Dartford Valley RFC U18 7-45 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

The academy 1st XV continued what will hopefully prove to be a resurgence of their Kent League season with their 2nd bonus point win in as many games.

A young Dartford Valley side started strongly and after 10 minutes, the scores were 0-0 and the overwhelming majority of possession and territory had belonged to the home side. Dartford were full of energy and intent, whereas a few of the Oaks players appeared to still be somewhat in bed despite the 13:30 kick off.

However, Oaks got the kick start they need as a botched exit from Dartford gave them a scrum bang in the midfield and only 5m out. A well executed scrum strike saw the ball worked to right winger Charlie Drysdale through No.8 Josh Martin, scrum half Zac Loder and fullback Tom Hyde. Drysdale scampered over, with fly half Will Brook adding the extras.

This seemed to spark Oaks into life for the remainder of the half as tries from Hyde and then Martin, with a single conversion from Brook, gave the visitors a 0-19 lead at the half.

Dartford Valley had begun the game with a bare 15, and fatigue began to tell in the 2nd half as Oaks found more and more space to make big metres on the counterattack. 2nd row Noah Bruce bagged the bonus point try before tries from centre (and MotM) George Rehbein, captain George Booth and the pick of the bunch, a wonderful first phase scrum strike score for winger Tiger Bussey, added some gloss to the scoreline. 

For their part, Dartford Valley never stopped pushing for a score of their own and with a couple of minutes left on the clock, they got their reward with a well worked score from a close range scrum. Final score, 7-45.

Oaks will be very pleased with the ruthlessness of their 2nd half performance, as well as the 5 league points which keeps them well in the hunt for a 3rd place finish in the league. At their best, they are still a handful for anyone. The objective over the remaining 3 games will be showing their best as consistently as possible! They will need to do exactly this when the travel away to old friends and rivals, Sidcup, in the league on the 16th February.

Squad list : Charlie Gillespie, Sam Pearl, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Noah Bruce, Callum Le Roux, Tom Kerton, Josh Martin, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Joe Strebel, George Rehbein, Gerran Prescott, Charlie Drysdale, Tom Hyde

Subs : Luke Coll, Max Baker, Lucas Rumunn, Tiger Bussey

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV 0-26 Tunbridge Wells RFC U18B

The academy 2s went down fighting on Sunday against a physical Tunbridge Wells outfit.

Preston Williams - MotM

Wells were suffering from poor availability in the build up to the game, so 13-a-side was agreed with 6 man scrums. 

It was the away side who took advantage of the extra space, especially on the counter attack. Oaks defended resolutely throughout a physical 1st half and constructed several meaningful attacks of their own, but unfortunately the final pass (as is so often the case) failed to find it's man. Wells, by contrast, managed to convert one of their more dangerous looking attacks midway through the half to go in 0-7 up at half time.

Oaks would have been hopeful that their superior squad numbers would tell as the game wore on. However, their lack of accuracy in attack meant that they were never able to ramp the pace up enough for fresh legs to make a big enough difference.

Wells were just that bit more clinical at the breakdown and close to the try line, adding 3 more tries and two more conversions to ultimately run out comfortable winners at 0-26.

For their part, Oaks have always known that this league season would be challenging at 2s level. There have been bright spots - the away win at Gravesend at the start of the season being one. The major focus will need to be on stringing phases together more effectively, as well as remaining patient when in sight of the opposition try line.

The result aside, it was great to see the lads playing again after a lengthy layoff. New boy Freddie Thompson acquitted himself well at fullback. Jack Pearson and Yiannis Papadopoulos demonstrated why they've both had 1st team minutes this season with industrious carrying and tacking displays. Preston Williams had his best game of the season, ironically have shifted from fullback to wing, as he deservedly claimed MotM. 

Squad list : Jack Pearson, Yiannis Papadopoulos (C), Gurvan Ollivier, Toby Lenaghan, Jamie Wishart, Luke Coll, Toby Shrimpton, Will Blackmore, James Banks, Charlie Vowls, Jayden Jackson, Preston Williams, Freddie Thompson

Subs : Jack Kaye, Hermann Waschefort, Ben Thomson, Ben Shelley, Owen Abel, Priam Van Asche 

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 38-0 Tunbridge Wells RFC U18A

After relatively mild weather endured for the Academy 2s' league game, the heavens opened during the warm up for the big finale against Wells' A team.

In truly awful conditions, Oaks got their first league win of the season in round 3 as they ground down a resilient Wells side before ultimately pulling away in a disciplined, physical performance at the Paddock. 

Oaks had come to terms with the changes from their expected squad this season by using the extended break in fixtures to work on a more territory-based approach. This served them well in the wind and rain as two close range efforts early on from hooker Harry Gullett reflected the home side's ascendency. Fly half Will Brook converted one, but not the other for a 12-0 lead. 

The remainder of the half was quite scrappy and Wells had one of two purple patches in the game, camping in Oaks' 22 for several minutes. Eventual MotM, flanker Ed Karsak, really came to the fore in this period, raining in heavy shots in defence to nullify Wells' attempts to get on the score board and drive them back downfield. 

It was from one such defensive set that Oaks grabbed their 3rd try just before half time. Wells' spilled the ball under huge physicality in the tackle, with Karsak hacking through around halfway. Winger Lucas Rumunn, back on exeat from Sedbergh School, outstripped everyone else for an acrobatic finish as he got to the ball just before it went dead. 17-0.

Wells had the wind at their backs for the 2nd half and looked to pin Oaks back with a strong kicking game. Indeed, there was an uncomfortable period in which it looked like Oaks might not be able to get the bonus point try, having started so strongly. 

It took a bit of magic to finally break Wells' resolve. Winger Tiger Bussey showed his electric pace as he was put away down the left after a rare Oaks starter play off lineout. With the cover coming across, Bussey grubber kicked ahead and went around the cover to regather over the line for a fantastic solo effort. Brook converted and things suddenly felt very rosy at 24-0. 

Two more tries added some gloss to the scoreboard. Prop Charlie Gillespie picked and went from close range after another 50m Bussey line break before captain George Booth powered through a gap in the exhausted Wells defence to gallop in from the 22. Brook converted both tries for a 38-0 victory.

It has been a challenging season for the academy. The expected squad hasn't materialised and this has led to a fairly brutal recalibration of expectations. It's a testament to the fortitude of these young men that they have continued to show up, work incredibly hard at training and then (largely) play with smiles on their faces on a Sunday. This win was a demonstration of all of the best elements of the group. 

The 1s now have a week off from fixtures, before looking for win number two against Dartford Valley on Feb 9th.

Squad list : Charlie Gillespie, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Noah Bruce, Tom Kerton, Ediz Karsak, Harry Scott, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Joe Strebel, George Rehbein, Gerran Prescott, Lucas Rumunn, Tom Hyde

Subs : Sam Pearl, Tait Anderson, Tiger Bussey

Man of the Match - Ed Karsak

Rochford RFC U18 22-24 Sevenoaks RFC Academy Squad

After an absolutely brutal late November/early December in which chronic availability issues saw the Oaks academy exit the National Cup and lose their first two Kent League fixtures, there was a feeling of new beginnings as the academy 18s and 17s combined to play a pre-season style friendly away at Rochford. The format agreed pre-game was 4x20 minutes and as many players playing as possible.

Within minutes it was very clear how each side was going to play. Rochford looked to play through the middle with their powerful ball carriers and use a tight offloading game to get in behind the Oaks defence. Oaks on the other hand were looking to move the ball coast to coast in an attempt to avoid some of the more ferocious defensive shots coming in from the home side. 

Whilst Rochford had the better of the early exchanges and scored an impressive try, it was Sevenoaks who gradually gained the ascendency of the first two quarters. New boy Joe Strebel scored two tries in an impressive debut on the left wing, showing real pace and finishing ability for one in particular. His brace was followed by a Zac Loder try just before the 'half' as a sweeping Oaks counterattack from inside their own 22 stung the home side just as they were starting to build momentum.

Rochford's carrying game started to take over as Oaks made changes in the 3^rd quarter, but centre George Rehbein, scored against the run of play to take Oaks into a 5-24 lead with one quarter still to play.

Rochford dominated the final quarter and scored three tries in quick succession to make the ending a lot more exciting than one might have predicted with 20 minutes to play. Fortunately for Oaks, only one of Rochford's four tries was converted, leaving the final score at 22-24.

This was a good hit out for Oaks ahead of their return to league action with a double header at home to Tunbridge Wells this Sunday (26th Jan).

Squad list : Jack Pearson, Yiannis Papadopoulos, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Gurvan Ollivier, Callum Le Roux, Toby Lenaghan, Tom Kerton, Tait Anderson, George Booth (C), Hermann Waschefort, Zac Loder, Will Blackmore, Toby Shrimpton, Will Brook, George Rehbein, Charlie Vowls, Gerran Prescott, Joe Strebel, Jayden Jackson, Tom Hyde, James Banks, Priam Van Asche, Preston Williams

Gravesend RFC Colts B 19-36 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

The academy 2nd XV kicked off their Kent League campaign with a promising win away at Gravesend on Sunday.

The 2nd XV group this season is comprised almost exclusively of last season's U16s, who managed one win in the league out of six games last time out. 

That win however, was in their final match of the season and the objective this season is to build on that confidence boost and attempt to make winning a habit. This was a great start!

The 1st half was very much tit-for-tat as two converted Gravesend scores were cancelled out by tries from centre Callum Le Roux and captain Tom Kerton, both of which were converted by MotM George Rehbein. 

The theme of the game was established very early on. Gravesend had some very direct and physical carriers, who Oaks dealt with well around 50% of the time. When they didn't line breaks and tries followed. On the attacking side, Oaks strung more passes together in one half than they had managed for most of the previous season combined. This was inevitably accompanied by a high error count as the final pass missed it's mark on more than one occasion.

14-14 at half time and the messaging was simple - keep playing with ambition and if the error count could be brought down a little, the game was there for the taking. 

Oaks started the 2nd half perfectly as Gravesend conceded a penalty during their exit attempt. Number 8, Harry Perman, was the beneficiary of the close range attack that ensued and Rehbein converted again to take Oaks into a 14-21 lead. Oaks scored again shortly afterwards with probably their best attack of the game as a lovely pull back pass from the forward pod inside the Gravesend 22 meant the ball was able to find Rehbein in space. He stepped off his outside foot and beat the scambling defence to score and convert. 14-28.

Gravesend were stung into life and started carrying with even more ferocity. Some poor Oaks discipline in the middle third gave the home side the entry they needed into the 22. One maul and several bruising carries later, the ball was moved and Oaks couldn't get across in time. Fortunately for Oaks, the try went unconverted. 19-28.

Rehbein settled a few nerves a couple of minutes later with penalty kick through the uprights for a 19-31 lead and then he capped off a fantastic individual performance with a fly hack through and score off a Gravesend error in midfield as they chased a 4th try. Final score, 19-36.

This was a pleasing win for Oaks. There are still massive work-ons if this group wants to become genuine contenders in their U18 season next year (where many will be hoping to secure places in the academy 1st XV). However, their ambition to play was encouraging, as was the simple fact that they won the game. Scoring 5 tries when on average last season they managed 1 or 2 per game was another big positive.

Next up, the 2s play Canterbury Colts B at the Paddock in what will be a huge challenge on November 10th.

Squad list : Dexter Williams, Jack Kaye, Gurvan Oliver, Tom Kerton (C), Ben Thomson, Yiannis Papadopoulos, Tait Anderson, Harry Perman, Will Blackmore, Arthur Luboinski, James Banks, George Rehbein, Callum Le Roux, Alex Hayward, Preston Williams

Subs : Jack Pearson, Owen Abel, Herman Waschefort, Toby Shrimpton, Charlie Vowls, Priam Van Asche

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 43-19 Dorking RFC U18s - RFU U18 National Cup 2nd Round

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 43-19 Dorking RFC U18s

Sevenoaks Academy 1st XV exorcised some demons on Sunday by defeating Dorking to progress to the 3rd round of the U18 National Cup. 

It was in the 2nd round of last year's competition where a highly rated Oaks team failed to show up against an organised and determined Dorking side at the Paddock. 70 minutes later, their cup dreams were over after a humbling defeat. Dorking went on to win the competition, maintaining the South East's incredible record in recent years for producing champions and/or finalists.

Oaks knew that this was likely to be an incredibly difficult challenge and had prepared accordingly. Contrastingly to last season's game, the whole club seemed to be personally invested in the match as a large crowd gathered on the decking and along the touchlines. Our visiting friends from the Mzwandile Mali XV, touring from South Africa, gave the team an uplifting guard of honour as they ran onto the pitch - something that will live long in the memory of all present.

What followed exceeded all but the wildest expectations. 

Sevenoaks flew out of the blocks and would have been 6-0 up early had fly half Will Brook not being have an incredibly rare off-day from the tee. He had to settle for orchestrating a lively Oaks attack and when Dorking kicked loosely under pressure in their own 22, the home side struck. The Oaks counter attack broke the Dorking line before the cover was beaten through multiple offloads out of contact in close quarters. Hooker, Harry Gullett, was the beneficiary as he crashed over to open scoring. Centre George Rehbein stepped up to add the conversion and after 15 minutes of intense pressure, Sevenoaks had their lead. 7-0.

Despite sporadic entries into the Oaks half by Dorking, the home side were very much in the ascendency. Even when Oaks looked like they were under pressure, the constant threat of their counterattack meant the visitors couldn't take the risks required to break down a determined defence. Winger Charlie Drysdale bagged two tries in quick succession, one from a well executed midfield scrum strike and one from a long distance counter attack. The score was now 17-0 and Oaks staff were having to remind themselves that there was still a long way to go as Dorking threw the kitchen sink at the Oaks defence in an attempt to get on the board. 

Rehbein then sent the Oaks support into delirium as he intercepted the ball on what had been Dorking's most threatening attack to scamper away from his own 22 to score and convert his own try. When he scored again a couple of minutes later after winger Tom Hyde had broken from deep off the kickoff, the Oaks coaches could be seen standing under their own posts, staring at each other wordlessly. Rehbein converted again and Oaks went in 31-0 to the good.

Dorking though, were a far better outfit than the 1st half blitz had made them appear. They were not going to go away quietly. Poor Oaks discipline coupled with ferocious tackling and carrying by an almost desperate visiting side led to territory and eventually points as Dorking scored two tries in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half. Oaks still had a healthy lead, but they looked a little flustered and one got the feeling that they would need to reassert quickly or risk becoming the victims of a rather special comeback. 

To their credit, Oaks did exactly this as they constructed their first meaningful attack of the 2nd half to put Drysdale away down the right. He charged in from the half way line, beating multiple defenders on his way to a well deserved hattrick. Even without the conversion Oaks were now 36-12 up with around 10 minutes to play - could they finally start to look forward to a 3rd round game?

Dorking did their best to create a bit more jeopardy with another score as the game broke up increasingly. Oaks were determined to have the final say though, as vice captain Joel Walter, who had been having a quietly excellent game at fullback, ran a lovely inside line off Brook inside the Dorking 22 to score. Rehbein added the extras and Oaks took the spoils, 43-19. 

Oaks can be incredibly proud of this performance. Their intensity and ambition from minute one was superb, as was the vast majority of their execution on both sides of the ball. They will need every ounce of this excellence when they play old friends and rivals, Tonbridge Juddians, in the 3rd round after they beat Canterbury. The fixture will be played on 17th November at the Slade. A big visiting crowd will be vital! 

Squad list : Charlie Gillespie, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Noah Bruce, Tom Kerton, Ediz Karsak, Josh Martin, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Tom Hyde, George Rehbein, Gerran Prescott, Charlie Drysdale, Joel Walter

Subs : Harry Scott, Yiannis Papadopoulos, Tait Anderson, Hugo Schwemm

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 37-13 Haywards Heath RFC U18

RFU U18 National Cup 1st Round

Sevenoaks Academy played Haywards Heath for the 2nd time in 3 weekends on Sunday at The Paddock.

The first encounter, down in Sussex, was a 4x20 minute preseason friendly in which both clubs utilised as many players as possible in awful conditions. That game ended 19-19 amid many smiles and wet, muddy match tops.

Sunday's encounter was an entirely different affair, with a place in the 2nd round of the National Cup at stake.

Oaks started quickly as lineout pressure saw 2nd row Noah Bruce take a steal around halfway before setting off at surprising speed towards the HH tryline. He was pulled down 10m out, but the Oaks ruck ball was recycled and moved very quickly from right to left. Centre George Rehbein cut an excellent line off of fly half Will Brook to score just to the left of the uprights. Brook was unable to add the conversion. 5-0 Oaks.

Oaks' line speed and physicality in defence were causing a talented HH side all manner of problems, until flanker Ed Karsak was adjudged to have been high when shooting out of the line for a particularly monstrous shot in midfield. The HH kicker stepped up and slotted the penalty to bring the scores to 5-3 with roughly 10 minutes gone.

Oaks responded almost immediately as good kick chase pressure won them a scrum around half way. Massive pressure from the HH scrum half actually led to the home side somewhat fluffing their lines on the scrum strike move. However, centre Gerran Prescott showed some outstanding feet to slip out the would-be tackle before moving the ball wide to flying winger Tom Hyde. He beat his man before offloading to fullback Joel Walter who scored Oaks' 2nd try. No conversion again meant Oaks only had a 7 point lead despite having had much the better of the opening exchanges. 10-3.

There was a feeling that the lack of conversions might prove costly as a botched Sevenoaks exit gifted HH an attacking scrum around the 10m line. A well executed scrum move got HH to the outside and their rapid winger round the cover to score in the corner. Fortunately the conversion was missed and Oaks still led 10-8. 

After several occasions last season where Oaks were left kicking themselves for not converting early pressure into points, the lads could have been forgiven for tightening up after this setback. To their credit, they kept playing with ambition and intent. They were rewarded several minutes later when Rehbein scored his 2nd try, having gotten on the end of a powerful line break through the midfield by the forwards. Brook added the conversion, plus two further penalties to send Oaks in at half time 23-8 up.

The high octane nature of the 1st half had left the Oaks starters a little bit fatigued and unfortunately, the HH bench provided significantly more impact in the early stages of the 2nd half than the home bench managed. Oaks had to weather several periods of prolonged attack from the away side, before finally stacking some 'little wins' on top of each other and advancing up the pitch. This proved to be decisive as they won a penalty around halfway which was kicked into the HH 22 for a lineout. The maul was well constructed and was only stopped just short of the line by a visiting team who were desperate to stay in the game after their purple patch had yielded no points. Hooker Harry Gullett was the last of several close range pick-and-go attempts as he powered over. Brook added the conversion and with around 15 minutes to play, Oaks were in a commanding position at 30-8.

To their credit, HH continued to press for the try that their 2nd half performance deserved. They got their reward after another period of prolonged pressure saw them awarded a close range scrum. Another well-worked move finally got them over wide out to the left, but the missed conversion didn't really matter as they were still 17 points down with less than 10 minutes to go.

Another promising HH attack inside the Oaks half went against them as captain George Booth stole a crucial lineout before setting off down the field at speed in a carbon copy of Bruce's break at the beginning of the game. He was eventually brought down, but the tackle was deemed to be high and with the clock almost in the red, Brook pushed the ball into the HH 22 for one last attack.

Oaks once again mauled the best part of 15 metres before being told to use the ball. Their strike play was defended well by HH, but a penalty was conceded. Booth wasted no time as he took a quick tap and caught the visitors napping to pile over from 5 metres out. Brook added the extras and Oaks celebrated a final score of 37-13. 

This result sets up a 2nd round rematch with Dorking, who knocked Oaks out last season on their way to winning the competition for the first time. There was a feeling after last years game that Oaks had gone out rather meekly, playing within themselves when it mattered most. One suspects that this group will not leave The Paddock on October 6th wondering if they could have done more. 

Squad list : Charlie Gillespie, Harry Gullett (vc), Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Noah Bruce, Tom Kerton, Ed Karsak, Josh Martin, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Tom Hyde, George Rehbein, Gerran Prescott, Hugo Schwemm, Joel Walter (vc)

Subs : Sam Pearl, Jamie Wishart, Harry Perman, James Wiseman, Jayden Jackson 

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U17s 50-19 Tonbridge Juddians RFC Academy U17s

With the competitive season being over, Oaks and TJs agreed to field U17-heavy sides for a friendly as both clubs look ahead to next season. 

Fixtures during the Easter break can be tricky in terms of availability. Oaks were missing 6 to 7 players who would have a reasonable shout at being academy 1st XV players next season, but TJs were clearly missing a few more in key positions, which ultimately gave a very competitive game and slightly one-sided final score. 

It became evident very early in the game that Oaks had the ascendency in the outside backs as two wonderfully executed counter attacks from impressive fullback Hamish McQueen led to tries for flanker James de Stefani (one of three U18s selected due to being unavailable last weekend) and centre Joel Walter. Fly half Will Brook converted one from two to give Oaks an early 14-0 lead.

TJs main area of quality was in their forward pack, which they used to good effect after some poor Oaks discipline gave the visitors multiple attempts from close range. Eventually, TJs barrelled over to bring the score to 14-5. 

The remainder of the 1st half was hugely physical and competitive, but Oaks' ability to strike from inside their own half was proving to be the difference maker as tries from centre Gerran Prescott and from the maestro McQueen himself sandwiched another close range TJs score to give the home side a 24-12 lead at half time. 

Oaks went in at the break very happy with their work in attack, but less so with their defence and discipline.

Whilst discipline did continue to be an issue at times in the 2nd half, Oaks massively improved their defence and limited the visitors to one try - the result of an overly ambitious exit backfiring and giving the visiting pack the lift they needed to batter away for a concerted period before dotting down. 

This score turned out to be a consolation however, as it was sandwiched by four 2nd half tries for the home side. Captain George Booth bagged two tries early in the half with trademark blockbuster carries from just inside the TJs 22. Perhaps the most satisfying try of the match followed as Oaks were able to execute six phases of textbook close range attacking shape to give centre Joel Walter a walk-in for his 2nd try of the game. A quick tap from inside their own half as the clock ticked down led to Oaks winger Tom Hyde wrapping things up with Oaks' 8th try. Brook converted three of the 2nd half tries to give Oaks a 50-19 win. 

Whilst Oaks are under no illusions about the mixed ability nature of this particular TJs team, they played what was in front of them very well on the day. The clear improvements to key areas in the 2nd half demonstrate a coachability that will be needed when these two massive clubs inevitably meet at some point in the league or cup next season. 

Squad list : Taylor Nash, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Jamie Wishart, Toby Lenaghan, James de Stefani, Harry Scott, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Charlie Drysdale, Gerran Prescott, Joel Walter, Tom Hyde, Hamish McQueen

Subs : Jack Kaye, Charlie Gillespie, Fionn Daly, Kam Satrettin, Jayden Jackson

MotM : George Booth

MotM : George Booth

Sevenoaks RFC Academy U18s 64-7 Brentwood RFC U18s

Sevenoaks Academy welcomed Brentwood to the Paddock on Sunday April 7th for a friendly that would mark the final fixture as academy players for our U18 contingent.

Appropriately, the usual mix of U18s and U17s to form an academy 1st XV was scrapped for the day and all available U18s took part in a big squad friendly against an unfortunately depleted Brentwood side. 

Oaks had a whopping 28 U18s available and in the spirit of rugby, players took turns playing for Brentwood in order to keep the match at 15v15.

It was an enjoyably morning's work for Oaks as they ran in 6 first half tries off the back of some fantastic running rugby. Prop Will Tarry, captain and centre Fin Stables (who was not so fresh off the back of the senior men's 2nd XV league win the day before!), winger Oli Ebsworth, no.8 Liam Thomas and hooker Frank Kitchen all bagged tries (Kitchen x2). Fly half Max Lindsay couldn't miss in the 1st half and so Oaks led 42-0 at the break.

Oaks continued to ring the changes in the 2nd half, but the fluidity of the performance remained. Tries from flanker Jamie Catchpole, winger Jake Tucker, centre Freddie Rudd and scrum half Louis Parker sandwiched a consolation score for a battling Brentwood. Lindsay converted one of the 2nd half tries to bring the final score to 64-7.

After a season that all would admit did not quite match expectations in terms of results and silverware, this friendly was a timely reminded that this group remain one of the most talented that the club has produced. One England U18/U19 representative, 5 players selected to play in full Saracens U18 academy fixtures across the season as well as 3 more Kent U18 representatives. Indeed, this group are the definition of being victims of their own success! Most importantly though, they have reached the final week of their final season of age group rugby with over 30 players still registered and playing regular fixtures for their club team. In the current rugby climate, that is a massive achievement in itself!

Squad list : Will Tarry, Andrich Skein, Peter LaTrobe, Sam Benjamin, Nic McLean, Frank Kitchen, Charlie Andrews, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Zach Johnson, Jamie Catchpole, Tom Hewitt, Liam Thomas, Zach Ferguson, Louis Parker, Sam Sherwood, Max Lindsay, Ben Pearl, Fin Stables (C), Jake Tucker, Freddie Rudd, Elijah Youngson, Isaac Canham, Oli Ebsworth, Max Avery, Sam Keenor, Rhain Coombes, Alex Holden, Charlie Thomas

Old Elthamians RFC U18 17-43 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

MotM Hamish McQueen

Sevenoaks Academy 1st XV travelled to Eltham College on Sunday knowing that a bonus point win was necessary to keep their Kent League hopes alive. This would be a tall order against a team that historically have always been Oaks' closest rivals in this age group. 

To make things even tougher, the weather was biblical and out of necessity the match was played on a somewhat narrow schoolboy pitch. 

Predictably, what followed was a hugely attritional game with two big packs going at it from minute one. 

Oaks had the early ascendency as they controlled territory. Fly half Max Lindsay kicked the visitors into an early 0-6 lead after huge collisions from hooker Frank Kitchen and prop Andrich Skein led to penalties in the OEs half.

OEs were putting in some huge defensive shots of their own and a brilliant chop on winger Isaac Canham as he tried to run it from deep led to a kickable penalty that was put over to bring the score to 3-6. 

Oaks struck back immediately as another big defensive effort from the kickoff gave Lindsay the platform to push Oaks 3-9 up. Unfortunately, the physical nature of the game was spilling over into a small amount of 'afters'. Oaks had a penalty overturned inside their own half after scrum half Zach Ferguson was adjudged (somewhat harshly) to have been over zealous in his attempts to get the ball from an OEs player on the floor. OEs kicked to the corner and constructed a powerful driving maul to take the lead at 10-9. 

The see-saw nature of the 1st half continued as Kitchen immediately responded after powerful carries from flanker Josh Martin and 2nd row Max Gilbey dented holes in the home defence before OEs struck again from close range after more ill-discipline from Oaks at the kickoff.  17-16 to the hosts at half time and Oaks were left scratching their heads for the 2nd time in two weeks.

In a mirror image of the week before against Medway, Oaks cranked up the heat from the outset in the 2nd half. The kicking game from Ferguson and Lindsay continued to cause massive problems for the OEs back three and Kitchen soon went over for his and Oaks' 2nd try from close range. Lindsay converted and Oaks led once again, 17-23.  More defensive and territorial pressure led to two rushed clearances from OEs in a row. Both were punished clinically by fullback Hamish McQueen as he ghosted through twice on the counter. First, he fed Martin who then carried two defenders over from 5m to score Oaks' 3rd and then he fed winger Alex Holden who scorched down the right to score Oaks' all important 4th try. Lindsay couldn't miss and Oaks were suddenly 17-37 up.

OEs had one final moment of threat when a misjudged box kick found their electric left winger, who carved through the visiting defence and almost went the length but for a wonderful covering tackle from winger Tom Hyde. Two more Oaks penalties followed, with Lindsay stepping up both times to slot the ball through the uprights to give Oaks a final win of 17-43. 

Oaks will now have to wait and see the outcome of the TJs v OEs game in two weeks time to see if their red hot end to the season is enough to offset their disappointing loss to TJs back in January. 

The dominant nature of Oaks' last two performances very much demonstrates what might have been for this group this season. Even without the likes of England U18 international Angus Hall as well as Saracens Academy players Zach Johnson and Brennan O'Keefe, the team that has taken the field in these past two games would in all likelihood have been serious national cup contenders. Unfortunately, the die hard commitment to the cause has come a few months too late. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned ahead of what promises to be another hugely competitive academy squad next season.

Squad list : Will Tarry, Frank Kitchen, Andrich Skein, George Booth, Max Gilbey, Joshua Martin, Tom Hewitt, Liam Thomas, Zach Ferguson, Max Lindsay, Isaac Canham, Fin Stables (C), Joel Walter, Oli Ebsworth, Hamish McQueen

Subs : Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Jamie Catchpole, Jake Tucker, Tom Hyde, Alex Holden 

MotM : Hamish McQueen 

Old Alleynians RFC U18 0-26 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

MotM Harry Scott (Right)

As the Academy 1st XV pushed for their own league title in Eltham, the Academy 2nd XV travelled to Dulwich knowing that thanks to 4 bonus point wins from their first 4 games, they would already be crowned champions of Kent U18 Division 4. Could they go undefeated to win in style?

The answer was an emphatic yes as tries from Charlie Drysdale, Sam Keenor, Max Avery and Charlie Gillespie plus 3 conversions from fly half Will Brook gave them a 0-26 win to make it 5 bonus point wins from 5 league matches, and with it the title. 

Squad list : Peter LaTrobe, Charlie Andrews, Charlie Gillespie, Noah Bruce, Toby Lenaghan, James de Stefani, Kam Satrettin, Harry Scott, Zac Loder, Will Brook (C), Sam Keenor, Freddie Rudd, Gerran Prescott, Charlie Drysdale, Max Avery

Subs : Jack Kaye, Sam Benjamin, Jamie Wishart, Sam Sherwood, Elijah Youngson 

MotM : Harry Scott

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 42-12 Medway RFC Colts A

Incessant rain had threatened to kill off this important league fixture, before Medway had been able to secure pitch space at Sir Joseph Williamsons Maths School in Rochester for a reverse of what should have been an Oaks home fixture.

Oaks knew that a 4 try win was a necessity if they were to stay in the hunt for back-to-back Kent League titles. With strong availability now that the Saracens U18 Premiership campaign has concluded, Oaks had everything they needed to put on a performance - all they had to do now was walk the walk!

They started like a steam train as they turned a clever exit kick by fly half Max Lindsay into early field position inside the Medway 22 after a cracking chase by returning winger Oli Ebsworth. Quality lineout ball was won and after big carries from captain Fin Stables and eventual MotM Max Gilbey, big Frank Kitchen powered over from close range to give Oaks an early lead. Lindsay added the extras to make it 7-0.

Unfortunately, despite their early dominance, Oaks somehow got very much on the wrong side of the referee and spent the remainder of the half struggling for field position despite some excellent tactical kicking from Lindsay and scrum half Isaac Canham. This resulted in frustration and a bit of impatience as Oaks forced a counter from their own half around the 25 minute mark. Medway picked up the loose ball and scampered over to make the game 7-5 and leave Oaks supporters scratching their heads. 

To their credit, the Oaks players dealt with the setback exceptionally well. They continued to stick to process and used their strong kicking game to slowly begin to reapply the pressure to the Medway backfield. This led to a poor kick that was fielded around halfway by winger Jake Tucker. He stepped the oncoming chaser before tearing down the left wing to score in the corner and reassert some sense of control. Lindsay added the extras on the stroke of half time and Oaks led 14-5.

The 2nd half was one way traffic as Oaks tidied up their breakdown and won the referee back (somewhat) to give themselves much longer periods of sustained possession. 

Back row Luca Esposito was the first to get on the scoreboard, followed shortly by his back row colleague Tom Hewitt. Both tries were converted by the ever impressive Lindsay to take Oaks out to 28-5 lead. 

Tries from Lindsay himself and captain Stables sandwiched a Medway consolation score as Oaks pulled away. Lindsay literally couldn't miss on the day and all 6 tries ended up converted for an ultimately convincing 42-12 win. 

What will please Oaks most about this win was the way that they dealt with the curve balls that were thrown at them. A late change of venue, followed by multiple changes in kick off time and then struggling to get the referee on side were all dealt with in a mature and professional fashion. What was also pleasing to see was that the sharing of a single changing room between the 1s and 2s only led to enhance the camaraderie as all 43 players were able to enjoy their wins together with a sing-song after the match. 

The academy 1s now look forward to a huge test next week against Old Elthamians in what will be their final league game of the season. A bonus point win will be needed to keep Oaks in the hunt for the league title. A big ask against quality opposition, but nothing is beyond this group when their are on their game!

Squad list : Will Tarry, Frank Kitchen, Andrich Skein, George Booth, Max Gilbey, Luca Esposito, Tom Hewitt, Liam Thomas, Isaac Canham, Max Lindsay, Jake Tucker, Fin Stables (C), Joel Walter, Oli Ebsworth, Alex Holden

Subs : Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Joshua Martin, Jamie Catchpole, Zach Ferguson, Tom Hyde, Hamish McQueen

MotM : Max Gilbey

MotM Max Gilbey (Right)

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV 39-0 Medway RFC Colts B

The academy 2nd XV continued their march towards the Kent Colts Division 4 title with a commanding performance on the pitch next to their academy colleagues and friends.

Tries from Will Brook, Charlie Drysdale (x2), Max Avery, James de Stefani, Gerran Prescott and Sam Keenor contributed to a 39-0 scoreline that could have been even more had it not been for a number of final passes that didn't quite stick. 

The quality of rugby being played by the 2s all season has been exceptional, with plenty of players being given 1st team opportunities on the back of their impressive showings in the 2s. 

What has been most pleasing of all has been the maturity with which players have gone about their businesses when missing out on 1s selection. There has been no self-pity on display at any point, and this has contributed hugely to the enjoyment of the wider group and indeed the 4 bonus point wins that the team have enjoyed thus far. 

The academy 2s look forward to their final league game of the season next weekend away at Old Alleynians. The title is all but assured after Oaks denied 2nd placed Canterbury a losing bonus point back in January, but the lads will want to end on a high with a win and with it, the Div 4 title!

Squad list : Taylor Nash, Charlie Andrews, Peter LaTrobe, Noah Bruce, Jamie Wishart, James de Stefani, Arthuro Stephan, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Max Avery, Freddie Rudd, Gerran Prescott, Charlie Drysdale, Charlie Thomas

Subs : Jack Kaye, Charlie Gillespie, Kam Satrettin, Sam Sherwood, Jayden Jackson, Sam Keenor

MotM : Arthuro Stephan

MotM Arthuro Stephan (Left)

Canterbury RFC U18A 10-29 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

Oaks' roller coaster season continued as the lads put in a huge 2nd half effort to take a bonus point win away at a large and determined Canterbury outfit.

Oaks have been victims of their own success this season. With 5 players in Saracens Academy U18s, one of whom represented England U18s last summer, one would expect this vintage to have run roughshod over opposition from start to finish. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as school commitments pre-Xmas combined with unwillingness from Saracens to release players to play in club league fixtures has led to Oaks being without this talented contingent for pretty much every fixture. 

This has led to Oaks struggling for consistency which in turn has led to two particularly painful defeats. One against Dorking led to the end of a National Cup campaign that had promised so much a couple of years ago. The other, perhaps even more painful, was a 10-25 battering from a young TJs side in the Kent League at the Paddock last weekend. Such setbacks have left the group doing more soul-searching than they would have liked or expected at the start of the season.

To make matters worse on Sunday, an illness within the squad led to so many late dropouts that the Academy 1st XV actually began the game with number 8 Jamie Catchpole playing hooker - something he hadn't done for 2 years! 

Canterbury clearly smelt blood and, despite a bright start for Oaks in which they came close to scoring on more than one occasion, it was the home team who scored first. Poor first up defence off the lineout allowed Canterbury to get in behind Oaks before some accurate passing put their winger in out wide for an early 5-0 lead. 

The wheels could so easily have come off with confidence at a bit of a low, but Oaks stuck to task and were rewarded minutes later when the outstanding fly half, Max Lindsay, set the tone for his MotM display with a clever crossfield kick in phase play. Winger Tom Hyde won the race to the ball and brought Oaks level at 5-5 after 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, making errors after scoring points has been a bit of a theme for the Oaks this season. Possession was coughed up from the kick off receipt and after several minutes of pressure, Canterbury worked a clever short side for their 2nd try. Fortunately, the wide conversion was missed, with Oaks heading in at half time only 10-5 down.

Another habit of Oaks' this season has been the inability to execute the game plan after the half time team briefing. This was not the case on this day as Oaks applied immediate territorial pressure through scrum half Zach Ferguson. Canterbury tried to run the ball out, but infringed and Lindsay stepped up to take the 3 and get Oaks back to 10-8 with only a minute or so gone in the 2nd half.

Shortly afterwards, Oaks applied massive pressure to a succession of Canterbury lineouts, eventually forcing an overthrow which was pounced on by flanker Tom Hewitt. The ball was worked wide immediately and winger Isaac Canham shrugged off the cover to score Oaks' 2nd try, which Lindsay converted from out wide to give the visitors a 10-15 lead. 

Another try followed as Oaks settled into their territory game and continued to force Canterbury into errors deep in their own half. A short range penalty was tapped by lock Max Gilbey and several pick and gos later, the hero of the day, Jamie Catchpole, forced his way over for Oaks' 3rd. Linsday converted again and Oaks were now hunting a much needed try bonus point at 10-22.

Canterbury had other ideas, however. Through sheer belligerence, they forced their way into the Oaks 22 and stayed their for several agonising minutes as Oaks saw their chances of a bonus point try slipping away. Indeed, Canterbury would have scored themselves to set up a very tense finish had it not been for a monstrous tackle on a rampaging Canterbury hooker by replacement flanker Jake Tucker. Oaks used the ensuing penalty to advance up the field for one last roll of the dice. 

Max Lindsay Man of the Match

With the clock in the red, Oaks launched yet another attack off their lineout, which by this point had openside flanker Tom Hewitt throwing into it! The ruck ball was quick but Canterbury's defence hung on for phase after phase until centre Joel Walter cut a superb line off his partner Ben Pearl to carve through and score under the posts. Lindsay added the extras to give Oaks a 10-29 win and maximum points. 

This was a huge game for Oaks and a superb result given the circumstances in the build up. Their bravery and guts have kept them in the hunt to win the league, in spite of the earlier loss to TJs. Particularly praise-worthy was the way in which the team responded to a pre-match change in tactics implemented by the coaching staff, when it became apparent that the team that had been selected would not be the team that took to the field.

Oaks look forward to two final league games against Medway and Old Elthamians. It's a tall order, but if they can take maximum points from those two games, and other results go their way, Oaks may still yet retain their Kent League title! 

Squad list : Will Tarry, Jamie Catchpole, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Max Gilbey, George Booth, Taylor Nash, Tom Hewitt, Liam Thomas, Zach Ferguson, Max Lindsay (C), Isaac Canham, Ben Pearl, Joel Walter, Tom Hyde, Alex Holden

Subs : Peter LaTrobe, Jake Tucker, Louis Parker, Charlie Drysdale 

Canterbury RFC U18B 12-32 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

Sevenoaks Academy 2nd XV kept their Kent U18 League 3 charge on track with their 3rd win from 3, away at Canterbury, on Sunday.

Having beaten Sidcup Bs 33-5 before Christmas and TJs Bs 26-7 last weekend, Oaks continued to demonstrate their strength in depth with another strong performance. 

The visitors dominated the 1st half with tries for the whole back three as Max Avery, Jayden Jackson and Charlie Thomas all went over. Will Brook converted two from three as well as kicking a penalty to give Oaks a 5-22 lead at half time.

Canterbury dominated possession in the 2nd half but struggled to convert their possession into points as the Oaks defence, led by MotM Charlie Gillespie, repeatedly held out at key moments.

To rub salt in Canterbury wounds, Avery scored two more tries during periods of Oaks possession before Canterbury finally got their consolation score in the dying moments. 12-32 and Oaks were 3 from 3 with 3 try bonus points.

The Academy 2s continue to be a great advert for the benefits of a mixed-age rugby academy. With an almost exact 50/50 split between U18s and U17s, the team has an excellent blend of leaders, athleticism and skill that is proving very difficult to match. Whatever the outcome of the league ends up being, the group should be very proud of their efforts thus far! 

Squad list : Sam Benjamin, Charlie Andrews, Charlie Gillespie, Noah Bruce (C), Arthuro Stephan, Toby Lenaghan, Kam Satrettin, Harry Scott, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Max Avery, Gerran Prescott, Elijah Youngson, Jayden Jackson, Charlie Thomas

Subs : Nic McLean, Jamie Wishart, Sam Sherwood, Sam Keenor

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 36-5 Hertford RFC U18s

Man of the Match Jamie Catchpole 

Sevenoaks welcomed Hertford to the Paddock on Sunday for what has become a staple early January friendly fixture over the past two seasons. 

Hertford being a big club with a proud history makes their colts the perfect preparation for more tough Kent League encounters later this month. This fixture proved to be exactly that as a physical and spirited Hertford side made Oaks work exceptionally hard from whistle to whistle.

Oaks started like a steam train, as a training ground lineout starter play saw flanker Tom Hewitt put No.8 Jamie Catchpole through a hole in the midfield for a line break. Catchpole drew the fullback before hitting a fantastic pass to fullback Alex Holden on the left. Holden fed winger Isaac Canham who finished the job and worked round towards the posts, giving fly half Max Lindsay an easy conversion. Oaks led 7-0.

Unfortunately, Oaks' achilles heel this season has been an inability to back up one excellent piece of play with another. This was the case again as for the next 25 minutes, Oaks gave away soft penalties and coughed up good attacking ball in the middle third, gifting Hertford multiple attacking sets inside the Oaks 10m line. The home defence was physical and well-organised, but the pressure eventually told as Hertford put the ball in the air from close range on a penalty advantage. The Hertford winger won the aerial contest and dotted down to bring Hertford right back into the game at 7-5. 

To their credit, Oaks regained a modicum of control just before the half-time whistle to milk a kickable penalty inside the Hertford 10m line. Lindsay converted and Oaks led 10-5 at half-time.

The 2nd half was a much improved affair as Oaks ran in 4 unanswered tries after Hertford initially dominated the opening 10 minutes after the break. The home defence was once again at the forefront as the visitors battered away at the Oaks line, but without success.

The first of Oaks' late try blitz came good defensive pressure from a clever Lindsay grubber kick led to possession 5m out from the Hertford try line. Oaks executed their close range attacking structure brilliantly and within 3 phases, 2nd row Luca Esposito went through the middle of the ruck to dot down for a much-needed score. Lindsay converted and Oaks were 17-5 up. 

This score seemed to daze Hertford for a few minutes as winger Jake Tucker broke from deep almost immediately after the kickoff. Tucker ran 50m before feeding replacement fullback Hamish McQueen for the score that killed the game off. Lindsay converted in his final act on the pitch to put Oaks 24-5 up an finally in control.

Two more scores in the final minutes gave the scoreline a bit of gloss. Alex Holden bagged himself a try after getting on the end of a classic Oaks counter-attack and then another perfectly executed lineout strike play put Canham in for his 2nd. Replacement scrum half converted one from two of these late scores to give Oaks the win, 36-5. 

This was a good run out for Oaks ahead of back-to-back Kent League fixtures against TJs and Canterbury at the end of the month. Hertford brought enough physicality on both sides of the ball to ensure that Oaks always had to maintain their intensity to get any change out of the game. Some obvious rustiness seemed to melt away as the game progressed also, but Oaks will want to address the extended periods in matches where they lose control of territory and possession.

The Academy 2s and U16As are both away at Tunbridge Wells on Jan 14th - the 2s in a friendly and the 16s in their search for a first Kent League win of the season. 

Squad list : Peter LaTrobe, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Luca Esposito, George Booth, Harry Scott, Tom Hewitt, Jamie Catchpole, Zac Loder, Max Lindsay (C), Jake Tucker, Joel Walter, Charlie Drysdale, Isaac Canham, Alex Holden

Subs : Taylor Nash, Will Tarry, Harry Clayson, Harry Bouverie, Liam Thomas, Will Brook, Tom Hyde, Hamish McQueen

MotM : Jamie Catchpole 

Aylesford Bulls RFC Academy U18s 5-30 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

Oaks Academy 1st XV travelled to Aylesford on Sunday looking to make it two from two in the Kent League before the Christmas break. 

The final round of school fixtures the day before had absolutely decimated the Oaks squad, with various injuries (and one suspects end of season parties) claiming 10 of the original 20 man squad named for the fixture. Indeed, at one point things were so tenuous that two of the Oaks four front row options on the day were called up on the morning of the game. 

What followed was an incredibly gutsy and determined effort from the visiting team. 

Oaks started well, with a strong early defensive set leading to a turnover on the floor just inside the Aylesford half. Scrum half Zach Ferguson reacted quickly and dinked the ball in behind the home defence. Winger Tom Hyde chased hard and managed to grubber past the Aylesford cover to score in the corner and give Oaks an early 0-5 lead. 

Oaks followed this early score up with more points soon after as No.8 Jamie Catchpole milked a kickable penalty with more strong work on the floor in defence. Fly half Will Brook stepped up to nail the kick and put Oaks 0-8 up. 

Oaks went straight back on the attack from the kickoff, but had their first real set back as 2nd row Raphi Simmonds-Dance was yellow carded as a strong Aylesford jackal attempt from a half line break isolated the Oaks attacker. Simmonds-Dance arrived quickly and forcefully, but accidentally took the home player beyond the horizontal in doing so. 

This began a period of sustained pressure from Aylesford as Oaks attempted to jackal perhaps a little too frequently. Multiple penalties conceded gave Aylesford a lineout drive 10m out from the Oaks line. They needed no second invitation and powered over to get back into the game at 5-8. 

Oaks rode out the remainder of the 1st half well and even managed to extend their lead a little further as Ferguson slotted a cheeky drop goal directly from an Aylesford goal line drop out. Oaks led 5-11 and were performing well. 

Oaks started the 2nd half like a steam train and broke from deep through fullback Alex Holden. What followed was a wonderful, flowing attack with the ball seemingly touching every pair of hands in the team before Simmonds-Dance restored some credit to his name with a powerful finish. Brooks was unable to add the conversion, but Oaks had breathing space at 5-16.

Oaks' momentum was somewhat dented as Simmonds-Dance was shown a 2nd yellow following an altercation with his Aylesford counterpart, which had been brewing since the early stages of the game. Oaks would play the remaining 25 minutes with 14 men. 

Aylesford, lifted by the red card, had their most dominant period of the game but were unable to crack the visitors' tryline. Oaks were able to advance up the field over multiple set pieces before a turned over Aylesford scrum inside their 22 allowed Brooks to scamper in under the posts. He converted his own try and Oaks were now chasing the bonus point try at 5-23. 

Oaks were able to kill the game off almost immediately afterwards, as Aylesford kicked out on the full from the kickoff. Catchpole broke from the back of the scrum and carved through the home defence before feeding Ferguson back on the inside for Oaks' bonus point score. Brook added the extras. 5-30.

The final minutes of a fantastic performance from Oaks were tainted somewhat by another red card. Hooker Andrich Skein, who had been putting himself about physically all game in a powerful showing, got his height wrong in another huge collision on an unfortunate Aylesford forward. The referee deemed that there had been head-on-head contact and sent Skein from the field. A few scrappy minutes later, the ball was kicked dead and Oaks breathed a huge sigh of relief.

In spite of the red cards, this was a massively positive outing for the Oaks. The lack of a clear calendar to separate school and club competitions has been more of an issue this season than any season in recent memory. It very nearly bit Oaks in the worst way once again, with uncontested scrums (and therefore forfeiting the result) were a very real possibility less than 3 hours before kickoff. To go from that situation to a bonus point win against determined opposition was nothing short of miraculous. 

Oaks will hope for a more settled set of circumstances as they prepare for several more league games after Christmas! 

In other news, the Academy U16Bs travelled to Edenbridge for a friendly fixture, putting in a brave showing before ultimately losing 48-32. The Academy 2nd XV play a friendly away at TJs next weekend (17th) as our final act before the Christmas break. 

Squad list : Sam Benjamin, Andrich Skein, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, George Booth, Harry Scott, Harry Bouverie, Jamie Catchpole (CC), Zach Ferguson, Will Brook, Isaac Canham, Joel Walter, Charlie Drysdale, Tom Hyde, Alex Holden

Subs : Charlie Andrews, Harry Clayson, Fin Stables

MotM : Sam Benjamin 

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 13-10 Sidcup RFC U18

MotM Alex Holden

Oaks welcomed Sidcup to the Paddock for the 2nd time this season, with the Oaks coming out 21-7 winners in a hard fought National Cup encounter back in September. 

With a lot of front line players missing due to injury/unavailability, the home coaching staff were aware of just how big a challenge this game, their first Kent League game of the season, would be.

Sidcup appeared to be missing players as well, but this didn't diminish either sides desire or physicality as the two teams went hammer and tongs from the first minute.

Unfortunately for Sevenoaks, their execution and accuracy were not in the same league as their effort levels. Two early opportunities to score were squandered, with a 5m lineout being turned over and the ball being lost over the line after a well-worked scrum strike had Sevenoaks in for the score. 

Much like the National Cup game, Sidcup seemed to take heart from Oaks' inability to cross the whitewash early doors and, having weathered that storm, actually found themselves ahead after a break of their own led to an Oaks infringement and a kickable penalty.

Sevenoaks spent much of the remainder of the 1st half of the attack, but more inaccuracy combined with some dogged work at the breakdown by the Sidcup defence meant that all they had to show for their effort was a 3 pointer from centre Angus Hall.

The scores were even at half-time, 3-3.

Sidcup started the 2nd half better and managed to wrestle field position off the home team. Their ever-lively no.8 caught Oaks by surprise when he broke blind from a driving maul and scampered in under the posts. The conversion was added and the away team led 3-10. 

To their credit, Sevenoaks rolled up their sleeves and started win some turnovers of their own at key moments to balance the momentum out. A poor exit kick from the away side under pressure saw replacement fullback Hamish McQueen make serious inroads up into the Sidcup half. The ruck ball was recycled quick and Will Brook turned the corner beautifully off a boot-pass from 2nd row Luca Esposito to go in under the sticks. He converted his own try to bring Oaks level with 7 minutes to play. 

Ultimately, Sidcup's own error count would prove their undoing as a poorly executed scrum strike allowed Hall to hack through and gather before being brought down just outside the Sidcup 22. Oaks recycled quickly down the shortside before playing back in field. Sidcup infringed in their attempts to regain possession and Hall stepped up to slot another 3 pointer with the clock in the red to seal the result for Sevenoaks. 

Final score 13-10. 

Oaks will be delighted to have gotten past such a tough opposition with some many players missing. However, with stern tests to come from Aylesford on December 10th as well as TJs, Medway, Canterbury and Old Elthamians, the lads will be acutely aware of the need for rapid improvement if they are to retain their Kent U18 league title. 

They will be without Angus Hall on the 10th as he travels to Portugal to take part in the first of two England U20s training camps he has been invited to. We wish him the very best of luck! 

In other Academy news, the U16s went down 10-26 in the league to Canterbury despite a heroic effort from Man of the Match, Sam Pearl. The Academy 2nd XV welcome Sidcup back to the Paddock this weekend (Dec 3rd) for their first Kent League outing of the season. 

Squad list : Jack Wilson (C), Harry Gullett, Andrich Skein, Luca Esposito, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Harry Bouverie, Tom Hewitt, George Booth, Isaac Canham, Will Brook, Oli Ebsworth, Angus Hall, Joel Walter, Charlie Drysdale, Alex Holden
Subs : Peter LaTrobe, Harry Clayson, Josh Martin, Jamie Catchpole, Zac Loder, Freddie Rudd, Hamish McQueen

Man of the Match : Alex Holden

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV 24-19 Dorking RFC U18B

Sevenoaks welcomed Dorking back to the Paddock for the second time in under a month as the clubs' academy 'B' sides played each other in a hugely entertaining game.

Given that Dorking's A side had been responsible for Oaks' exit from the National Cup competition, a stern test was expected as both teams fielded squads of 20+ players not involved in the cup game at the beginning of the month.

After a very evenly matched opening, Oaks slowly began to get on top in terms of possession and territory. A couple of signature early catch and drives caused the visiting defence problems before a powerful carry from captain Jack Wilson created quick ball down the shortside just inside the Dorking 22. The ball was fed to No.8 Josh Martin who barrelled over to open the scoring. 5-0 to Oaks.

Dorking had some quality players in their squad, none more so than their fullback who answered immediately with an excellent solo try. After a short kicking exchange, the Dorking 15 noticed some space in behind the Oaks line. He gathered his own perfectly executed chip-and-chase before going in under the posts. The conversion was added and somewhat against the run of play, the visitors were 5-7 up. 

Oaks threatened to unravel a little as some unnecessary penalties around half way gave Dorking access to their 22. Dorking constructed a strong driving maul of their own as they went over for their 2nd try in what felt like as many minutes. The conversion was missed and the score hit 5-12. 

Typically for this game, Oaks responded immediately. They forced an error from Dorking straight from kickoff as the ball was kicked out on the full having been carried back inside the 22. Oaks constructed their best driving maul of the game as they rumbled onwards for over 20m+, with prop-turned-hooker for the day Peter LaTrobe the beneficiary. Newly converted centre Gerran Prescott, who had a excellent game, converted to bring the scores at half-time to 12-12. 

Oaks came out strong in the 2nd half and were rewarded several minutes in as another strong catch and drive gave 2nd row Max Gilbey possession a couple of metres out from the Dorking line. The big man didn't need an invitation as he powered over with a pick-and-go. Unfortunately, replacement fly half Will Brook was unable to add the extras, but Oaks now led once again at 17-12. 

Oaks really began to hit their stride in attack as expansive moves that to their credit, they had been attempting from minute one, began to stick. Prescott cut a wonderful line to breach the Dorking midfield and fullback Alex Holden hit the afterburners to get up on the shoulder for the killer pass. Oaks were in under the sticks and now in a commanding lead of 24-12. 

Oaks almost scored again minutes later as Holden cut through on the counter, only to be foiled by an outstanding cover tackle from the Dorking backfield.

Ultimately, the visitors finished the game on top as possession inside the Oaks 22 was converted into a 7 pointer, the Dorking flanker slipping out of a couple of tackles to go in under the posts. 

Final score of 24-19 and a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch for those who braved the changeable weather! 

Oaks now begin preparations for their Kent League campaign. The 1s and 2s have friendlies against Canterbury and Medway respectively on Nov 19th before they both kick-off their League campaigns with a double-header vs Sidcup at the Paddock on Nov 26th.

Squad : Jack Wilson (C), Peter LaTrobe, Charlie Gillespie, Max Gilbey, Noah Bruce, Toby Lenaghan, Harry Bouverie, Josh Martin, Sam Sherwood, Zac Loder, Jayden Jackson, Gerran Prescott, Elijah Youngson, Max Avery, Alex Holden

Subs : Sam Benjamin, Jamie Wishart, Jamie Catchpole, Will Brook, Freddie Rudd

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 14-31 Dorking RFC U18s

Sevenoaks Academy 1s had their National Cup run cut short by an organised and athletic Dorking side at the Paddock on Sunday.

Oaks knew to expect a ferocious encounter, but were unable to execute on the day in the face of unrelenting pressure from the visitors. 

The first half was somewhat tit-for-tat as both teams defended very well, but struggled to look after the ball in attack. The deadlock was broken around 20 minutes in as Dorking punished a poor kick-chase by returning with interest and setting up shop in the Oaks 22. After a strong lineout drive, the visitors went over from close range and converted to go into a 0-7 lead.

Oaks responded well and immediately regained possession deep in the Dorking 22. Unfortunately, the usually razor-sharp Oaks attack deserted them and Dorking regained possession before advancing up the field. They won a penalty and went in at half time 0-10 after knocking over the 3 pointer.

Oaks had the worst possible start to the 2nd half as they allowed the ball to bounce one too many times. Dorking pounced and suddenly a close game was starting to slip away at 0-17. 

The hammer blow came several minutes later as Oaks' backfield was exposed again. Poor execution was coupled with bad luck as the referee missed a knock-on from the chasing Dorking winger as he regathered the ball. Oaks' protests were ignored and the game felt done at 0-24, despite there still being 20+ minutes to play.

Sevenoaks looked to an old friend to get them back in the game, as they finally managed to keep a lineout drive from being sacked at source by Dorking's well-drilled set piece defence. Andrich Skein, who had swapped from hooker to start at loosehead after injuries hit Oaks in the build-up, was the beneficiary and fly half Ben Pearl duly converted to give Oaks a glimmer of hope at 7-24.

Sadly, Oaks' poor execution continued to haunt them as they gifted Dorking a turnover straight from the restart. The visitors took full advantage as they slipped a couple of dejected tackle attempts and went in for the killer score. 7-31.

Faced with the prospect of not only losing, but being on the end of the kind of scoreline they usually dish out, Oaks found another gear physically. A massive driving maul that started just inside the Dorking 22 and hit the deck just a yard out from the line gave replacement 2nd row Raphi Simmonds-Dance the perfect launch pad for a close range effort. He powered over the line and Pearl converted again. 14-31.

With 2 minutes left and a miracle needed to rescue the game, it was unfortunately too little, too late from Oaks and Dorking deservedly celebrated their win as the final whistle went. 

This was a tough one to take for Oaks. They lost their skipper and talisman Fin Stables in the warmup and could be forgiven for thinking that the universe was against them when they lost 3 more players to injury the day before the game. The reality however, is that this game appeared to mean just that little bit more to the Dorking players.

Looking forward, there is now a break from action for a month before the Kent League starts in earnest in November. Despite their disappointment, Oaks can look forward to the league this year with optimism. Indeed, because of the unique way that the National Cup rules are structured, there is a possibility that Oaks will be allowed to field a strong team in the county competition than in the National competition - with the club looking to confirm that our two England Academy Pathway players will be allowed to do what they've always wanted to do - play rugby for their club. We shall see! 

Squad list : Andrich Skein, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, Arthur Hansen, Zach Johnson (C), Jake Tucker, Tom Hewitt, George Booth, Isaac Canham, Ben Pearl, Oli Ebsworth, Hamish McQueen, Brennan O'Keefe, Tom Hyde, Charlie Thomas

Subs : Peter LaTrobe, Luca Esposito, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Zach Ferguson, Will Brook, Charlie Drysdale