The Academy U16As travelled to local rivals TJs on Sunday for their penultimate Kent League match. Oaks were undefeated heading into the game and keen to take another step towards the county title.
TJs knocked on from the initial kick-off, granting Sevenoaks an attacking scrum in a good position over to the left, just outside of the TJs 22. A messy, but ultimately successful scrum strike enabled centre Fin Stables to power through the TJs defence and score the 1st try of the game.
A superb short restart by the home fly half caused Oaks all sorts of problems at the restart. TJs took possession and several direct carries from their forwards off 9 led to a penalty for a high tackle, bang in front of the uprights. Their kicker stepped up and nailed the 3 to make it 3-5 with a few minutes gone.
Sevenoaks had their most controlled period of the game for the next 15 minutes as good attacking shape - combined with a flair that has become synonymous with this age group - led to tries for 2nd row Rui Beaufoy and centre Raphi Simmonds-Dance. The latter was particularly 'tasty'. A turnover on the floor after a lengthy Oaks kick found fly half Angus Hall with time and space to execute a superb crossfield kick to winger Oli Ebsworth. Ebsworth was edged towards touch as he bore down on the try line, but he found Simmonds-Dance back on the inside in the nick of time.
Oaks scored two more tries before half-time, punishing some loose TJs kicking with superb counter-attacking and support play. Stables was the beneficiary as he got on the end of both counters to secure his hattrick.
5 tries from Oaks combined with 3 Angus Hall conversions had given the visitors a commanding 3-31 lead going into half-time.
The 2nd half started in the best possible way for the Oaks as a clever kick through from fullback Brett Smith was chased enthusiastically by Ebsworth. He forced the error from the TJs cover and as the ball spilled loose inside the dead ball area, Jake Tucker - on at half time for Stables - pounced to bag try number 6. With Hall now off the field, replacement scrum half Ben Pearl casually drop-kicked the conversion to take Oaks out to 3-38 just minutes into the 2nd half.
The remainder of the game followed a distinct pattern as Oaks kicked deep and challenged the home side to play their way out of their half. Powerful and organised Oaks defence led to clearance kicks that were then mopped up and turned into often devastating counter-attack. Flanker Ryan Dixon and Oli Ebsworth both bagged tries in this way before Dixon broke through from a rare Oaks starter play off lineout. He fed the supporting Max Gilbey - on at half time in the 2nd row - who dotted down for Oaks' 9th try. Of the 4 second half tries scored, Pearl converted 3, taking the final score to an impressive 3-57.
It is no secret that this particular year group at Sevenoaks are blessed with talent and depth. However, it was particularly pleasing to see the Academy attacking shapes really starting to bed in at certain points during this performance. This group are starting to merge a devastating open running game with an organised defence, solid attacking shape and a robust set-piece. The sky really is the limit!
The Academy U16As have two weekends off now before their final league game vs Canterbury on April 24th at the Paddock.
Squad list: Fin Thomas, Charlie Andrews, Will Tarry, Arthur Hansen, Rui Beaufoy, Ryan Dixon, Liam Thomas (C), Joe Sussmes, Isaac Canham, Angus Hall, Max Avery, Fin Stables, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Oli Ebsworth, Brett Smith
Subs: Max Gilbey, Tom Hewitt, Jake Tucker, Ben Pearl, Will Francombe, Sam Sherwood