MoM - Scott Sedgwick - Captain -
Sevenoaks Rugby 33 – 26 Havant RFC
Sevenoaks Rugby put in a commanding first half performance to generate a 21-0 half-time lead that was ultimately too big for Havant to claw back. This was an outstanding display by both sides under the sunshine at Knole Paddock. While the visitors pushed Oaks all the way in a compelling second half fight-back, Oaks held on for the win and thereby to secure their highest ever finish in the National Leagues.
The Oaks’ half-time advantage came thanks to their three unanswered tries that varied in style. The first was a solid push over the line by Southon after a sequence of Oaks attacks inside close quarters.
The second involved some deft finesse, with Oaks wing three-quarter Zac Shirtcliff jinking through the middle of the Havant defensive set to dot the ball down.
The third was the try of the match, when from the back of the lineout in the middle of the park, a scything break by Shirtcliff created acres of space before he then popped the ball to David Ruffai in support who found George Montgomery to romp in under the posts. Ben Adams slotted all the conversions for all three tries.
Sevenoaks Legends enjoying the last home game of the season.
Oaks started the second half in style. First, Brennan O’Keefe intercepted the ball from the half-way line and romped home for an Oaks try. Then some interplay in the centres resulted in a gap appearing for Sam Begbie to beat two Havant defenders to go in under the posts for a try that Adams converted. With Oaks 33-0 ahead, the game seemed in the bag. But then came the Havant fight back, in the form of a brace of tries by Sean Shepherd, the second of which Joel Knight converted, and then another brace by Jack Phillips. Joel Knight secured three conversions from four.
While it was an incredibly brave return to the fray by Havant, the Oaks held on for the win. Kudos to Havant who fought hard all game, while Oaks’ rapid back line and alert play helped them hold on for the victory.
SCORERS:
Sevenoaks Rugby
4” Southon Try Ben Adams C 22” Zac Shirtcliff T Adams C
31” George Montgomery T Adams C 45” Brennan O’Keefe T
49” Sam Begbie T Adams C
Havant RFC
55” Sean Shepherd Try 59” Sean Shepherd T Joel Knight C
70” Jack Phillips T Knight C 79” Phillips T Knight C
Attendance: 425
Man of the Match: Scott Sedgwick
SQUADS:
Sevenoaks Rugby: Simmons. J; Sedgwick ©; Strainge; Lee; Southon; Green; Ruffai; Porteous. Jones; Montgomery; Shirtcliff; Begbie; Corrigan; O’Keefe; Adams. Simmons, T; Smith; Parish; Hickin; Horner.
Havant RFC: Jenkinson; Boa; Smith; Parkins; Saunders; Ashworth; Dugan, Wes. Read; Philips; Lewis; Ridder; Knight; Dugan, Wayne; Perry; Griffin. Leat; Shepherdson; Wise; Thompson; Shpylka.
Officials: Referee: Pete Buchanan. Assistant referees: Matt Constant, Peter Touch. Fourth official: Glenn Waltham.
Brennan O’Keefe’s family and all his coaches some of whom have been with him from U5’s thru to academy!
