed to leave the field after a nasty clash of heads with his own player. Strong defence, territory and a breakdown dominance, except for a passage that led to a missed penalty shot by the Havant kicker, were the features of the remainder of the half. The 34th minute penalty to make it 6- 0 came as a result of a blistering 60 seconds of play with Drew Forrester forcing a knock on and then, after Havant had cleared from behind their line, a penalty won by the same player. Pressure continued to build with good field position including some eye-catching footwork by the new back Patrick Pellegrini, not resulting in tries but another penalty to Oaks, converted by ben Adams from 40 yards to make it 9 – 0 at half time. Sevenoaks will have felt well in control leaving the field as their opponents, whose forwards seemed to be finding the hot conditions challenging, stayed on the pitch to refocus for the next 40 minutes.
The second period started as the first finished. Some good phases off an Oaks lineout, and great hands by the backs saw ‘new boy’ Pelligrini dot down in the corner. The conversion was missed but at 14- 0 it felt a long way back for Havant. Oaks fitness looked excellent as they were relentless in chasing down their kicks and forcing Havant into making errors. Another penalty infringement by them in front of their own posts allowed the ever-reliable Ben Adams to make it 17-0. Gilbert Taoho was now on as replacement prop to add to an already effective scrum. The next 15 minutes saw more possession for Havant without really threatening the Oaks line. The home team’s tenacity and organisation in defence halted everything the direct running game of Havant could muster.
At 70 minutes an Oaks catch and drive near the Havant line led to attacking phases moving across the width of the pitch allowing Jack Nay to drive over for Oaks second try. The conversion was missed but at 22-0 the result was not in doubt. The final moments of the game saw Havant play some of their best rugby with a superb 35 metre run by their hooker setting up good field position, leading to Oaks infringements, Havant pressure and eventually a converted consolation score with the last play of the game. The only slight disappointment for Oaks maybe was missing out on a bonus point but to be fair the precision was not quite there to exploit their second half opportunities. After the game Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said “A very pleasing performance and result against an in-form Havant side. I thought we were excellent today in how we controlled field position, kept the scoreboard ticking over, applied huge pressure defensively and at the set piece, and scored some great tries. Looking forward to another tough challenge against Sidcup RFC next week.”
Oaks versus Sidcup, 5th and 6th respectively with both teams on 13 points, should be a good contest.
