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A win at home vs. Rochford - 28th January, 2023

Sevenoaks Rugby welcomed Rochford Hundred RFC to the Paddock on Saturday 28 January for a highly entertaining encounter that saw Sevenoaks take away four points for the win plus the four-try bonus point.

Having been slow out the blocks in previous games it was an electric start for Sevenoaks as Matt Holmes got over the line for a brace inside the first five minutes. The first was set up by Jonny Short darting down the left wing and the second resulted from a Scott Sedgwick interception from inside the Oaks half before popping the ball to Holmes to score a try that Ben Adams converted. Sevenoaks' third try involved Sedgwick romping down the right wing and over the try line following some solid phase play from Oaks and a worldie of a 20 metre pass by Oaks fly half and man of the match Jack Martin.

Rochford countered with two tries of their own either side of a try by Adams for Oaks, the first for the visitors was from an excellent interception by right wing Kyle Johnson who finished the score superbly from outside the Oaks 22 and the second just before half-time was a pushover try for Rochford hooker Rob Gardner converted by Chris Dudman. The 22-10 score at half time meant that both sides were very much in the fray and the opening phases of the second half would be crucial.

As it was Oaks started the second half stronger and following some excellent work in midfield from Josh Pettet and Fred Richardson moved the ball wide to Adams who used his feet and his strength to work his way over the line before converting his own try. Oaks were pressing again when the Rochford lock Ben Thomas was removed from play following a head clash in a tackle scenario that seemed a result of poor timing versus anything more malicious; he sportingly checked on the opponent involved before leaving this field of play. The red card sapped some energy from the game and it all become a bit fragmented, with Oaks capitalising on their possession and patience in the shape of two penalties from the trusty boot of Ben Adams.

Rochford then really took the game to Oaks for the final quarter with centres Damien Brambley and Sam Cappaert orchestrating proceedings with verve. 

Every penalty it was tap and go and with Conor Ganley in the bin for Oaks, despite some excellent defending by Oaks, the ambition was rewarded as Najee Mundicha barrelled over the line from short quarters for a try that Dudman converted. 

Both sides had chances for further scores before the final whistle brought it all to a close with Oaks 35-19 victors in an important result for them given how tight the lower third of the National Two South table is beginning to look.

SQUADS

Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Livett; Adams; Gumbleton ©; Fotheringham; Short; Martin; Holmes. Simmons; Sedgwick; Simmons; Pettet; Higgins; Hackett; Hicken; Richardson. Naismith; Ganley; Nicholls; Stone; Galligan.

Rochford Hundred RFC

Dudman; Johnson; Bramley; Cappaert; Ikhifa; Henwood; Spivey; Moran; Gardner; Mundicha; Thomas; Jennings; Shields; Rufai; Duaibe. Phelps-Knights ; Rasor; Cornish; Gould; Muzuzu

 

HT SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 22 – 12 Rochford Hundred RFC

 

FULL TIME SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 35 – 19 Rochford Hundred RFC

 

SEVENOAKS RUGBY SCORES PLUS TIMES 

2' Matt Holmes Try

4' Matt Holmes T Ben Adams Con

20' Scott Sedgwick T

35' Adams T

41' Adams T

60' Adams Penalty

63' Adams P

 

ROCHFORD HUNDRED RFC SCORERS PLUS TIMES

25' Kyle Johnson T

40' Rob Gardner T Chris Dudman C

71' Najee Mundicha T Dudman C

 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Jack Martin, Sevenoaks Rugby

ATTENDANCE - 340

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Sevenoaks Rugby v Worthing Raiders RFC - Saturday 7th January 2023

MATCH REPORT 

Sevenoaks Rugby welcomed Worthing Raiders RFC to the Paddock on Saturday 7 January, as the two teams looked to use the blustery conditions to blow away any seasonal excess.

In very wind conditions, the sports cliché of a 'game of two halves' aptly describes a match when Raiders secured 21 unanswered points with the wind at their backs in the first half, and Oaks scored 19 points without reply in the second hand playing with the wind. 

The hosts fell just short of levelling the match in a conversion kick that was the last play of an outstanding match of rugby played in the best spirit.

Raiders earned their first half ascendancy on the basis of excellent recycling through the phases superbly marshalled by Player of the Match Will Regelsford from 9. He opened the Worthing scoring by darting over the whitewash for the first of Raiders' three tries, each well converted by Matt McLean.

The second Worthing try was the pick of the match, as fluid movement following several phases saw winger Tom Bowen waltz over the line. Sevenoaks tried their best to make incursions but it was the Raiders handling from deep that impressed, and ultimately resulted in their third try by Jack Forrest following a well-worked play from the midfield.

The second half was highly competitive from the get go, and with the wind against them Raiders were finding it hard to clear their lines. In attempting to move the ball out of their own 22 through the hands, an errant pass presented an interception opportunity for Oaks wing Drew Forrester which he snaffled to romp home for a try converted by Ben Adams.

When Henry Galligan darted over for another converted try for Oaks on 65 minutes the game was well and truly afoot. Oaks applied the pressure and with the Raiders number eight sent to the bin following a sequence of penalties for Oaks, Jonny Short found a gap on the blind side after an Oaks scrum from five yards out to dive over the line for Oaks, ten feet in from the left touch line. This presented Adams with a challenging opportunity to level the match, and unfortunately for Oaks his kick – the last play of the game – sailed to the right of the right hand upright and Worthing claimed what was on balance a deserved hard-fought victory.

SQUADS

Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Adams; Forrester; Osgood; Fotheringham; Short; Martin; Holmes. Simmons; Sedgwck; Simmons; Pettet ©; Higgins; Richardson; Hickin; Derrick. Ganley; Thompson; Osinibi; Galligan; Livett.

Worthing Raiders RFC

McLean; Bowen; Forrest; Sims; Barnes; Evans; Rigelsford. Bruce; Luks; Sargent; Browne; Perkins ©; Carr; Taggart. Jibulu; Clarke; Hoare; Derrick.

 

HT SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 0 – 21 Worthing Raiders RFC

FULL TIME SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 19 – 21  Worthing Raiders RFC

 

SEVENOAKS RUGBY SCORERS PLUS TIMES 

49' Drew Forrester T Ben Adams C

65' Henry Galligan T Ben Adams C

80' Jonny Short T

 

WORTHING RAIDERS RFC SCORERS PLUS TIMES

9' Will Rigelsford T Matt McLean C

25' Tom Bowen T McLean C

37' Jack Forrest T McLean C

 

ATTENDANCE 310

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TJs Home - 10th December, 2022

MATCH REPORT 

Sevenoaks Rugby welcomed Tonbridge Juddians RFC to the Paddock on Saturday 10 December, for their first competitive encounter in over a decade.

The opening salvos were predictably abrasive with the match played between each side’s ten yard line and no penetration made by either team.

After a magnum of pod play, tackling, line outs and breaks half made by both teams finally TJs established field position and stayed patient before scoring in the Oaks corner a try by Hugo Watson that was excellently converted by Tom White.

Oaks replied by finding a great opportunity in the TJs 22 just before the half time whistle but didn’t manage to yield any points 

The second half promptly followed the template of the first as first TJs then Oaks looked to make incursions. Oaks had their chances. Ultimately TJs pressure in the Oaks half resulted in a try from close quarters by Duncan Tout again excellently converted by White.

TJs then got a penalty before Oaks finally got reward for stoic persistence and Ben Adams raced over for a try but just missed out on converting his own try in what was the last play of the game.

SQUADS

Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Adams; Corrigan; Osgood; Gumbleton ©; Forrester; Martin; Galligan. Simmons; Sedgwck; Ganley; Pettet; Osinibi; Higgins; Hickin; Hall. Simmons; Nicholls; Morris; Shirtcliff; Livett. 

Tonbridge Juddians RFC

Hotston; Lucas; Tout; Newey; Watson; White; Walsh©. Boon; van Vuuren; Bratton; Parker; Seif; Reid; Sullivan; Munnelly. Conlon; Freeman; Groocock; Petrozzi; Young; Fenley.

 

HT SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 0 -  7 Tonbridge Juddians RFC

FULL TIME SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 5 -17  Tonbridge Juddians RFC

 

SEVENOAKS RUGBY SCORES PLUS TIMES 

80” Adams T 

Tonbridge Juddians RFC SCORERS PLUS TIMES

35” Watson T White C

55” Tout T White C

60” White P

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Alex Reid

ATTENDANCE - 650

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Henley at home - 26th November, 2022

MATCH REPORT 

Sevenoaks Rugby welcomed Henley Hawks to the Paddock on Saturday 26 November, for what promised to be a lively Nat 2 encounter. Osks enjoyed early ascendency and within seven minutes Ben Adams jinked over the line for a try he duly converted. Then a rampaging run by Fred Richardson broke through the Hawks centres to enable Ollie Shirtcliff to stroll over for a second try before Oaks pressure at the line out resulted in a penalty try. These scores capitalised on a visit to the bin for a Hawks player for a high hit on Adams.

Hawks then found some form and put together some strong phase play that pushed the Oaks back inside their own 22. Patience told and after recycling the ball from a catch and drive Henley prop Rory Mason ploughed over from short quarters for a try that Max Titchener excellently converted adding to his earlier penalty.

The 19-10 half time score reflected a solid first stanza by both teams though Oaks might have felt that they left one score on the table.

The second half opened with a purple patch for the visitors and they made their mark in the shape of a try by Tom Emery following a well established drive from the line out that Titchener converted and then a rinse and repeat of the same move resulted in Oaks sacking the Hawks line out and a penalty try gave Hawks a 24-22 advantage to take into the final ten minutes.

Oaks managed to find field position and earned a penalty that Adams slotted from just inside the Henley half. He then hit another penalty from closer range. Then, with the score at 28-24 Henley roared back into Oaks territory and had at least two chances at a winning try but it wasn’t to be.

SQUADS

Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Livett; Adams; Osgood; Gumbleton ©; Corrigan; Martin; Shirtcliff. Simmons; Sedgwck; Ganley; Pettet; Higgins; Richardson; Hicken; Derrick. Naismith; Thomson; Osinibi; Horner; Forrester.

Henley Hawks RFC

Rawsthorn; Crowley; Flynn; Davis; Norvill; Titchener; Crow. Manning ©; Emery; Mason; Harrison; Ellaboudey; Hall; Vooght; Lunnon. MacRae; Shpylka; White; Wood; Fenley.

HT SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby 19 - 10 Henley Hawks RFC

FULL TIME SCORE

Sevenoaks Rugby.28 - 24 Henley Hawks RFC

SEVENOAKS RUGBY SCORES PLUS TIMES 

7” Ben Adams T Ben Adams C

20” Olle Shirtcliff T 

33” Penalty Try

46” Ben Adams P

75” Ben Adams P

79” Ben Adams P

HENLEY HAWKS SCORERS PLUS TIMES

15” Max Titcheber P

39” Rory Mason T Max Titchener C

50” Tom Emery T Max T C

55” Penalty Try

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Jack Martin

ATTENDANCE 

316

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Blackheath at home pics - 19th November 2022

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Oaks comeback to share the spoils - Sevenoaks 26 vs. Dorking 26

The Sevenoaks RFC players, coaches and supporters will be satisfied to have secured 10 points from their first 3 games in National League 2 East. The team does not look out of place playing at the 4th level of English rugby, and along with Dorking RFC served up an entertaining encounter on Saturday. Playing on unfamiliar territory at Sevenoaks School, while the Oaks’ pitch remains a ‘work in progress’, they staged a comeback that spoke as much about character as tactics and skills. At the final whistle it was probably Sevenoaks who saw the result as 3 points gained, and Dorking 2 points lost, with the away team having led by 19 points after only 15 minutes. Both teams had given everything in a fierce contest serving up 8 tries, with neither able to find a winning score in the final exchanges. The men from the Paddock, whose squad depth is being tested by numerous early season injuries, had dug deep and deserved their reward.

 

The match opened with Dorking dominating. As they displayed in the two fixtures against Oaks last season, they are a dangerous side that moves the ball away from the ruck and out wide with great speed. It took them only 4 minutes to demonstrate this to score in the corner. 0 – 5, with the conversion missed. More Dorking pressure followed, for the D’s forwards to get the ball down near the posts, with the referee somehow deeming it a try under a pile of bodies. The try was converted, 0 – 12 after 12 minutes. A scrappy period of play followed with Oaks struggling to find any rhythm. After 15 minutes Oaks lost possession and the Dorking winger dribbled the ball over the line. After consulting his assistant, the referee awarded the try which was converted. 0 – 19. The first quarter of the game had belonged to Dorking, who deserved their lead.

 

Sevenoaks then slowly started to get into the game with some sustained territory, but with the visitors always threatening to break from deep. A mixture of strong defence and their own mistakes stopped Oaks getting on the scoreboard. However, pinned in their own red zone, Dorking increasingly infringed and eventually their second row was yellow carded. Oaks took the scrum, moved the ball through the hands for Shaydn Osgood to score under the posts. The try was converted by Ollie Shirtcliff; 7 – 19 after 39 minutes. The last action of the half saw a dog scampering from an offside position to disrupt the scrum. The half time whistle blew with no additional score.

 

Oaks, buoyed by their late first half score, took advantage of 15 versus 14, drew a number of penalties from Dorking and from a lineout, executed their ‘catch and drive’ drill for James Simmons to score after 44 minutes. Conversion missed, 12- 19. Momentum was with the home team but credit to Dorking who exerted immediate pressure, won the ball back from the kickoff and after an attacking lineout and scrum went over to score their 4th try. Converted to lead 12 – 26. It looked a long way back for the Oaks, but still with plenty of time.

 

Oaks responded and once again forced Dorking to infringe frequently. Another yellow card followed for them just before the hour. The home team pressure paid off, and after 65 minutes they turned the ball over shortly after a Dorking scrum and Charlie Corrigan went over to score. The try was converted to make it 19 – 26. Oaks then proceeded to play some of their best rugby, with the ball arriving for Jonny Short who, to the delight of the majority of the crowd scored near the posts for the bonus point try. Replacement 10, Jack Martin slotted the extras and the game was tied at 26 – 26. A thrilling final 10 minutes was to follow.

 

Both teams came close to finding a winning score, butDorking knocked on with the try line beckoning. Oaks seemedlikely to score from a lineout after a marvelous ‘50-22’ by back row Fred Richardson, but credit to the away team who disrupted sufficiently to keep Oaks out. The referee blew the final whistle, with a bit of whimper whereas the excitement deserved perhaps a more theatrical shrill, with honours even amongst two fine clubs.

 

Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said after the match “After a very poor 25 minutes in the first half where we trailed 0-19, I am really pleased with the reaction and character shown by the squad in the second half to come back to draw the game.”

 

Next week Oaks travel to meet Barnes.

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Bonus Point Win on Oaks’ National 2 Debut

Westcliff 12 vs. Sevenoaks 29

 

It was a proud day for Sevenoaks Rugby Club, playing for the first time in their history at rugby’s National Level 4. Cheered on by a large excited and slightly apprehensive travelling support, they saw their team make an understandably nervy start in the first quarter of the match, delighted at full time to have seen them run out comfortable winners; scoring 4 tries and earning 5 league points. Their opponents, who struggled last season at this level recording the leakiest defence and fewest points scored in the league, were committed adversaries. However, despite a good win for the men from Kent, the Oaks’ players and coaching staff know there are sterner tests ahead, requiring improvement in all round execution and performance. This league possesses some well funded clubs with rich histories of higher tier rugby, including Blackheath, visitors to the Paddock next Saturday.

 

The game itself was an error strewn affair, with both teams guilty of numerous knock-ons and misplaced passes from first whistle to last. The result, and Sevenoaks’ superiority for three-quarters of the game was largely because of the visitor’s impressive defensive line, suffocating their opponents’ attacking attempts. This led to territorial dominance and, despite too many mistakes for the coaching staff’s liking, plenty of scoring opportunities. On a day of greater accuracy and precision, the men from the Paddock could have recorded a significantly higher points tally.

 

The match kicked off on a warm breezy afternoon, and after a scrappy opening, Westcliff’s impressive 13 kicked over the Oaks’ defensive line and the ensuing chase saw them score in the corner. The try was converted; 7 – 0. The next 15 minutes saw any Oaks momentum stopped by their own mistakes and infringements at the breakdown, whilst Westcliff were unable to build on their early score. After 23 minutes Oaks kicked a penalty to the corner, executed a good catch and drive, moved the ball out wide but Drew Forrester knocked on when a try seemed likely. They had the penalty advantage and Jack Martin kicked a simple three points; 7-3.

 

Oaks were now gaining the upper hand, if not full control, and after being awarded two quick penalties, from deep in the Westcliff red zone the catch and drive worked well for them to score their first try of the game (and at Level 4!); with the honour going to Tom Simmons. Conversion missed, 7-8 after 35 minutes. Following the restart, Oaks quickly re-established good field position. There then followed an excellent line-break by skipper Nigel Gumbleton, with quickly recycled ball allowing Brandon Thomson to crash over to score. The try was converted to make the half time score 7-15. As both teams left the field, the result was still in the balance, but Oaks had started to establish superiority, with Westcliff unable to secure any dangerous attacking momentum.

 

The second half was characterised by almost total territorial dominance by the away team with Westcliff making an attacking inroad into the Oaks’ half on only one occasion. It was a disciplined and intense defensive performance by the Kent team, with Shaydn Osgood’s hits in the 13 channel and out wide hugely impressive. However, with ball in hand the Oaks’ mistakes continued but despite this, after 42 minutes Nigel Gumbleton charged down a home team kick, and Scott Sedgwick picked up the loose ball to run 35 metres to score. Try converted 7-22. There then followed that rare Westcliffe second half foray, another excellent chip-kick and after several good phases the ball went out wide for a score. Conversion missed, 12-22. The remainder of the match saw Oaks pinning their opponents in their own half, creating but spurning scoring opportunities, including a harsh disallowed try for obstruction at the ruck. It was only with the last play of the game, with Jonny Short seeing space in front of him for the first time, sprinting 35 metres, were Oaks able to score their bonus point try. Olli Shirtcliffe converted to make the final score 12-29 to the visitors.

 

After the match Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said “we are absolutely delighted with the result and the five points, albeit the very rusty performance.  Looking forward to our first home game of the season next week against Blackheath Rugby Club”.

 

For the Oaks’ first home fixture of the season, the visitors will be Blackheath. All support welcome on an historic day for the club. For those of you who want to check of the final score online, Sevenoaks’ matches have reached the heady heights of the BBC Sports website!! 

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Champions!

Sevenoaks 37 vs. Hertford 17

Sevenoaks First XV, already assured promotion, successfully navigated the challenge of an excellent Hertford team to clinch the London and South-East Premier league title at the Paddock on a bright blustery day in front of a large vociferous crowd. Whilst the final score doesn’t reflect fairly what was a very tight match until the 72ndminute, from when Oaks scored three quick tries in response to the visitors taking the lead, remarkably they delivered their sixteenth consecutive victory with typical clinical finishing, strong defence and a low error count. It was the ‘stuff of champions’ in face of an opposition they pressured into making mistakes, but who carried a scoring threat from anywhere on the pitch with blistering pace and attacking intent. It was a very special day for Sevenoaks Rugby club, elevated to the National League level for the first time in their history. With only three defeats all season, two ahead of their nearest rivals, the best defence in the league and the second-best total points scored, few can deny they are worthy league winners.

As the players, coaches, back-room staff and supporters celebrated on and around the pitch, there was recognition that this fantastic success had been a team effort in the widest sense.

The day began early with a buzz of anticipation around the clubhouse, supporters gathering in cautious celebratory mood for drinks and lunch (with record numbers fed and watered by the wonderful catering and bar teams!), but respectful there was a serious game of rugby ahead, facing a highly motivated Hertford team with an outside chance of promotion themselves. As the game kicked off, Sevenoaks had the assistance of the strong wind. After some early territory by the home team, it was Hertford who looked the more dangerous, particularly out wide; choosing to run an early penalty, exerting pressure and from a lineout picked up the loose ball to score in the corner; conversion missed 0-5 after 7 minutes.

A good response from Oaks, with Hertford starting to make mistakes, gaining territory and pressuring the visitors’ scrum half, charging down a clearing kick, for Matt Holmes to follow up to score. On a difficult day for place kickers, Ben Adams converted to make the score 7-5 after 14 minutes. Even exchanges followed but Oaks broke away only for the retreating Hertford defence to offend on the floor. Ben kicked the points and the home team led 10-5 after 18 minutes. Just 2 minutes later, having snuffed out the immediate Hertford breakaway, Oaks countered, and the visitors infringed again, this time on the halfway line. Ben Adams had a kick to make it 13 -5, successfully achieved, and take his personal tally to over 300 points for the season.

Hertford then failed to take advantage of a period of pressure, with their lineout misfiring and Oaks defending fiercely to force errors and then break away to threaten the try line. From one of those breaks, back-row Sean Derrick made good ground out wide, Oaks went through the phases and once again the men from Hertfordshire were penalised now in front of the posts; kicked to make the score 16-5, after 37 minutes. With half time approaching, the men from the Paddock had edged the encounter without having sustained control of the game and Hertford deservedly scored their second try, running the ball at every opportunity, to touch down in the corner. The conversion, near impossible into the teeth of the wind, fell short. The half time whistle blew, the match in the balance with Oaks leading 16-10.

The second half saw Hertford have good periods of territory and possession, making some scintillating breaks, with Oaks counterattacking and Shadyn Osgood achieving some fearsome yardage for the home team. The game became open and a little scrappy with both teams frequently being penalised for offences at the breakdown. Hertford, taking a scrum when Oaks were penalised, built pressure, moved the ball quickly through the hands to find a hole in the Oaks’ defence, to score under the posts. A well-earned try, converted to take the lead, 16-17 with less than 10 minutes remaining. With the Paddock party in danger of falling flat, Oaks then delivered what they have done on numerous occasions this season; an increase in tempo and physicality, attacking flair and a ruthlessness when scoring opportunities arose. 

Straight from the restart, Hertford’s clearance was returned by Josh Livett, who fed Pat Pellegrini who collected his own chip-kick, passed to Ben Adams who scored under the posts.; converted to regain the lead, 23-17. Then a break by Awa Morris, quick recycled ball, with an overlap on the right making a try certain, a Hertford hand knocked the ball on deliberately and the referee awarded a penalty try; the game was in effect won at 30-17. There was still time for more attacking forays from both teams, but it was Sevenoaks’ Jonny Short who found space to burst past the Hertford defence to score. Pat Pellegrini kicked the conversion, making the final score 37-17. Hertford could understandably bemoan the margin of their defeat, given the evenness of the match for long periods, but not the result overall.

After the match a jubilant and slightly emotional Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adam Bowman said “what a game that was, both teams giving it everything to win the game.  This has been a real squad effort and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved and what we have all achieved.”

A famous season ends and, after celebrations and a well-deserved break for players and staff, attention will turn to the 2022/23 season.

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Title celebrations must wait as Oaks’ win to secure promotion

Maidenhead 15 vs. Sevenoaks 22

 

It is a measure of how far Sevenoaks has come to be able to win when not playing well, and be disappointed, despite confirming their place at the fourth level of national rugby next season, not to have gained the bonus point confirming them as league winners. That must wait for two weeks’ time, when the men from the Paddock play Hertford at home, requiring only one point to be crowned champions.

The coaching staff, team and whole club should be immensely proud of their achievement, in what is only their third season in the London & SE Premier league, with one of those incomplete as a result of Covid. Oaks will be the first to admit, Saturday saw one of their least impressive performances of the season against a much-improved Maidenhead side deserving credit for pressurising Oaks into making numerous errors and offering a real scoring threat themselves, in a game played in the glare of the sun on a fast 4G pitch. In truth, the home team will rue a missed penalty that would have given them the lead with only five minutes remaining and the bouncing ball just beating their chasing backs, running out of play beyond the Oaks’ in-goal area late in the game, which may have given them an unassailable lead. That said, the Kent men did enough, showing the character that has been their trademark throughout the campaign. Their usual lineout reliability and attacking precision was not as it has been, but they held their nerve, scoring their third try with the last play of the game to confirm victory. A nerve-wracking day concluding with promotion confirmed.

The game kicked with neither team able to build momentum or control, both frequently penalised at the breakdown and committing too many handling errors. Oaks had a marginal territorial advantage for the first quarter but failed to capitalise from their attacking lineouts. A breakaway by Maidenhead, a characteristic throughout the game, and Oaks’ Ben Adams showcasing his football skills with a thirty-metre dribble towards the try line, were the closest both teams came to scoring until the 23rd minute. After a period of pressure, from a scrum, Oaks went through their familiar pick-and-go processes, this time without error, with Matt McRae scoring; the try converted to lead 0-7.

Unfortunately, some loose kicking by the visitors gave Maidenhead momentum, but they failed to convert a three-point penalty opportunity after 28 minutes. However, they maintained territory and from a scrappy lineout of their own found a big gap in the Oaks’ defence to score a try. The conversion was missed; 5-7. On 35 minutes an Oaks’ attacking lineout went astray, the home team broke forcing the Kent men into committing a series of infringements in their own half, the last close enough for Maidenhead to take the three points. The half time whistle blew with Maidenhead leading 8-7, leaving the field believing they could win, whilst Oaks knew a step up in precision and intensity would be needed in the second half.

Unfortunately, a knock on immediately from the kickoff invited pressure in the Oaks’ 22, leading to a yellow card to Drew Forrester for not rolling away. From the penalty, a lineout followed, and Maidenhead scored in the corner; the try converted for them to lead 15-7 after 43 minutes.

There followed a good response from Oaks, who broke the line, arriving in front of the Maidenhead posts, the home team to be pinged for not rolling away. Turning down the three points, Oaks kept the pressure on, a yellow card was awarded to the Maidenhead number 4 for pulling down the maul and eventually a cross-field kick by Oaks’ fly-half Patrick Pellegrini was caught by Ben Adams to score; converted 15-14 after 50 minutes.

The next 15 minutes saw Oaks on top, making several half breaks and having a number of try scoring opportunities near the home team’s line. However, too many errors at crucial times, combined with poor decision making stopped the points arriving. Maidenhead rallied, but this time Oaks broke away, the home team infringed, and Ben Adams gave his team a narrow 15-17 lead with a successful penalty kick: 71 minutes.

The game entered its final phase with a yellow card awarded to the Maidenhead prop for a high tackle. Oaks’ attacking play followed but again they were penalised when going forward near the home team’s line, relieving pressure and keeping the game in the balance. Maidenhead took advantage and broke up field to win two penalties in quick succession, leaving them a late three-point opportunity, which they missed. Relief for Oaks, followed by a superb break by Pellegrini leading to winning a penalty in front of the posts. Bizarrely the men from the Paddock kicked for touch instead of taking a certain five-point lead, and it nearly cost them dear as Maidenhead scrummed down under their own posts, broke out and kicked a loose ball 60 metres up to, and beyond, the Oaks in-goal area. A let-off for the visitors. The final play of the game saw Oaks move the ball well across the backs for Ben Adams to score. The conversion was missed, and Sevenoaks claimed a nervy 15-22 victory.

After the game Director of Rugby Adam Bowman said “credit to Maidenhead, they performed very well today and really put us under a huge amount of pressure.  We were below par today, far too many errors and our game management was poor.  That said, we ground out an important win which means we are officially promoted.  This is a huge achievement, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud of what we have achieved this season.”

A break for Easter, and then Sevenoaks will be at home to Hertford for the final game of the season, in search of one more point secure top position in the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9 try win takes Oaks five points clear at the top

Sevenoaks 53 vs. Tring 13

 

Sandwiched between a few moments of early Tring territory and their consolation try in the 80th minute, the Paddock supporters witnessed total domination by Oaks in this London & SE Premier fixture. In scoring 9 tries they secured a 5-point win and, as result of scores elsewhere, extended their lead at the top of the league to 5 points. Even their normally phlegmatic Director of Rugby and Head Coach; he of ‘one game at a time, just concentrate on the next job’; must admit their 14th consecutive victory leaves them on the brink of promotion. A bonus try victory away to Maidenhead next weekend will see them promoted and crowned champions.

On Saturday they faced a spirited Tring side, who brought a physical game. Most importantly all Oaks’ supporters will be sending their best wishes to the Tring number 8, who left the field after a long period of treatment for a suspected neck injury.

Tring kicked an early penalty to lead 3 -0 and Oaks then proceeded to dominate territory and possession, creating a number of try-scoring opportunities. Frustration was evident, particularly amongst the home sides’ backs, as decision making was little awry and final passes failed to go to hand with the try line beckoning. That early lack of precision was soon repaired on 14 minutes as Matt Holmes dotted down for the first try, following a bursting run by Fred Richardson; 5-3, conversion missed. On 24 minutes Tring cleared with the boot, allowing Patrick Pellegrini to counter at pace, pass to Ben Adams, who fed Drew Narbey-Nimeti who passed to Drew Forrester to score their second try, conversion missed 10-5.

The Oaks’ lineout was in near-perfect order this week, delivering the platform for a number of scores throughout the afternoon. The first of those and the Oaks’ third arrived after 33 minutes from a lineout catch and drive and Fred Richardson scoring; converted 17-3. The 4th try and bonus point came with the final play of the half, again from quick lineout delivery, rapid transfer of the ball across the backs and Josh Livett scoring. Half time and Oaks led 24 -6, with Tring recognising they would have more defending to do in the second half. The big home crowd were expecting more exciting flowing rugby for the next 40 minutes.

They weren’t to be disappointed as Oaks scored 5 more tries in the second half. The game became a little unstructured, and maybe the men from the Paddock, understandably, were guilty of overplaying at times, but backing their physical dominance and ball skills, the points kept coming. On 50 minutes, from another lineout and break by Fred Richardson who nearly scored, Pellegrini threw a huge outside pass to Ben Adams who scored in the corner. Conversion missed, 26-6. Then on 62 minutes Ben Adams countered from another Tring kick, putting in Scott Sedgewick; converted 36 -6.

With Oaks now throwing the ball around from deep, they broke up field allowing Ben Adams to score the 7th try; 41-6. 5 minutes later another catch and drive from the umpteenth penalty kick to touch, the forwards rumbled over to make it 41-6. The final home team try of the day went to Drew Forrester who finished of another free-flowing move starting in their own half, with interchanges between backs and forward releasing the winger to score. The try was converted to take the Oaks to 53 points.

The final scoring word of the day went to Tring who had a period of pressure, a succession of penalties and scored in the corner, converted to take them to 13 points.

Next week, Oaks will make the trip to Maidenhead for what they hope will be a season defining result.

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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!”

 

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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.

 

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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

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