On a grey, overcast and chilly winter’s morning, Sevenoaks u16B came up against a strong Old Colfeians team. Playing with the strong wind in their backs, Sevenoaks started well and dominated the first few minutes. The pressure led to Old Colfs going off their feet and the resulting penalty was kicked out 5m from the Old Colfs line. The Sevenoaks pack won the ball and drove over the try line, but unfortunately the ball was held up, allowing Old Colfs to get out of their 22 from the resulting kick out. Buoyed by the strong start, Sevenoaks kept the pressure on Old Colfs and soon won another penalty, which was kicked out 15m from the Old Colfs try line. This time the forwards demolished their opposition with a catch and drive and Kam Satrettin broke loose from the maul to score the try. The conversion went to the left of the uprights, Sevenoaks up 5-0. From the resulting kick-off, Old Colfs launched various attacks but the Sevenoaks defensive line held on and when Sevenoaks finally turned the ball over, they managed to exit their 22 well with good structured play. After a few tight phases by both teams trying to get the upper hand, Old Colfs kicked the ball through and into the hands of Alex Holden, the Sevenoaks full back. He set off and after beating a handful of players, offloaded to Will Francombe who made good yards before passing to Sam Sherwood who took the ball even closer to the try line. Old Colfs were penalised at the ensuing ruck and Sevenoaks kicked for the corner. After another good lineout and maul, Sevenoaks drove over the line and Max Gilbey was the last player up with the ball. The conversion was again wide, Sevenoaks leading 10-0. Similar to after the first try, Old Colfs managed to control the game after the kick-off. This time Sevenoaks did not manage to exit well with Old Colfs launching attack after attack. Finally, their wing managed to break through five tackles to score and with the conversion going through the middle, the first half score was 10-7 in Sevenoaks’ favour.
With the wind at their backs, Old Colfs set up camp in the Sevenoaks half from the start of the second half. It was a cruel version of Groundhog Day being played out in a rugby match with the following events repeating over and over again: Old Colfs attack, Sevenoaks defence stand strong and Old Colfs make a mistake; Sevenoaks try to get out of their own half but lose the ball at a ruck, with Old Colfs then starting the loop again and again. After enduring 25 minutes of relentless defending and constantly losing control of the ball as Sevenoaks tried to exit from their half, Max Avery decided to take matters in his own hands and came charging off his wing and broke through the middle of the Old Colfs line. This was followed by a pick and drive by Max Gilbey and suddenly the stuttering Sevenoaks machine kicked into gear again and moved the play into the Old Colfs half. From an ensuing scrum, Will Tarry picked up the ball at the back of the scrum and broke down the blind side, beating four defenders before being brought down 10m from the Old Colfs try line. Sevenoaks won a penalty and kicked for the corner to set up a catch and drive. Old Colfs managed to defend it well but Sevenoaks ended up with a 5m scrum. Again, Will Tarry picked up the ball but and as he drove over the line and dived to score the try, Old Colfs’ star player managed to rip the ball lose and dot it down for a goal line kick out. From the ensuing play, Sevenoaks were awarded a penalty and the players made the mature decision to kick for the posts, rather than risking Old Colfs getting their hands on the ball again. The penalty kick shaved past the left post but with the ball dead, the referee blew the final whistle. No points scored by either team in the second half but Sevenoaks managing to grind out a win in a very tense and tight game and staying undefeated at the top of their Kent Cup league table.
Squad: Nich McLean, Charlie Andrews, Jacob Bund, Max Gilbey, Arthur Hansen, Conrad Sykes, Kam Satrettin, Will Tarry, Louis Parker, Will Francombe, Sam Keenor, Freddie Rudd, Sam Sherwood, Max Avery, Alex Holden, Fin Thomas, Fionn Daly, James Fry, Jack Davies O'Malley