On a cold and windy Sunday morning the Sevenoaks U13 A team played Canterbury A’s on the 1st XV pitch where the conditions were tough for our boys as the ground had taken a lot of rain the night before.
The following boys represented the U13’s A:
Baker, Beaufoy, Dixon, Killick, Kitchen, Latrobe, Skein, Thomas (L), Wilson (J), Burgess
Ebsworth, Francombe, Gollan, Holden, Keenor, Lenaghan, Lindsay, Maynard, Smith
The team played with amazing spirit to grind down a tough, skilful and physical Canterbury side who have beaten other top sides already in the county this season. This did not affect the Oaks’ U13’s as they stuck to their game plan of possession rugby and slowly momentum started to take over.
The forwards managed to keep control very well and rucked superbly which allowed for the ball to be passed through the hands down the backs and Oaks stormed into a 20 – 0 lead at half time. The second half was an even stiffer test as Canterbury came out fighting and scored a try but then again the boys put their foot to the floor with determined courage and tackling, momentum turned again in their favour for another 4 tries to be scored. The forwards and backs linked up very well and the backs at 12/13 were often halted in their tracks by strong Canterbury defence but each time our cavalry of forwards hit the competing area to win ruck again for the ball to be recycled to the backs who were taking the ball on nice straight runs at pace which ultimately proved just too much for Canterbury in the end.
Oak’s showed their ‘metal’ as Canterbury were relentless with their rucking and tackling but this stern test warranted some great courage at times with some super tackling and general aggression.
This match represented, willingness and grit from the boys and it shows they have trained well to get to this stage, tougher tests will come for sure but this match was a good result for them and their hard work over last few weeks has paid off. Special mentions and proof of our strong squad must go to Will Francombe, Sean Lenaghan, Alex Holden and Sam Keenor for stepping up and competing so well.
Everyone should be so proud of the boys..