Clinical Oaks go top with win at Dorking

Dorking 29 vs. Sevenoaks 35

Deep into added time, after 80 minutes of high-quality rugby served up by the best two teams in the London and SE Premier league, the game remained in the balance. Trailing by six points, camped on the Sevenoaks five metre line, Dorking’s forwards lunged for the try line, successfully grounding the ball against the base of the post, only for the referee correctly to award a scrum to Oaks for accidental offside. Amongst the one thousand supporters in attendance on a glorious sunny day, Oaks followers expressed both relief and joy, whilst the Ds faithful disappointment, as the final play of the game followed, with Oaks kicking the ball out to conclude what had been a pulsating match.

Sevenoaks and Dorking rugby clubs had showcased community rugby at its best, both on and off the pitch. Earlier in the afternoon the second XVs had played out a thrilling 38-38 draw; and whilst the Oaks first XV won the day 35-29, the fine margins seen in the closing phases of the game had been evident throughout the contest. Both teams deserve huge credit, offering first-class entertainment based on their unrelenting physical commitment and rugby skills executed at a breath-taking pace. Sevenoaks deserved their victory, as the more clinical team in attack, backed up by resilient red zone defending but unusually for them, allowing midfield defensive gaps that won’t please their coaches, giving Dorking some easy yards and points.

Nevertheless, this victory moved the men from the Paddock to top slot in the league table and with only three games remaining and two teams promoted at the end of the season, elevation to Level 4, if not yet secured, is in sight.

Dorking kicked off down the slope, with the wind at their backs and won an early penalty for offside. Showing their intent, they kicked to touch rather than taking the points but were repelled by the Oaks’ defence. The home team pressure continued, rewarded after 8 minutes when forcing a turnover and picking up the ball following an exchange of kicks, to score in the corner; converted 7-0. Another penalty followed for Dorking who this time went for the three points but were off target.

Sevenoaks grew into the game forcing Dorking to infringe at the breakdown and after 22 minutes kicked to touch, rumbled forward with a penalty advantage again, fed Patrick Pellegrini who jinked passed a surprisingly open home defence to score under the posts; converted 7-7. A repeat lineout and backs move almost resulted in a try in the corner, stopped by some excellent last-ditch Dorking defending.  However, Oaks took the lead after 29 minutes, turning the ball over as the Surrey men attacked, their clearing kick partially charged down and Oaks’ Shadyn Osgood reacted quickly, passed to Jonny Short who broke free to put in the supporting Sean Derrick to score under the posts; converted to lead 7-14. Oaks would have hoped to gain some semblance of control from this position, but the impressive Dorking lineout disrupted their own normally imperious processes, making sustained attacking control difficult.

More Dorking advances immediately followed but excellent defence held up the D’s rumbling forwards beyond the Oak’s try line. After 38 minutes, the home team’s lineout clicked into gear again, with the ball moved out through their backs, punching an uncharacteristically large hole in the Oaks’ midfield. Good scrambling defence followed but Nigel Gumbleton was penalised in front of the post and yellow-carded. The penalty was slotted, 10-14.

The final minutes of a pulsating first half saw Oaks score two tries and Dorking one. For the away team, Josh Livett returned a clearing kick, exchanged passes with Patrick Pellegrini, putting Ben Adams in to score; Ben converted to make it 10-21. Dorking soon made it 17-21 in the corner, only for Sevenoaks to win a scrum from the kick-off, from where Patrick Pellegrini danced through the opposing defence for the bonus point try to make the half time score, when converted, 17-28.

It had been a fantastic first half with the dangerous Oaks more clinical in attack but Dorking exerting more game control and presenting a constant scoring threat.

The second half started with Oaks winning quick penalties and territory, but Dorking defended well and eventually forced an interception from an Oaks’ midfield error, to score 7 easy points under the posts. 24-28. The next phase of the match saw fierce midfield exchanges, involving a yellow card on 50 minutes for a Dorking forward. With a man advantage, after 57 minutes Oaks scored their fifth try, executing a move off a successful lineout, for Nigel Gumbleton to break through and pass to Awa Morris to score; converted, 24- 35.

The final quarter of the game saw the home team exerting significant pressure, having the greater territory, forcing a ‘deliberate knock-on in the tackle’ penalty and yellow card award for Oaks’ Ben Adams and after 75 minutes scoring the final try of the game, unconverted, 29-35. More attacking forays by Dorking, a fierce scrum contest but also the home team making errors under pressure from the intense Oaks defence characterised the final 5 minutes plus added time. Oaks held out, taking the five points, with 2 valuable points for Dorking.

The large crowd caught its breath and recognised this had been a day to celebrate great rugby. With first meeting second it was always likely to be a close contest influenced by fine margins and tight calls, under the stewardship of an excellent referee. We had all witnessed two excellent teams competing in a game, in truth, either team could have won.

After the match Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said “what a serious game of rugby that was and what an advert for level 5 rugby.  I am incredibly proud of everyone involved in the Senior Squad, the players put everything into that game and trusted our processes to get us over the line to win the game.  A massive thank you to all those that came to support at Dorking, the whole squad hugely appreciate it!  Next up we have another huge game at home vs Tring RFC, bring it on!”

Bonus point win for Oaks keeps them in second place

100 Caps Josh Baldock - From 5 year old mini to 100 Cap Senior Squad Player! Very proud of you Josh!!

Sevenoaks 36 vs. Wimbledon 5

A complete all-round performance by Sevenoaks, at home to Wimbledon, saw the Oaks score six tries in this London & SE Premier fixture. Whilst results are of course important, particularly at this late stage of an exciting season, the day’s undoubted highlight was the marking of club stalwart Josh Baldock’s 100th appearance for the club, cheered on by a big crowd at the Paddock which included many of his family and friends.

The game itself required Oaks to battle through a first twenty minutes which saw determined visitors take advantage of a strong wind at their backs to build sustained pressure. At the point the home team was reduced to thirteen players, after two yellow cards received within a matter of moments, the SW London team crossed the line to lead 0 – 5. From that point on, at the end of the first quarter, Oaks took control of the game, running in 36 unanswered points by the final whistle. Key performance highlights saw the men from the Paddock defend superbly when needed, execute great ball handling skills at pace on a blustery day and create excellent set-piece platforms for attacking rugby. The first half stoppage time try, scored by Jonny Short and made by Josh Livett, was a “thing of beauty” to quote the Oaks’ Chairman on the sideline. The only negative on the day was the Oaks’ inability to restrict the penalty count against them, with offences continuing to be pinged well after the game was all but won. Credit must also go to a battling Wimbledon, much changed from their victory over Oaks earlier in the season and heavily impacted by injuries, losing key players on the day.

It was during the second quarter of the game, with Wimbledon attempting to run the ball and largely abandoning the use of the boot in their defensive third, that Oaks exercised breakdown dominance and established go-forward ball, with the points starting to come, Their first try came from a lineout catch and drive, with centurion Josh Baldock burrowing towards the line only for the referee to award a penalty try for ‘foul play’. What would have been the most popular try of the day was, nevertheless, a welcome 7 points. Continued Oaks’ pressure led eventually, deep in stoppage time, to a kick by the Wimbledon fly half, which led to Short and Livett exchanging passes four times to go seventy-five metres to score. The conversion was missed, and at half time Oaks led 12 – 5. The Oaks’ players left the field knowing the Wimbledon threat had been repelled and the wind, if used well, could be a significant advantage in the second stanza.

The Sevenoaks’ men started the half well, shunting their opponents back at every scrum, and building attacking field positions for the opening 15 minutes. After 46 minutes, came the best team try of the day, with a well-functioning lineout leading to a drive for the line, multiple ‘pick and go’s’ and, having sucked in the Don’s defence, moving the ball at speed through the hands out wide for Josh Livett to score in the corner. Ben Adams converted to make it 19 – 5. Despite more penalties against them, the bonus point try arrived from another lineout in midfield, moved via backs and forwards to allow Jonny Short to score his second try. The conversion was missed, so Oaks led 24 – 5 after fifty-five minutes.

There then followed a good period of Wimbledon pressure, threatening the Oaks’ line but great aggressive defence enabled them to keep the visitors at bay. A relieving penalty on sixty-five minutes allowed Oaks to re-establish territorial dominance for much of the remainder of the game, leading to two more tries, one when Wimbledon were down to fourteen men. Taking a scrum when awarded a penalty, the ball was sent cross-field by the boot of fly half Awa Morris for Ben Adams to score in the corner; conversion missed, 29-5. Try number six arrived when, despite the NFL-style ‘block of the day’ on Oaks’ skipper Nigel Gumbleton by his opposing centre, Awa Morris danced through tackles to release the ball to find its way to Scott Sedgwick who scored in the corner. Adams completed the match with a successful conversion, confirming a 36 – 5 final score.

After the match Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said “after a challenging first half, I thought we responded really well and delivered an excellent second half performance in front of a packed crowd!”

Oaks now have a break before the crucial top of the table clash away at Dorking on March 26th.

Oaks Continue Winning Run with Impressive Display in East Anglian Countryside

The Norfolk drizzle was firmly out in force as Sevenoaks embarked on their longest journey of the season to take on North Walsham RFC. A large crowd, including a bus load of students from the nearby University of East Anglia, had turned out to watch this much anticipated clash between two teams who have been going toe to toe towards the upper echelons of London South East Premier all season; which made for a crackling atmosphere in the Norfolk countryside.

It was the Kentish men who settled better to the occasion, stringing together an impressive number of phases in the opposition half with their ball carrying forwards making inroads into the North Walsham defence. Eventually, the pressure was to tell, as outside centre Shadyn Osgood showed his strength to fend off the defender and maraud his way into the opposition ’22, an exchange of offloads followed before Osgood found the ball back firmly in his grasp as he crashed over the try line to give Oaks a deserved 5-0 lead. Oaks’ kicker in chief Ben Adams narrowly missed the conversion from a very tricky angle.

After the restart, it was again the Sennockians who found themselves with territory and possession as their scrum began to turn the screw on their opponents and the Oaks pack continued to impress around the field, with second row Narbey-Nimeti putting in a particularly all court display. Eventually, this pressure earned Oaks a penalty in front of the posts as an East Anglian defender failed to roll away at a tackle. Adams duly stroked over the opportunity to increase the lead to 0 – 8. 

Despite continued Oaks’ pressure, the North Walsham defence held impressively firm and, as the first stanza neared its conclusion, Oaks would have been forgiven for wondering if they were going to be made to rue the missing of a couple of guilt edge try scoring opportunities. Sure enough, before the referee’s whistle blew, the Norfolk men offered a stark reminder of their attacking ability when Oaks carelessly turned over the ball in the middle of the field allowing North Walsham to move the ball to space and make a foray into the Oaks' half. The Kentish defence scrambled well and managed to win the ball back and find touch for half time to ensure Oaks went into the break with a 0 – 8 lead. 

It was to be North Walsham who started the second half the brighter as they used the slight slope and wind advantage they now enjoyed to exert their first real and sustained pressure of the match. However, the Oaks’ defence was imperious on the day with centre combination of Osgood and skipper Gumbleton, remarkably making their first start together in the blue and gold, showing a superb blend of aggression and skill to lead the Oaks line and keep the North Walsham attack at bay. 

This defensive application and patience was to pay dividends as Oaks spotted some space on their right flank and some excellent handling got the ball to Adams in acres of space. He broke the North Walsham line before chipping skilfully over the onrushing back field defenders. The ball came to a halt in the North Walsham in goal area and the Oaks’ winger had time to look around and enjoy the moment before dotting the ball down. Again, a tricky conversion was missed.  

It was then however that North Walsham enjoyed their best period of the match, squeezing Oaks into their own half and creating some try scoring opportunities of their own. Eventually, as the clock ticked down, the North Walsham maul was to prove an incisive weapon as a couple of meaty drives allowed them to touch down over the line. The extras were missed and there was no time for the restart. The final whistle blew on a ferocious encounter and the Oaks were delighted to take the four points with them back to The Paddock. 

Oaks’ domination secures local derby win

Sevenoaks 36 vs. Tunbridge Wells 0

In driving wind and rain on a very heavy pitch, for most of the second half the two sets of heavily muddied players were mostly indistinguishable to the watching crowd and increasingly to the players, culminating in one Tunbridge Wells player executing and excellent tackle ….on his own teammate! In a game on occasions made chaotic by the conditions, enormous credit must go to Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and the officials who dealt admirably with the elements. Whilst not being able to fault the visitor’s commitment, the home team largely dominated their opponents to secure the bonus point win in this London & SE Premier league fixture. For the second time this season Oaks had scored some excellent tries against their local rivals and kept them to ‘nil’ on the scoreboard. This victory leaves them in second place in the league table, 1 point behind Dorking.

The match opened with the strong wind at the backs of the home team, allowing them to spend almost the entire 40 minutes in Tunbridge Wells territory. Oaks exerted early pressure through their effective rolling maul, early domination in the scrum and good use of the boot. It was from their advancing scrum the ball was moved out quickly for Henry Galligan to dummy and cross the line to make it 5 – 0. The conversion was understandably missed given the wind and treacherous footing. More Oaks possession immediately followed, with a 20-metre rolling maul setting up excellent field position for the backs to take over and after a break by Nigel Gumbleton, he passed to Awa Morris to score; 10 – 0 with 19 minutes played; conversion missed.

Fierce competition continued at the breakdown, with Oaks having the edge and with their runners frequently making good yards. Credit to TW, who had started to stablise their scrum and were defending well but it was only a matter of time before Oaks would convert possession and territory into more points. At 40 minutes, having advanced to the Wells 5 metre line, their scrum was solid as Sean Derrick peeled off the back, to hand on to Matt McRae to score to make it 15 – 0. The conversion was successful; 17 – 0. The half finished with TW’s best period of the game but their execution at their first attacking lineout faltered and Oaks saw out the remainder of the first period.

As the players left the pitch, both sets of supporters were debating the impact of the wind. Would 17 points be enough of a lead for the home team? Could TW kick well and get territory in the Oak’s half?

As the second 40 minutes began, unfortunately for the visitors the wind calmed, and the rain eased. That said it was the increase in speed of play by Oaks that took the game away from Tunbridge Wells. With rucks cleared more quickly and the ball transferred superbly despite the conditions, in the 43rd minute Josh Pettet made a strong break, passing onto Nigel Gumbleton to score under the posts. Converted to make the score 24 – nil and the bonus point secured. The half continued in virtually unplayable conditions with both sides possibly racking up their record number of knock-ons in a single game J, with the most basic of handling skills almost impossible. Oaks managed to score two more tries, when a catch and drive from an attacking lineout saw James Simmons barrel over on the hour mark, to make it 29 – 0. Then Patrick Pellegrini put in Matt McRae for his 2nd try and Oaks’ 6th  of the day, to make the score 36 – 0. The final whistle blew, slightly ahead of schedule (!) with Sevenoaks having played some excellent rugby in the conditions and Tunbridge Wells battling to the end but unable to threaten the home team’s line. Both sets of players deserved the applause as they left the pitch, with the Oaks’ victory fully deserved.

After the match Head Coach & Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said “considering the very difficult conditions I thought we were excellent today.  We trusted our playing systems and executed very well”

Next week is a rest week for Sevenoaks, before the long trip to North Walsham for a key top four clash on March 5th

Oaks go 2nd after solid win

Sevenoaks 26 vs. Sutton & Epsom 14

At half time in their home fixture against Sutton & Epsom, the game remained in the balance with the scores level at 7 points each. Finishing the closing moments of the first 40 minutes, at one stage with only 13 players on the field, they were unable to hold out a committed and resilient opponent who deservedly scored an equalising try with the last play of the half. The Oaks’ coaching staff led their team off the field having witnessed too many errors by their charges in the first period, knowing an improvement in tempo and discipline would be required if they were not to drop valuable points in the race for promotion places.

As so often this season they then delivered a blistering period of attacking play, scoring 3 tries in 12 minutes, securing the 5-point win and moving to 2nd place in the table. Enormous credit must go to the Oaks’ players who once again demonstrated speed and precision in the red zone, backed up by strong set-piece efficiency throughout. That said, Sutton & Epsom provided the toughest of tests, with their excellent organisation and commitment offering a stubborn threat. However the men from the Paddock deservedly won the day, delivering their 9th win on the bounce, with now only 7 games remaining in the season.

Despite Oaks playing into a strong wind, the match opened with them applying early pressure but errors made meant they were unable to capitalise. Then after 16 minutes S&E kicked well, using the elements, to get good field position, winning a penalty as Oaks strayed offside. The kick for goal was missed. The scrappy, mistake ridden opening phases continued until the 27th minute when, off the top of a line out, the Oaks’ stand-off Patrick Pellegrini released Fred Richardson to make a line-breaking run, slipping the ball to Sean Derrick who ran in under the posts. The try was converted by Ben Adams to make the score 7 - nil.

Unfortunately for the home team, a rare lineout malfunction straight from the restart gave the visitors a platform for a sustained period of territory and possession. The penalty count against Oaks was rising and from a quick tap by S&E, Jonny Short was yellow carded (29 minutes) for tackling to save a try having not retreated 10 metres. Another infringement 2 minutes later by hooker Scott Sedgwick saw him follow Short into the bin. Despite some great 13 man defence and their own breakout that nearly resulted in a score, the pressure returned on the ‘Navy and Hunting Golds’ with the Oaks’ line breached by a fine dummy by the S&E number 10 who dotted down under the posts; converted to make the half time score 7-7. There was a spring in the step of the visitors as they left the field and Sevenoaks knew improvement was needed in the second half.

Oaks immediately took advantage of the wind after the restart, kicking well to secure attacking field position and trusting their smothering defence to win possession. Continuing to edge the breakdown, with and without the ball, it didn’t take long for Oaks to build phases through the forwards for Charlie Naismith to barrel over after 44 minutes to make it 12 - 7, converted 14 - 7. Two more quick scores followed as first, scrum half Henry Galligan, after 48 minutes, broke the S&E defensive line with a quick tap penalty, handing the ball to Matt McRae to score under the posts; converted 21 - 7. Then a kick-return by Fred Richardson allowed the best backs move of the day, with the ball fizzed from Ben Adam’s to Jonny Short and on to Josh Livett to score in the corner. The conversion attempt drifted away but at 26- 7, the bonus point was secured. It had been a dominant and exhilarating passage of play by the home team.

With 25 minutes still remaining, Oaks, perhaps guilty of overplaying, failed to convert any further openings, despite scrum dominance and the edge territorially. In fact it was S&E who had the last scoring say, breaking through the Oaks’ defence after 60 minutest to make the score 26 - 14, to the delight of the most energetic visiting flag waving touch judge seen this season at the Paddock😊.For the final quarter of the game, largely played in the middle third of the pitch, both defences dominated, forcing errors in try scoring positions. The final whistle blew on an entertaining encounter with the win for Oaks, despite a scrappy performance in places, fully merited

Next week Oaks welcome local rival Tunbridge Wells, who will arrive at the Paddock on the back of their best win of the season, defeating league leaders Hertford.

Defence holds strong as Oaks win at Westcombe Park

Westcombe Park 22 - Sevenoaks 24

Deep into stoppage time at the end of a fiercely fought game, Sevenoaks and Westcombe Park were separated on the scoreboard only by 2 points; an earlier missed WP conversion attempt the difference. Both teams had each scored three tries and one penalty kick. The home team had an attacking scrum with the final play of the game on the Oaks 5 metre line, only to be turned over, concluding a 10-minute sequence of superb Oaks’ defence and securing the 22 – 24 victory. During the season the men from the Paddock have shone with exciting attacking rugby, but this 4-point London & SE Premier league win owed much to their excellent defending, against a very strong opponent. Westcombe Park arrived in great form and delivered a performance confirming they are certainly the most-improved team of the season. That said, credit must go to Sevenoaks who did sufficient in all areas of the pitch to win the game; demonstrating resilience, excellent organisation, and precision when scoring opportunities arose. They now sit 3rd in the league table, 1 point behind Hertford and Dorking.

Westcombe Park came out of the blocks quickly, requiring Oaks to scramble in defence in the first few minutes of the game, WP eventually winning a penalty, scoring to make it 3 – nil after 3 minutes. Oaks responded with their first meaningful foray into the WP half after 7 minutes, moving the ball across the backs, with Fotheringham dummying twice to make 35 metres, and passing to Johnny Short who, with work to do, finished well. An excellent conversion by Ben Adams made the score 3 – 7. From the restart the aggressive WP defence, led by their no. 5, charged down the clearing Oaks’ kick and was adjudged to have grounded the ball with sufficient downward pressure to award the try. It was converted; 10 – 7 to WP. The home team, helped by a strong following wind, built on their quick response with more territory and possession forcing Oaks to defend well.

The second quarter of the game saw Oaks find their rhythm, with good possession, playing in their opponents’ half. Unfortunately for the men from Plymouth Drive, with their backs moving the ball swiftly, WP pressed and intercepted to run unopposed to score under the posts. The conversion made the score 17 – 7, leaving Oaks facing their biggest deficit in a game for some time. They responded with their best attacking passages of play of the day, dominating territory for the remainder of the half, making the most of their ascendant scrum. Their reward came in the 31st minute following a strong carry by McRae, the ball arrived with Patrick Pellegrini who dummied to break through the WP defence and score under the posts; converted to make the score 17 – 14. Oaks finished the half strongly, but WP defended well ensuring there were no further scores in the half.

Despite starting the second half with the wind at their backs, Oaks were forced to retreat for much of the opening moments, again defending well and kicking smartly to ease the WP pressure. The game then settled into a phase of highly competitive midfield exchanges, with no one side dominating at the breakdown. Oaks’ scrum continued to put pressure on their opponents and WP eventually infringed allowing the boot of Ben Adams to level the scores; 17 – 17 after 50 minutes. Ben was however unable to slot a longer penalty attempt from halfway, the ball falling short.

The sides then exchanged two quick tries, with Oaks’ aggressive defence forcing the WP back line to fumble, allowing Ben Adams to pick up the loose ball and sprint 50 metres to score Oaks’ 3rd try of the day after 69 minutes; converted for Oaks to lead, 17 - 24. The sizeable travelling Paddock faithful began to breathe more easily and hoped for a bonus point 4th try, but to their credit WP competed at the restart and from the lineout rumbled through the Oaks’ pack to score. Crucially, into the wind, the conversion was missed, leaving the score 22 – 24 after 72 minutes.

There then followed that excellent attacking spell from the home team, matched by superb defence from the visitors. WP won a series of penalties allowing them to dominate both territory and possession in these final moments. On the 80-minute mark to the relief of Blue and Golds, the WP kicker failed in a 3-point attempt, before that final scrum of the day saw Oaks force the error and win the game. After a very tense day at the office, Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman commented; “well that was a serious battle out there today. We were tested against a much-improved Westcombe Park side who has been on a very impressive run. We were not at our best today and had a very high error count throughout the game which we must look to improve. However, we dug deep and just got the job done. I must say the character and desire shown by the players when defending in the final 15 minutes was just unbelievable! Onto the next one …”

Next week Sevenoaks are at home against Sutton & Epsom

Seventh consecutive victory for clinical Oaks

Brighton 12 - Sevenoaks 41

 Sevenoaks remains in 2nd place in the London & SE Premier league as a result of their victory away at Brighton RFC. In control for large parts of the game, the win was all but secured early in the 2nd half when their penultimate try of 6 scored on the day took them 25 points clear of the home team, who themselves had some good periods of territory and possession. Perhaps a performance that was scrappier than they would like, it still represented a very good outcome against a tough opponent. Oaks’ season is being shaped by two dominant features of play; excellent defence when the opposition has threatening moments and clinical attacking play when the men from Kent are in the red zone. Both facets were on display against Brighton, contributing to the victory and cementing their current position both as the meanest defence and highest points scorer in the league.

Saturday’s Sevenoaks team saw several changes from last week’s Covid affected line-up, with Brighton starting the faster, having good possession in the Oaks’ half. However, the visitors first foray into their opponent’s territory after 6 minutes, forced repeated infringements by Brighton allowing the Oaks’ excellent lineout to serve up a catch and drive. Fred Richardson peeled off to score to make it 5 – nil. The conversion was missed. Oaks were having the better of the breakdown and another score looked likely when an attacking chip-kick was intercepted by a Brighton player who ran 70 yards to score under the posts. Converted it was 7 – 5 to the Blues after 15 minutes. The next 10 minutes saw scrapy midfield and even exchanges with errors by both sides. Then in the 27th minute another Oaks’ lineout delivered quick ball for Patrick Pellegrini to step through a gap in the home team’s defence to canter over the line. Converted to make it 12- 7.

Sevenoaks’ old enemy ‘ill-discipline’ reared its head again in the 31st minute when Josh Livett was pinged for a deliberate knock on in the tackle. Yellow cards for the Kent men are a feature of most Oaks’ games, a point the coaching staff know must improve with big games ahead. Down to 14 men, Oaks soaked up Brighton’s pressure and then impressively showed their ruthless side, scoring two more tries before half time. First, more good lineout ball and another dummy in midfield saw Pellegrini score an excellent try, his second and Oaks’ third; converted to make it 19 -7. Then astute tactical kicking first to exit their own 22 and then to pressurise Brighton on their own 5 metre line allowed Josh Pettet to drive over to make it 24 – 7 and the try bonus point secured. With the conversion missed the half time whistle blew, with Oaks having dominated territory and built a lead Brighton looked unlikely to overturn.

Straight from the restart Oaks won a penalty and kicked the points to make it 27-7. With Brighton then having a period of dominance in the scrum, Oaks did well to attack off the back of the scrum with Sean Derrick making 35 metres, leading to multiple attacking phases culminating with a penalty won on the Brighton line. The catch and drive was unstoppable and Fred Richardson scored to make it 32 – 7, converted to be 34-7 after 46 minutes.

To their credit Brighton then had a period of territorial dominance, testing the Oaks’ defence; but lacking a cutting edge, demonstrated in the 55th minute with a fumble as the try line beckoned. It was in fact Oaks who scored next against the run of play, their 6th and best try of the day on 58 minutes. Starting with a lineout on halfway, the ball was moved across the backs as speed, recycled, switched quickly out wide, with great running lines and good hands culminating in Henry Galligan finishing a classy move under the posts to make the score 41 – 7 with the conversion.

The final quarter of the game had Brighton playing their best rugby of the day, deservedly scoring a try in the 79th minute to make it 41-12. The final scoreline perhaps felt a bit harsh on the home team given their efforts in the first and last 20 minutes of the match, but Oaks deserved what turned out to be a comfortable win.

After the game Head Coach and Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said “playing away against Brighton is always an incredibly difficult place to go, and whilst it was not our finest performance we got the job done and came away with an important five points.  We have a big week ahead this coming week as the squad travels to Westcombe Park, should be a cracking Saturday!

Next week sees Oaks visit a much-improved Westcombe Park for what is a keenly awaited local derby. 

Sevenoaks utilises squad depth to secure win

Sevenoaks 33 vs. Sidcup 10

A difficult Covid affected week for Sevenoaks’ players and coaching staff required eight changes from last week’s away win at Havant and saw stricken coach Adam Bowman forced to watch the game on a live feed from home. Opponents Sidcup RFC were also not without their Covid disruptions so credit must go to both teams for fulfilling this London and SE Premier fixture (as well as a Second XV contest on the same day). Understandably not at their fluent best, the bonus point had however been secured by Oaks after 50 minutes, with enough daylight to suggest victory was safe. Helped by good defence, Sidcup were kept scoreless in the second half, but the home team made life more difficult for themselves with two yellow cards in the match and a stream of penalties against, stymieing momentum. That said, this was a good performance with Oaks able to draw on excellent squad depth to score five tries. They move up to second place in the league, now level on points with Hertford above them and Dorking in third place..

The game was only one minute old when Sidcup took advantage of early Oaks’ defensive disorganisation, moving the ball from what was a near perfect lineout all day, to score in the corner. Unconverted, they led 0 – 5. Sevenoaks started to find some rhythm and following an excellent ‘fifty - twenty-two’, a penalty won, an efficient catch and drive, Oaks’ Josh Thorneycroft crashed over to score. The try was converted by James Fotheringham to make it 7-5. A few moments later Oaks suffered their first yellow card when Adam King was penalised for a high tackle. Pressure followed from Sidcup who unfortunately for them knocked on with the try line beckoning. The Paddock faithful were delighted to see the home team’s early scrum dominance continuing even when a forward down; culminating in the retreating Sidcup pack being penalised. Pressure and more penalties followed, with the ball arriving with Matt McRae to score the Oaks’ second try of the day; conversion missed 12-5.

The final ten minutes of the half saw some fierce midfield exchanges and good defence from both teams. However uncharacteristic sloppy play by Sevenoaks led to them turning over the ball at halfway, allowing Sidcup to put their speedy backs away to score the visitors second try. With the conversion missed, the referee blew for half time with Oaks leading 12 – 0. The home team’s coaching staff headed for the tunnel knowing error count and discipline would need to improve in the second half if victory was to be theirs.

Taking the field early, Oaks looked in the mood to start quickly; and they did. Stealing the kickoff led to concerted territory and possession for the opening minutes, forcing Sidcup to badly slice a clearance straight to Henry Galligan, who ran unopposed to score a try. Converted to make it 19-10. A good response by Sidcup came from the restart but they missed the attempted three-pointer when awarded another penalty. Two minutes later captain Josh Pettet stole the ball in midfield and handed on to Matt McRae who ran 40 yards to score under the posts. Converted to make in 26 – 10 and the bonus point achieved.

The remainder of the game saw some intermittent valiant offensive efforts by the visitors, stopped by great Oaks’ defence, some right on their own line. Anther yellow card arrived, this time for Oaks’ Josh Thorneycroft, with the referee warning Pettet when the infringements continued. Discipline was certainly a negative on the day for the eventual winners. Oak’s use of the boot was however impressive, putting them in good attacking positions from which they then started winning a number of penalties themselves. From one of these, a kick to touch saw their maul heading for the try-line only to be pulled down illegally. The referee immediately awarded a penalty try. 33-10. The game finished with Oaks keeping Sidcup pinned in their own twenty-two, the players celebrating a well-deserved victory at the final whistle.

Next week weeks Oaks travel away to Brighton, hoping for a more trouble free week of preparation.

Oaks show flair and resilience in excellent 5-point away win

Havant 24 vs. Sevenoaks 41

The men from Kent had already scored four converted tries before Havant rumbled over for their first of the day after fifty-two minutes. However, what was looking like a comfortable but hard-fought win could have been placed in jeopardy by a red card issued to Oak’s Awa Morris for an incident after the Hampshire team had scored. Up to that point the visitors had played some excellent rugby, with Havant unable to live with Oaks at the breakdown or cope with the speed and precision of their attacks, breaking their defensive line on numerous occasions. The remainder of the game saw the home team score two more tries but in truth the result never looked in doubt despite their numerical advantage. Sevenoaks had relished the fast 4G pitch offering perfect conditions for their intensely physical free flowing rugby. Credit must also go the Havant who threatened more as the game progressed, deploying their bulky forward pack, releasing their lightening quick backs. It was however a fully deserved win for the Oaks, who cemented their third place in the league moving onto fifty nine points, four behind top spot.

This London and SE Premier fixture began with the visitors almost scoring in the first minute, when a break from Shaydn Osgood was repelled just short of the line. This led to a twenty-minute period of Oak’s territorial and attacking dominance, allowing Ben Adams to convert a penalty after six minutes for a block on Patrick Pellegrini. A 100% kick conversion rate would follow for Ben, renamed Bryan Adams for the day by the Havant announcer! Then, after a break by the Oak’s number 10 won a penalty, the ball was driven on from the efficient Oak’s lineout, ending up with Pellegrini dummying to score the first of his three tries of the day. After eighteen minutes, Havant infringed at a maul, Oaks kicked to touch and rumbled forward to allow Fred Richardson to peel off the back to score; converted by Adams to make it 17 – 0.

Havant then had a good ten-minute spell, keeping the ball with their big forwards and opting to take a scrum and then a lineout when Oaks were penalised, but the visitors defended well, including holding up a Havant attacker over their own line. In the twenty seventh minute the referee awarded a penalty to the home team and yellow carded Matt McRae for kicking the ball away after the whistle. Havant took the points to make it 17 -3. In the thirty seventh minute, deep in Havant territory to the delight of the Oak’s travelling faithful, their seven-man scrum shunted the home team’s backwards, forcing the home team number 8 to flick the ball into the hands of the Oak’s replacement scrum half to score. Henry Galligan’s try was converted to make it 24 – 3. In an evenly matched closing period, there was still time for Oaks to add three more points and Havant to receive their own yellow card for a shoulder barge.

The teams left the field with the visitors leading comfortably but knowing Havant would, in all likelihood, react and improve in the second half.

Another fast start saw Oaks regather their kick-off, recycle the ball and Pellegrini go over for his second try; converted, 34 -3, and the bonus point secured. Then came the Havant fifty second minute try following their first entry into Oak’s territory after the restart. However, it was the men from Kent who scored next, with Pellegrini intercepting and crossing the line after a scrappy period of play. At 41 – 10 with sixty minutes played, the win for Oaks was, in all probability, secured but a sustained period of pressure by the home team took their try count to three and the score to 41 -24. Havant continued to press to the final whistle as Oaks were stretched, but good defence denied the Hampshire team their four-try bonus point.

Next week sees Oaks welcome Sidcup to the Paddock.

Comfortable win for Oaks to start 2022

Sevenoaks          60 vs. CS Stags 1863    3

Sevenoaks faced CS Stags 1863 at the Paddock for their first London and SE Premier fixture of 2022. On a wet day and on a very difficult pitch, by the 35th minute of the game the home team had earned a try bonus point and all but secured victory to kick-start the second half of their campaign. This was an impressive performance, running in eight trys against an opponent who may be struggling this season but deserve huge credit for competing right to the final whistle. Oaks played some excellent rugby in weather that worsened as the match progressed, executing the basics well, making remarkably few errors and being clinical when opportunities were created, including notching 20 points from the boot of Ben Adams in the most testing of kicking conditions. The men from Kent now sit third in the league table.

The match began with Oaks showing their intent with two early breaks from captain Sean Derrick which, although unconverted, showcased great running lines, speed and excellent handling to be repeated by the team throughout the day. As Oaks started to dominate the scrum and break downs, CS repeatedly incurred the wrath of the referee, suffering multiple penalty awards against them. The home team took advantage, and after an early 3-pointer, their maul from a lineout was pulled down illegally and Fred Richardson took a quick ‘tap and go’ penalty to score the first try. Converted, it was 10 nil after 10 minutes.

Oaks started to break the CS defensive line and a chip-kick by Patrick Pellegrini led to another penalty, scored by Ben Adams to make it 13 nil. The away team responded well for the next few minutes, securing a rare turnover and converting the subsequent penalty as Oaks infringed. 13 – 3 after 22 minutes. Brave as CS were continuing to be, they were unable to threaten the home team try line for the remainder of the game. A kick return by Fred Richardson, a break by Patrick Pellegrini and quick recycled ball, saw the number 10 dummy to go over the line; the try converted; 20-3. Good ball off a lineout with Scott Sedgewick regathering to run an excellent line and pass inside to Henry Galligan to dot down took the score to 25 – 3, made 27-3 by the Oaks kicker’s boot. CS were now being shunted back regularly in the scrum, with the bonus point try coming from Oak’s dominance as Sean Derrick peeled off the back to score to make it 32-3, with a forgivable blemish by Ben Adams as his kick drifted wide. There was still time in the first period for a 5th try with the final play of the half when Shaydn Osgood fended off three tackles to allow the ball to be moved out wide for Ben Adams to score.

The two mud-soaked teams left the field with their kits almost indistinguishable, Oaks leading 39-3. The crowd knew CS would be playing for pride in the second half requiring Oaks to maintain their high standards if more points were to come.

The second half understandably lacked some of the fluidity of the first, the game played almost exclusively in the CS half, with the men from West London digging in to disrupt Oak’s rhythm but hindered by a yellow card on the hour mark for blocking the kick chase. However, as a result of good tactical kicking, strong set pieces and the away team making handling errors, 3 more trys were scored. In the 51st minute a catch and drive from a lineout saw Drew Narbey-Nimeti cross the line. A ‘pick and go’ after another set piece led to try number seven by James Simmons; and in the 80th minute effective but scrappy backs play allowed Awa Morris to score the final try of the day. All three were converted to make the final score 60-3. The Oak’s faithful gave both teams their well-deserved applause as they left the pitch. It had been a ruthless display by Oaks and a credible battling display by CS.

Next week sees the First XV make the long trip to Havant to face a stern test from a strong team on a 4G surface.

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.