Convincing bonus point win for Oaks

Sevenoaks 43 vs. Maidenhead 0

After 20 minutes of Sevenoaks’ London and South East Premier fixture held at the Paddock on a cold wet day and a sticky pitch, territory, possession and the best scoring opportunities had belonged to the visitors. Maidenhead had missed a penalty kick and suffered a marginal forward pass decision by the referee with the try line beckoning for their winger. By the end of the game the uncharacteristically slow start by the home team had been forgotten, with total dominance in all areas of the game enabling them to run in 7 tries and keep their opponents scoreless and indeed largely out of Oaks territory for much of the second half. To score 43 points, many as a result of fast free-flowing rugby, on a pitch as difficult under foot as it was, is testament to the skill levels of this current Oaks team. Maidenhead battled manfully and with great commitment throughout but could not breach what is statistically the best defence in the league. Oaks moved up to 4th place in the league table as a result.

With Oaks building into the game, after 24 minutes their scrum dominance forced a penalty which they kicked to touch. Good phases of play resulted from the lineout, with Matt McRae running a good inside line to score his and the team’s first try of the day. Matt would go on to score a hat-trick of tries. The conversion made it 7 – 0. Six minutes later more pressure came off an Oaks set piece with Jonny Short breaking the Maidenhead defensive line to pass inside for Ben Adams to score under the posts, converted by him to make it 14- 0. The final period of the half saw several midfield exchanges with some good tactical kicking by Oaks pinning back the visitors making a score from them look unlikely. The teams retired to the dressing rooms for half time, Oaks leading 14 – 0 knowing if they played the game in their opponent’s territory for the next 40 minutes, they had the pace and precision to score more tries.

That proved to be the case with Maidenhead only threatening the Oaks line once in the whole of the second half, and Oaks playing attacking rugby from dominant field position, scoring 5 tries. Not helped by a yellow card for a high tackle after 43 minutes, the visitors conceded after 49 minutes when Patrick Pellegrini danced over from 5 metres following several good phases. 21-0. At 52 minutes, with Maidenhead’s scrum going backwards, pressure led to breaks by Shayden Osgood and then Matt McRae allowing Jonny Short to score in the corner, to make it 26-0. Scrum dominance continued with a pushover try scored by Sean Derrick in the 62nd minute, converted to make it 33-0. Then followed probably the best try of the day when Patrick Pellegrini caught his own chip kick, made good ground, passed to the juggling support player who moved the ball on to Matt McRae to score another try in the corner. 38-0 with a tricky conversion missed. In the 73rd minute Maidenhead threatened the Oaks line for the first time since the 10th minute of the game, but Oaks cleared their lines. There was still time for a catch and drive after a penalty awarded for more Maidenhead troubles at the scrum, with Matt McRae driving over to make the score 43-0.

The final whistle blew on a very efficient and satisfactory victory for the men from Kent. After the game Director of Rugby and Head coach Adam Bowman said “That was an important victory today in incredibly tricky conditions.  We started very slowly, and whilst we went into the sheds at half time 14-0 up, we were disappointed with our performance levels as they were below the standards we expect of ourselves.  Full credit to how the squad reacted in the second half, I thought we were excellent in most areas of the game, played some great rugby in the conditions and full deserved the 43-0 win“.

For their final game of the year, Oaks travel to Westcombe Park for a tough fixture against an improving local rival. It should be an exciting contest.

Strong Oaks performance secures bonus point win

Tring 19 - Sevenoaks 45

 As Oaks departed the field at half time, trailing 9 - 5 to Tring, they knew both the elements and local topography would be in their favour in the second half. They would go on to play the conditions superbly, as their hosts struggled to cope, as well as Oaks did in the first half, with the low winter sun in their eyes, a stiff breeze against and an upward sloped pitch under foot. This London & SE Premier fixture, held at Cow Lane in Hertfordshire, saw Oaks put in a fine display scoring seven tries and securing a bonus point win to remain in 5th place in the league table: but with only two points now separating them from 2nd. Credit to Tring who fought to the end, but Oak’s victory was underpinned by their fitness, effectiveness at the breakdown and speed of backs plays with which their hosts were unable to cope. A thoroughly deserved victory even with several absentees, highlighting the strength in Oak’s squad depth.

On a bitterly cold day Tring took an early 3-0 lead, reward for possession and territory, when Oaks were penalised for not releasing after the tackle. Then after 7 minutes the first scrum of the day promised a worrying afternoon as the men from Kent were shunted backwards to the delight of the Tring home support. However, Oaks were able to gain parity and later the advantage at the scrum as the game progressed. Oaks started to get a foothold in the game, defending well as Tring’s kicking pinned them back, breaking out with good running lines and using slick passing to threaten the home team. In the 20th minute one of those breaks started by Patrick Pellegrini, with Man of the Match Shayden Osgood making his first of many line breaks of the day to put Ben Adams through who passed onto Henry Galligan to score. Oaks led 5- 3 after 20 minutes with a difficult conversion missed.

 The second quarter of the match saw Oaks probing whilst wind assisted kicking by Tring gave them the territorial advantage. Play became quite scrappy as the hosts made the most of the penalties awarded to them, choosing to kick two of them to take a 9-5 lead; whilst neither side really threatened their opponent’s try line. The half ended with some good Oaks pressure well defended by Tring who must have felt, as the half-time whistle blew, their narrow lead would be a challenge to defend in the second period.

That proved to be the case when one minute after the restart Oaks secured a turnover and executed the first of many good backs moves in the second half for Jonny short to dummy near the line to score a very well-worked try. Ben Adams slotted an excellent conversion from the touchline to make it 12-9. Tring did respond with some pressure of their own, but it felt if Oaks were to continue to play in their opponent’s half, the Hertfordshire men would struggle to contain the visitors quick ball movement and precision in attack. In the 52nd minute that proved to be the case. Having gained good field position from a 60-metre kick, a scrum followed, and the backs were in again as Shayden Osgood broke the line with this time Jonny Short giving the final pass the Awa Morris who crossed the line to make it 17-9, with a difficult conversion missed.

Another scrum after 57 minutes evidence the reversal of Tring’s earlier edge as, led by replacement Charlie Naismith, it was the home team’s turn to be shunted backwards. This led to more pressure with Oaks held up over the line after another backs move and from the resulting drop out by Tring, the ball was caught, returned and recycled for Drew Narbey-Nimeti to power through a huge gap in a tired looking Tring defence. The converted try under the posts made the score 24-9 after 61 minutes and gave Oaks a well-earned bonus point and probable victory secured. Four minutes later it was turn of the forwards as they followed up more good backs play, keeping the ball in hand for James Simmons to plough over under the posts for Oak’s 5th try of the day. Converted to make it 31-9.

A good response by Tring followed as their rolling maul functioned well to score their first try after 70 minutes; unconverted to make it 31-14. There was still time for two more scores from Oaks. One from Charlie Naismith who barreled over from 500 cm’s and Ben Adams who found another gaping hole in the home team’s defensive set up. The last word went to Tring with a score in the corner, but the day belonged to Oaks, much the better team, securing the victory with a final score of 45 – 19.

After the match Director of rugby and Head coach Adam Bowman said, ”That was a very pleasing performance, and of course an important 5 points away from home.  I thought we were excellent in the second half, we controlled field position, built pressure and executed very well. 

Next week sees the final home match before Christmas with the visit of Maidenhead.

Oaks edge league leaders in thriller

Sevenoaks 8 vs. Dorking 6

After 80 minutes of attritional rugby played on a bitterly cold day with a biting wind, a hush fell over the Paddock for the final play of the day. Behind on the scoreboard, 5 - 6, Sevenoaks had been awarded a penalty and a last chance to win the game. Ben Adams went through his pre-kick routine, aided by Scott Sedgwick holding the ball steady as it was buffeted by the wind. As the Oak’s number 14 thumped a low, missile like kick between the posts the home team supporters, players and coaching staff erupted in celebration of the 8 – 6 victory. Their excellent four-point win keeps them 5th in the London & SE Premier table.

Having lost their two previous matches by the narrowest of margins, Oaks demonstrated determination and nerve to defeat Dorking, the unbeaten league leaders. It was never going to be pretty on a day when the wind made executing the most basic of skills a challenge, but the men from Kent deserved their win, having applied fierce commitment right to the final whistle and attempted to play a more expansive game than the visitors, who also deserve huge credit for their efforts on a challenging day.

The match began with the wind swirling but largely at the backs of the Blue and Golds, allowing them to edge territory in the first half. Early pressure and good backs play released Awa Morris on the right wing after 2 minutes, with a wonderful opportunity to exploit a two man overlap. Dorking scrambled well and cleared. After 4 minutes Shadyn Osgood then put in his own try saving tackle halting the away team. We would need to wait a long time before the try lines were threatened again by either side, with defences dominating in a game fiercely competed and sometimes niggly at the tackle and breakdown.

Oaks were able to use the wind effectively to set up good field position on several occasions, but with their lineout consistently disrupted by Dorking, momentum and scoring opportunities were difficult to establish. From one of these lineouts, Dorking broke up field and as Oaks defended aggressively, they were caught offside. The Dorking fly half slotted the penalty to lead 3 – 0 after 17 minutes. Two minutes later Oaks secured possession, spun the ball out wide, making another line break that saw the attacker bundled into touch when one more pass may have led to a try. In a game likely to be low scoring, the Oaks supporters wondered if the home team would live to regret missing two very good 7-point opportunities.

The next 20 minutes was played out with both teams competing ferociously at the tackle and breakdown areas; Oaks continuing to enter Dorking territory but the men from Surrey impressively disrupting at the lineout and scrum. Neither team threatened to breach their opponent’s excellent defences. In the 34th minute a normally kickable penalty goal attempt by Ben Adams was missed, illustrating the degree of difficulty in these windy conditions. The final few moments of the half saw the men from Surrey building momentum, forcing Oaks to infringe in their own half in the 37th and 40th minutes giving the visitors two penalties. Again, wind affected, both were unsuccessful, and the half time whistle blew with Dorking leading 3 – 0.

The pattern of the second half had Dorking dominating territory, with Oaks only entering their opponent’s half for the first time at 60 minutes. However, Oak’s defence was impressive, their scrum held strong under extreme pressure, and it was Dorking’s turn to have their lineout frequently disrupted. As a result, the home team only gave up points to a penalty kick after 53 minutes, as Dorking took a 6- 0 lead. 

The result turned out to be shaped by three key phases in the final quarter. First, Oak’s centre Shadyn Osgood broke Dorking’s first line of defence in the 64th minute, leading to a grubber kick by Ollie Shirtcliff which ricochet into the path of Ben Adams who demonstrated his round ball skills to dribble 20 metres over the line for what would be the only try of the day. Reward for excellent resilience by the Oaks. The conversion from out wide into the teeth of the wind was virtually impossible and fell short. 6-5 to Dorking with 15 minutes remaining. Then came Dorking’s most dangerous try threat of the day when, following an Oak’s knock on, the number 10 kicked through and was tackled late by Shadyn Osgood who was rightly yellow carded. The ensuing catch and drive from the lineout was again repelled by great Oaks defence.

The final match defining phases of play saw Oaks win a penalty defending deep in their own 22, kick astutely up field and compete for every breakdown with what seemed another level of intensity. Despite Dorking stealing a lineout and trying to run down the clock, the away team were penalised for going off their feet on their own 10 metre line and again, from an Oaks line out, for pulling down the maul 25 metres out just left of the posts. With both teams knowing the penalty was the last play of the game, it was left to Ben Adams to secure the victory.

After the game Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said, “we are really pleased with both the result and our performance today.  These were very difficult weather conditions, but the squad stayed in the game, dug deep, trusted our processes and showed huge character and desire to win the game against a well-coached Dorking side.           

The Oaks next game is away to Tring.

Our ball technicians warming up!

Oaks edged out in physical encounter

Wimbledon 15 - Sevenoaks 12

Wimbledon became the first team this season to stop Sevenoaks scoring a try, condemning them to a second consecutive defeat; once again by the narrowest of margins. This London and SE Premier fixture held at Barham Road in South-West London was a tough physical contest, decided in the last quarter mainly by the home team’s bulky forward pack who were dominant in the scrum. Oaks earned a losing bonus point for the second week running but will feel this was another lost opportunity for a win, given Wimbledon were reduced to 14 players for the last 30 minutes of the game. The men from the Paddock will reflect disappointingly on a loss of control and too many mistakes as the game progressed but should not be too discouraged as, over the last fortnight, they have shown their ability to compete well against sides at top of the table.

The home team were rewarded for their fast start with a try after 4 minutes, when phases off good lineout ball led to a missed tackle by Oaks, allowing the centre to cross the line to score, converted to lead 7 – 0. With Oaks unable to build phases as a result of knock-ons and forward passes, after 11 minutes they were penalised for not rolling away, giving Wimbledon what would have been a deserved 10-point lead. The kicked was missed and that triggered a period where Oaks built possession and territory but couldn’t convert pressure into points, due both to good defence by Wimbledon and their own mistakes at key moments. There was an ominous sign after 25 minutes when, on their own put in at the scrum, Oaks were shunted some way backwards to lose possession. This would go on to be the game-deciding facet in the second half.

Oaks continued to probe and in the 27th minute the Wimbledon number 6 received a yellow card, perhaps fortunate not to be a red, for a high tackle on James Fotheringham, who would take no further part in the game. From the resulting penalty, the reliable boot of Ben Adams made it 7 – 3, after 30 minutes. The remainder of the half saw both teams defending well, unable to really threaten their opponent’s try line; with the highlight seeing a try saving tackle from Jonny Short on the impressive Wimbledon left winger. A great line-break by Oak’s Awa Morris, was also repelled but the pressure that followed led to a scrum for Oaks, who held firm, getting the ball away for a good quick passage of play leading to the home team infringing. Ben Adams kicked the 3 points, and the half time whistle blew bringing a relatively even first half contest to a close, with Oaks trailing 7 – 6.

The opening 20 minutes of the second half saw Oak’s best passage of play in the match. Dominating territory and having the better of the possession, they converted two penalties to lead 12 – 7, with Wimbledon reduced to 14 men after 50 minutes for a second yellow for another high tackle by their number 6. During this period with the Oaks backs in full flight, credit to Wimbledon who defended well, stopping Oaks cross the line on two crucial occasions. The Oaks faithful must at that stage have felt that a try would take the game away from the home team.

However, as the match entered its final quarter, Wimbledon started to get their big runners on the ball and played on the front foot for most of the remainder of the game. With their scrum totally dominant, Oaks were unable to generate go-forward ball and were increasingly pinned back in their own half. Frequently penalised by the referee, they were reduced to 14 men when Scott Sedgwick was yellow carded after 71 minutes. Taking a scrum, the home team powered over the line to make the score 12 – 12. The conversion was missed, and the game remained in the balance. With more penalties and scrums awarded against them, Oaks were unable to change the pattern of the game and in the 75th minute a line-break by the Wimbledon centre, from a pass that may have been called forward, led to another penalty right in front of the posts. A yellow card was also issued to Charlie Naismith. The kick was successful, and the Dons led 15-12.

Oaks built pressure and territory in the final moments of the match but were unable to really threaten the try line; again, strong defence and crucial mistakes were key. The final play of the game produced a great break by Awa Morris supported by Patrick Pellegrini, with Oaks entering their opponents 22, only for the referee to spot a forward pass. The final whistle blew to the delight of the home team, who must be congratulated on a victory that looked unlikely halfway through the second half.

Next week sees the players with a well-deserved rest week, before the Oaks welcome top of the table Dorking to the Paddock on November 27th, for what will be a tough fixture. Sitting now in 5th place in the league table, Sevenoaks will be determined to get back to winning ways.

Oaks edged out in high quality thriller

This superb London & SE Premier match between Oaks and their far-travelled visitors North Walsham saw victory swinging back and forth between two high quality sides. The men from the Paddock will reflect on two key phases of the game; spurning early chances to score tries when final passes close to the posts went astray, and the 17 points they conceded straight after half time when they were down to 14 players for the second time in the game. Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman has been warning in recent weeks about discipline and the danger of yellow cards; a prophesy becoming a reality when facing a very strong visiting team. That said, this was an even contest throughout and, though disappointed to be securing only a losing bonus point, Oaks can be pleased with an impressively intense performance. This one really was a “game of inches”.

North Walsham’s disrupted travel led to a late kick-off and saw Oaks getting straight into their stride with early pressure and territory. After 11 minutes they had converted two penalty kicks to lead 6 – 0, helped by good tactical use of the boot, including executing two ‘50-22’ kicks. This period also included Oaks first significant missed opportunity following a great midfield break by Sean Derrick with the final pass not going to hand as the line beckoned. The away team, despite misfiring in their early lineouts, responded with good possession and territory allowing their backs to challenge the gain line. At this early stage it was evident NW were growing into the game, possessing good organisation with dangerous players particularly out wide. However, the next big chance fell to Oaks after 18 minutes when following a lineout, Ben Adams made a great break with, once again, a knock on close to the line stymying the attack.

The next 10 minutes saw NW go through several phases with good field position, but Oaks defended with their customary speed and intensity supported by their scrum being in the ascendancy. Unfortunately, in the 31st minute, with North Walsham scrambling on their own put-in to the scrum, Freddie Richardson was judged to have deliberately knocked on and was yellow carded. NW started to take make territory gains as a result of their numerical advantage and should have scored in the 35th minute after a good break, quick ball out wide to the winger who spilled the ball when a try looked certain. Oaks won a scrum penalty and cleared.

Oaks then took advantage of possession in the Norfolk team’s half and from a lineout, whilst still down to 14 men, their efficient lineout led to a great break by Patrick Pellegrini who exchanged passes with Ben Adams to score Oak’s first try of the day. It was a swift and clinical move. Ben Adams delivered his usual conversion efficiency for Oaks to lead 13 – 0. The final attack of the half also came from Oaks, when their catch and drive from the lineout saw them threaten the NW line, only for their momentum to be stalled by good North Walsham defence. The half time whistle blew with Oaks leading 13 – 0. Both teams had impressed and entertained with their strong ball carrying, fierce tackling and dangerous backs play. Oaks deserved their lead, but the game was more even than the score suggested, and the Paddock faithful sensed the impressive visiting team was not out of it by any means.

The second half began and proceeded to serve up a magnificent feast of rugby for which both teams deserve great credit, with the result in doubt until the final moments of the game. North Walsham started the better and scored 17 unanswered points in the opening 15 minutes of the half, ignited by the award of a penalty try when Patrick Pellegrini was adjudged to have knocked on deliberately as the NW winger headed for the line. The Oak’s player received a yellow card. After 42 minutes the score was 13 – 7. More pressure followed and despite scrappy lineout ball, NW moved the ball well cross -field allowing them to crash over for a try. 49 minutes and now NW led 14 – 13. They cemented their lead with a 54th minute penalty to lead 17- 13. During this period Oaks were possibly guilty of playing a bit too much rugby in their own 22 and will perhaps regret not taking three points from a penalty when on offer.

There then followed a superb response by the home team. Trailing for the first time in a game since their season’s opener at Herford, they increased their intensity, got good field position and scored two converted tries. In the 64th minute Henry Galligan found a gap to cross the line after a fine move off the top of a lineout, and in the 72nd minute Patrick Pellegrini stepped inside to score after good phases started by a clever kick through by Ollie Shirtcliff. At 27 – 17, with less than 10 minutes to play it appeared Oaks had taken a winning lead. However, a combination of exciting open field breaks by North Walsham and some out of character missed tackles by Oaks, the visitors showed tremendous fortitude to score twice in this final period. The home crowd were stunned but in truth possibly not surprised to witness the impressive Norfolk outfit cross their opponent’s line, first from a catch and drive lineout and then from open play after Oak’s restart kick off. The NW scrum held firm for the final play of the game, their assured fly half kicking the ball out.

After a disappointing result for Oaks, Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said, “we are clearly frustrated by both the result and aspects of our performance today. We really should be closing out a game when winning by 10 points with 10 minutes to go. That said, congratulations to north Walsham on the result; they are a well-coached side, and they played some great rugby. We look forward to the return fixture after Christmas.

Next week we see Oaks travel to Wimbledon for another tough fixture against a team that will be smarting from their first defeat of the season this week.

Emphatic Oaks win as they shut out local rival

Tunbridge Wells 0 - Sevenoaks 45

Sevenoaks recorded their seventh consecutive win of the season and in doing so prevented local rival Tunbridge Wells from scoring throughout this London & SE Division fixture, held at St Mark’s Recreation ground.  

Any doubt about the result was settled either side of half time. The final phases of play at the end of the first half, with a dominant Oaks leading 19 – nil but reduced to 13 men as a result of two yellow cards, saw them successfully defend any Tunbridge Wells attacking forays. Then early in the second half Oaks scored their fourth try for, what both sides knew in all likelihood, would be an unassailable 24- nil lead.

A big crowd had assembled for this eagerly anticipated ‘A21 derby’, and they witnessed a dominant display by the men from the Paddock. Their impressive run continues, displaying an intensity in defence and at the breakdown, strong set-piece play as well as speed, great running lines and precision when attacking. Backs and forwards alike contributed to this emphatic win over a Wells team that, to their credit, never gave up but were no match for Oaks on the day. Their victory keeps them in third place in the league table.

Oaks made their now customary fast start as the game began. Early pressure led to the opportunity for Oaks to deliver clean ball from their lineout, move it quickly across the field with Patrick Pellegrini making a break down the line to pass on to Awa Morris to score in the corner. Ben Adams converted to make it 7 – nil after 6 minutes. For the next 15 minutes exchanges were relatively even with both sides carrying well, but with Oaks looking more dangerous, but also giving up penalties when chances arose. Then in the 21st minute Wells overthrew at their lineout, leading to a passage of good attacking play by the away side, repeatedly breaking the gain line, culminating in a gaping hole opening in the home team’s defence for Sam Nicholls to score under the posts; converted to make it 14- nil. The Wells’ lineout was to be their Achilles heel all day, eventually leading them to take the scrum rather than kick to touch when winning a penalty.

For the next 10 minutes the game was played largely in the Tunbridge Wells half, Oaks securing ball at the breakdown and running some excellent lines. A deliberate knock on by Wells in the 29th minute allowed Oaks to kick to touch and execute their well-drilled catch and drive for Man of the Match Scott Sedgewick to score his first try of the day. The two touch judges disagreed on the validity of the conversion, the referee calling it a miss, leaving the score at 19- nil. The yellow card awarded to Oak’s Shayden Osgood for a high tackle in the 32nd minute led to Wells’ best period of pressure in the Oak’s 22. Repeated infringements by the Navy and Golds led to a warning from the referee which they failed to heed, with James Fotheringham yellow carded for playing the ball on the wrong side. Oak’s defence was tested, holding out superbly, helped by Wells lack of composure and accuracy near the line. Half time Oaks led 19- nil.

Despite starting the second half conceding two quick penalties, Oaks soon found their feet disrupting Wells at the set piece and winning their own ball to create scoring opportunities. From a lineout in the 46th minute they scored their second catch and drive try, planted down by Scott Sedgwick for his second of the day. 24 – nil after the conversion was missed. The bonus point had been secured. There was then a long stoppage in play as both medical teams attended to Sam Nicholls who appeared to have sustained a neck injury, left the field on a stretcher but happily was seen sitting up on the sideline later in the game.

Following the re-start the remainder of the game saw Oaks dominate, playing aggressive fluent rugby, scoring three more tries despite fierce commitment and effort from their opponent. A penalty try was awarded to Oaks in the 55th minutes as the Wells’ defence had little choice but to pull down another marauding maul from the visitor’s lineout ball. 31- nil. Then in the 60th minute an untidy Wells’ lineout led to an impressive back line move nearly resulting in the 6th try of the match, only for Patrick Pellegrini to be thwarted near the line. The large Oaks following in attendance didn’t need to wait long as once again Pellegrini impressed, this time returning a long kick up field by Wells, jinking down the touchline for the ball to be twice moved infield for Henry Galligan to score; converted to make it 38 – nil. The scoring was completed when Freddie Richardson bulldozed round the back of the imperious Oak’s lineout, where Stu Coleman impressed tremendously again, to score the 7th try, converted to make the final score 45 – nil.

There then followed the loudest non-scoring cheer of the day by Oak’s players, coaches and supporters alike as the pack, boosted by the arrival of prop Charlie Naismith, scrummed down to completely overpower the tired and defeated Wells forwards. The final whistle blew.

Oaks Director of Rugby and Head Coach said after the match, “A very pleasing day at the office for the squad with both teams winning today, which was our objective at the start of the week.  Excluding some discipline issues around the breakdown & tackle area, I felt we delivered a clinical and controlled performance away from home.  I was particularly pleased with our strong set piece display, our speed of ruck and our low error count in attack.

Next week sees probably Oaks toughest test of the season with the visit of North Walsham.

Hard fought bonus point win for Oaks

After 6 minutes of play in this London & SE fixture, and Oaks leading 14 – 0 after two early converted tries, the Kent team and their supporters must have been anticipating another runaway score by the men from the Paddock. It is to the home team’s credit, showing considerable resilience throughout, that did not happen. At the final whistle Oaks ran out 31-10 winners securing a bonus point with the Black & Whites finishing empty handed.

 Whilst clearly pleased with an excellent win that saw them record their sixth consecutive victory, the players and coaching staff will be reflecting on their stop-start momentum as a result of a very high penalty count particularly in the second half. That said they played some outstanding rugby, beating a team who, not long ago, occupied a place at National 2 level.

The Oaks selection for the match required injury and absence induced changes from the previous week, seeing captain Josh Pettet now sidelined for a number of months, replaced by the return of the ‘old’ captain Stu Coleman. First XV captain Nigel Gumbleton is also a long-term absentee, meaning Matt McRrae wore the armband for the day.

The match began with those two early tries, scored by Henry Galligan and Patrick Pellegrini; both converted by Ben Adams. As in previous weeks Oaks were straight into their stride playing aggressive defence, breaking the gain line at pace and clinically converting chances. Then home team looked a little stunned but managed to re-group, having good territory and using their big pack to threaten the gain line. They got their reward in the 23rd minute when they won a penalty at the scrum, kicked to touch and rumbled over to make the score 14-5; the try converted; 14-7.  

Even without sustained territory in their opponents 22, Oaks continued to look dangerous making excellent breaks requiring the Black & Whites to defend desperately at times. Unfortunately, the penalty count against them started to rise, with high tackles the most repeated offence. From one of these Sutton & Epsom took the points on offer to make it 14- 10 after 35 minutes. The home team would remain scoreless for the remainder of the game with Oak’s tenacity and organisation in defence a notable ongoing highlight.

The last few moments of the half saw the game swing towards the Oaks. First a spectacular catch by Jonny Short straight from the kick-off, saw a passage of play where S&E were penalised twice in succession allowing Oaks to kick to touch, catch and drive and power over with Scott Sedgwick scoring the try. Ben Adams slotted his most difficult conversion of the day, to make the score 21-10. The final action of the first period saw more penalties against Oaks leading to Sutton & Epsom pressuring their line. The attack was repelled, and the half time whistle blew.  

The second half would be characterised by Oaks not consistently building the momentum they wanted, with persistent infringements, including receiving 3 yellow cards the reason. The home team had a good deal of territory but were unable to break the Kent team’s defence. The Oak’s set piece had been strong all day but strength in the scrum was enhanced when Charlie Naismith entered the fray. In the 53rd minute a penalty was won, the scrum re-set sending S&E backwards at pace allowing quick ball across the back line, dotted down by Scott Sedgwick for his second try of the day. Breathing space was secured following the conversion. 28- 10. After 60 minutes a penalty to Oaks for a high tackle allowed Patrick Pellegrini to score 3 points for the away team. At 31-10 the scoring was done for the day.

 The final twenty minutes saw both teams play some excellent rugby. S&E running from deep looking dangerous but failing to penetrate and Oaks breaking impressively, with a highlight seeing Jonny Short break out from behind his own line to power down the wing only to unluckily knock on deep in the opponent’s half. Man of the match Stu Coleman made important steals at the lineout to snuff out S&E danger, who finished with a flourish but failed to score.

A thoroughly deserved victory for the Oaks, Head coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said, “I am pleased with the result, and you can never complain with 5 points away from home, but it was a frustrating day at the office at times. The group was disappointed by aspects of our performance, in particular our discipline which prevented us from building any sustained pressure or momentum in the second half.  We have a big training week ahead of us and will be working work hard as a squad to keeping all areas of our game moving forward. Our next challenge is a double header away at Tunbridge Wells, which is set to be another tough contest in this attritional league”.

Oaks remain in third position in the league table.

Ruthless Oaks make it five consecutive wins

Deep into stoppage time at the end of 80 minutes, leading by 47 points, down to 12 men following two yellow cards and injuries, Oaks were defending a rare Brighton sustained attack on their line, with all the intensity of the first minute. The final whistle blew with player and coaching staff celebrations as much for keeping their opponents try-less as well as the victory. Their granite-like attitude and mental strength are fast becoming features of this Oaks season.

Sevenoaks welcomed long time rugby adversaries Brighton Blues to the Paddock on Saturday for their sixth league fixture of this London & South-East 2021/22 season. This was another hugely impressive performance by the Oaks against a strong visiting team. The match was characterised by the Oaks generating go forward ball on almost every possession, strong defensive patterns and a ruthless streak when opportunities arose. Also notable are the speed and fitness of the squad. Seven tries and more excellent kicking by Ben Adams saw them run out 51 to 3 winners.

The first 20 minutes saw early Oak’s pressure and then some bright ripostes by the Blues leading to an exchange of penalties but at 3-3, neither team had really fired effectively; Oaks lacking precision and Brighton often kicking the ball away.

After 22 minutes the game came alive with Oaks scoring their first try following a brilliant kick-off catch by Jonny Short, the ball recycled and moved through the hands for Henry Galligan to score, converted by Adams. Three minutes later 10-3 became 17-3 when with the next possession another slick backs move was clinically converted by Patrick Pellegrini. Oaks were now well on top with momentum only interrupted by a nasty injury to captain Josh Pettet who, when leaving the field, received a warm round of applause from players and supporters of both teams.

With Brighton struggling to get any meaningful possession or territory and the home team looking comfortable, an Oaks 38th minute penalty kick to the 22 led to yet another fast transfer of ball through the hands and scrum half Henry Galligan finding a huge gap behind the breakdown to charge through to score under the posts. The try converted to make it 24-3. The last meaningful action of the first half saw a Blues charge at the Oaks line thwarted by good defence but also unfortunately a head injury to Oaks forward Jack Nay, who wouldn’t return for the second half.

The players left the pitch with Oaks surely thinking of the bonus point and Brighton frustrated they had been unable play their normal free-flowing game.

It only took 2 minutes of the second half for Oaks to score their 4th try, when replacement Freddie Richardson made a break supported by Ryan Hackett, allowing the backs once again to show their clinical finishing when James Fotheringham crossed the line. 31-3, the bonus point secured and the result now not in doubt. After 46 minutes Oaks were awarded a penalty, they kicked to touch allowing their efficient lineout to secure good ball off the top and, once again, for the backs to move the ball across the field to score the 5th try. 36-3. Brighton then spent some time pinned in their own half by an aggressive Oaks defence, leading to a yellow card for a Brighton forward for persistent infringements. The catch and drive from the resultant penalty kick to touch saw the forwards get in on the scoring, driving over from 5 metres to make the score 43-3 when the try was converted. Only 55 minutes had been played.

The remainder of the game saw the Blues play their best rugby, keeping the ball in hand with their impressive full back a stand-out player, but unable to penetrate the Oaks defence and threaten their opponent’s line. Oaks had two players yellow carded in the last 10 minutes as the pressure built, but even when at 14 men, they were able to disrupt a Brighton attack in the 76th minute with Awa Morris galloping two thirds the length of the pitch to score a classy try, taking a painful hit when crossing the line. Ben Adams made it 50-3, the final score.

Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman was delighted with the performance and said after the game, “it was a great day for the club. A fantastic Second XV win over Sidcup in the early game, followed by the 1st XV producing another high-quality display. Our last five games have seen us pleasingly concede only an average of 8 points per game and score 36. The boys controlled the game and showed their ruthless streak when opportunities arose. The injuries didn’t disrupt our rhythm and we will now need to recover for the difficult trip to Sutton & Epsom”.

Remaining third in the league after this result, they will make the trip to Surrey next week knowing a similar huge effort will be needed. The Seconds will be away to Medway.

Stylish Oaks thrash Sidcup

It was in the 68th minute with Oaks leading 45-0, out of the blue Sidcup scored their only try of the day. The real annoyance shown by both Oaks players and coaching staff alike was testament to their desire to maintain the intensity and high standards way beyond the point at which the match had been won. Perfectionism in the damp air!

Oaks and Sidcup supporters had assembled at Crescent Farm for this London and South-East fixture, expecting a close encounter and a low scoring affair on account of the respective league positions and dreadful weather. They were wrong on both as the result, not in any doubt from 30 minutes, saw Oaks deliver 8 tries and 57 points in total giving their best performance of the season.

This was a splendid complete rugby performance, dominating their opposition in every aspect of the game. For what was their fourth consecutive win moving them into third place in the league, the Oaks forwards and backs produced an intensity at the breakdown, excellent defence all over the pitch and considerable flair and precision to run out 57-7 winners.

Despite some early territory by the home team, it took only 8 minutes for Oaks to score their first try. A deep kick by Ollie Shirtcliff forced Sidcup to knock on. From the scrum the ball was moved through the backs and when recycled James Fotheringham scored for Oaks, the try converted by Ben Adams who had a near perfect day with the boot. Not deterred by knocking on as the try line beckoned a few moments later, the second score followed from a scrum turnover, a smart kick again by Shirtcliff and Awa Morris made it 12 – 0, converted by Ben Adams. 14-0.

Oaks defence, characterised by impressive line speed, coped with any pressure Sidcup could muster. With Oaks in the opposition’s 22, following more good kicking and an acrobatic catch by Jonny Short, they stole a Sidcup lineout and moved the ball wide where the impressive Patrick Pellegrini broke free to put in Henry Galligan for another score. The conversion made it 21- 0 after 32 minutes. Another Oaks penalty moments later slotted home by Adams made it 24-0.

The team from the Paddock were now in complete control and the try bonus point came in the 42nd minute when another steal at the lineout on the Sidcup 5 metre line led to a pile up of bodies with the referee awarding a try to Oaks scored by Matt McRae, converted to lead 31-0 at half time. Both teams left the field. Although Sidcup looked a little deflated Oaks knew they would need to avoid any complacency in the second half.

The second period was dominated by Oaks. Sidcup’s attempts to speed up the game with quick ‘tap and goes’ only played into Oaks hands. Fierce defence, intensity and some free-flowing rugby, despite awful conditions, saw the Blue and Golds score four more tries, with only one not converted. After 56 minutes a scrum turnover helped by Charlie Naismith joining the fray for his first game of the season, allowed Awa Morris to score his second try of the day and Adams convert. 38-0. Drew Forrester got into scoring action after another Shirtcliff kick, and more great play by Pellegrini. Converted again, it was now 45-0 with 20 minutes still to play. That latest score was after an Oaks yellow card for back-chat to the referee, which happened on a number of occasions this half and can’t have pleased the coaching team.

From here to the end of the game it looked like Oaks would score every time they attacked. However then came the try for the home team, after a charged down kick, making the score 45-7. There were however two more Oaks scores before the end of the game. The first by Pellegrini following more impressive midfield moves and the second by Ben Adams from a move started, to the delight of the Oaks supporters, by a great kick off catch and run by Charlie Naismith. With the final score at 57-7 Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman, who had achieved his first ever coaching win over Sidcup at this level, after the match said, “that was a very impressive and complete performance by the guys today, especially in the tricky weather conditions.  The group continues to work hard, improve, and grow in confidence.  We will enjoy the rest week and then get ready for another tough 5 game/week block.”

The team now take a well-deserved break with no fixture next weekend, before preparing for the visit of Brighton to the Paddock on Saturday 16th.

Comfortable Oaks win over early season league leaders

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.

Oaks dominance rewarded with bonus point win

Oaks First XV and their supporters navigated considerable travel difficulties to visit CS Stags at Chiswick for their London & South East league fixture on Saturday, looking for consecutive victories and their first on the road.

Running out comfortable winners in a game they never looked like losing, we only really saw the intensity Oaks showed the previous week against Westcombe Park during the second half, eventually running out 37 to 17 winners with two late consolation scores by CS disguising the Kent team’s dominance.

The first half, often scrappy and with a number of handling errors, saw Oaks score their only try of the half when a lovely kick over the CS defence by Ollie Shirtcliff was caught by Ben Adams for his first try of the day, converted by him to lead 7-0 after  7 minutes. Despite their early lead and strong dominance in both the scrum and lineout, Oaks didn’t press home their advantage and CS, when awarded a penalty in the 24th minute, made the score 7-3.

The remainder of the first half consisted of Oaks pressing in CS territory with eye-catching breaks from the Oaks new number 11 Awa Morris but with the team not able to convert pressure into points, including a missed penalty kick for goal after 32 minutes. It wasn’t until deep into stoppage time that the dominance in the scrum led to a penalty infringement by CS with the resultant kick slotted between the posts to give Oaks a 10-3 half time lead. With their own line not really threatened during the first 40 minutes, Oaks will have left the field knowing greater intensity and precision would be required to secure the victory and bonus point win.

Despite knocking on from the kick off, Oaks immediately delivered the step up Director of Rugby & Head Coach Adam Bowman would have demanded at half time. After 44 minutes a series of good phases of play started with Ben Adams ripping the ball away in a tackle and finished with him dribbling the ball skilfully, soccer style, over line to score his second try. The successful conversion made the score 17-3.

Oaks continued to penetrate the CS red zone but to the home team’s credit they were able to repel the usually effective Oaks catch and drive. In the 50th minute a ‘try’ by Awa Morris was disallowed for a forward pass but that only postponed the inevitable as a great switch of play right then left off the base of an Oaks scrum saw the number 11 finish well. The conversion made it 24-3 and the only question now was would Oaks secure the bonus point win.

With CS unable to generate any real go forward momentum and a growing penalty count against them, Oaks found themselves in front of the CS posts taking a scrum leading to Fred Richardson driving over to secure their 4th try and the bonus point. With 15 minutes remaining the score was 29-3.

There then followed the best passage of play by CS, rewarded with a try under the posts in the 74th minute. However Oaks immediately secured the kick off and having worked the ball into midfield, Josh Thorneycroft blasted through the opposition defence to score Oaks 5th try, converted, to lead 36-10 after 73 minutes.

With Oaks' defensive set up seeming largely untroubled by a late flurry from CS, a rare missed tackle allowed CS to head for the corner and be awarded a penalty try with the last action of the game. A final score of 36-17.

Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said after the game “it is great to come away with the win, our second in a row.  We were slow to come out of the blocks and lacked intensity in the first half, but in the second half we got to a good level and played some very good rugby.

Man of the match was awarded to Scott Sedgwick, with Ben Adams certainly running him close.

After a dominant and satisfying victory, Oaks look forward to welcoming early season league leaders Havant to the Paddock next Saturday for what will be a tough encounter.

Oaks controlled display overturns local rivals - Oaks 17 Westcombe Park 8

Senior rugby returned to the Paddock on Saturday, under an unseasonably warm September sun, welcoming local rivals Westcombe Park. After the 18 month long enforced break it was wonderful to see the tremendous commitment and intensity displayed by all of the players - with those taking part in the earlier 2’s game and the First XV match deserving of the appreciation shown by a large and noisy crowd. It was great to be back!

Director of Rugby & Head Coach Adam Bowman made 5 changes from the opening day defeat at Hertford and prepared the team to take on an opposition with many talented players and not inconsiderable bulk.

The final score of 17-8 suggests a close encounter - and indeed both sides contested every contact and breakdown fiercely - but in truth Oaks controlled the majority of the game demonstrating defensive discipline, attacking speed and power as well as strong set piece execution. The Oaks line was threatened only occasionally whilst perhaps also feeling they could have made more of some excellent attacking positions unsuccessfully converted.

In a game with numerous penalties it was Oaks who took the lead in the 8th minute with a successful kick by Ben Adams.  There followed a period of intense exchanges largely in the Westcombe Park half with the score remaining 3-0 until the 27th minute when a penalty kick to touch led to a catch and drive and Oak’s first try scored by Matt McRae converted by Ben Adams. It was deserved reward for controlled passages of play. There then followed an eye-catching storming run by one of the Combe backs that led to good field position and the chance to show their edge in the scrum. A penalty was awarded in the 33rd minute for Oaks not rolling away and the Combe kicker slotted it home to make it 10-3.

However, the Westcombe Park indiscipline returned and a series of penalties saw Oaks once again driving towards their opponent’s line leading the referee to award a penalty try and give a yellow card. 17-3 on the stroke of half time. There was one more opportunity for Oaks to show their control, but another penalty induced catch and drive was repelled by the Combe defence deep into stoppage time. A very impressive and satisfying half came to an end with the visitors leaving the pitch knowing they had it all to do in the second half.

The second half began with more penalty infringements by Combe, culminating in a high tackle on Ollie Shirfcliff offering an easy 3 points, which was turned down and eventually led to Combe winning a scrum from the choice to kick to touch. This led to some sustained pressure from the visitors with a mammoth Ben Adams clearance to halfway from behind the Oaks goal line offering relief. Oaks responded with some good phases of play and once again a high tackle led to a penalty and another yellow card for a Combe player. The first half control was beginning to return but as was to be the pattern of this scoreless second half for Oaks, set-piece chances near the goal line went unconverted as the referee penalised the home side for infringements.

Then after some good midfield phases Combe had their first second half stint in Oaks territory, forcing the home side  to infringe and despite Oaks winning the Combe line out from the penalty, the visitors managed to tap down the loose ball to score in the 63rd minute. The conversion was missed; 17-8.

The remainder of the game saw some good rugby from both sides with neither able to translate breaks into real try scoring opportunities. The Oaks defence looked secure and their breaks up field although catching the eye lacked the penetration needed to add to the score. The home crowd enjoyed a 50-yard kick-chase by second row Josh Pettet, perhaps laying down a marker for a start at number 10 next week ;)

The final whistle blew with both teams having given everything on a very hot day for rugby. Director of Rugby & Head Coach Adam Bowman said “I felt for large periods of the match we controlled the game and deserved the victory.  We have lots to work on, but on the whole it was great to get our first win of the season and to play in front of a packed crowd at the Paddock."

Tough day at Hertford RFC

Hertford RFC 28 – 12 Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Sevenoaks Rugby Club will need to step up a level from Saturday's performance away to Hertford.

A lot of hard work on the Paddock, in the gym and during warm-up fixtures presented the perfect build-up to their opening fixture in London & South East Premier division. On the day, however, the accuracy was lacking. Although Oaks returned home with little to show it was good to be back.

Both sides started tentatively as you might expect following an 18-month layoff. Handling errors disrupted the nervy opening exchanges, with decent sequences of possession invariably ending with a knock-on in the contact. The Oaks scrum was solid and Oaks enjoyed much of the possession in the first half but did not manage to convert this into any meaningful pressure in the Hertford 22. It took 38 minutes for the first score to be registered, Lloyd Davies giving Hertford a 3-0 advantage to take into the half-time break from a penalty in front of the posts.

The second half was incredibly frustrating for Oaks. Twice they looked like getting back on terms, first when Ben Adams danced down the left wing for Oaks' first try which he duly converted and the second time with Scott Sedgwick barrelling over for Oaks' second try. Twice they let Hertford take the game away from them. From a position to contest the result in the final 10 minutes of the match, a mix up at the back of the scrum gave Hertford a soft try and when they scored again from the re-start it was game over. 28-12 flattered the home side a little but Hertford certainly merited the win.

All support will be very welcome this Saturday as senior rugby makes its competitive return to Knole Paddock. Oaks entertain Westcombe Park in a triple header at the Paddock, with the 2nd XV and Gents also in Home action. The 1st XV kick off at 3:00pm. Come on you Oaks!

Sevenoaks Rugby Squad: James Simmons; Scott Sedgwick; Tom Simmons; Tom Morris; George Flatman; Matt McRae; Sean Derrick; Fred Richardson; Hugo Carter; James Fotheringham; Ben Adams; Nigel Gumbleton; Josh Thorneycroft; Drew Forrester; Jonny Short; Gilbert Tahao; Greg Langridge, and Awa Morris.