Sevenoaks u17s won the Kent Cup for the 5th year in a row. This remarkable group completed the quintuple on Wednesday evening under floodlights v Canterbury. They have now won the cup at each junior age group from u13s through to u17s - an unprecedented achievement. To be the best in Kent for that whole period is an incredible achievement.
The final was played at Aylesford on a cold April evening and Canterbury (the second best side in Kent at this age group) turned up to reverse the result of the final last year at Under 16s and at Under 14s. They meant business and had strengthened their side over the season with some new recruits.
Sevenoaks started slowly and gifted Canterbury an early converted try under the posts. The lads then showed immense spirit to claw the game back through Jonny Reading’s try and captain Dec’s conversion and subsequent penalty. Canterbury then got a penalty themselves just before half time. All to play for in the second half at 10 all. The second half was played almost entirely in the Canterbury half and eventually the pressure told with a team try rounded off by the irrepressible Henry Marshall. The team then held on with everything they had to claim the Cup.
There were great individual performances throughout but it was definitely a whole squad effort which is needed nowadays at this level – Sevenoaks’ bench being far stronger than the opposition’s. This group have huge determination and desire to play for each other which makes for a winning team. Whilst they were Kent champions from U13s to U16s they stepped up under the Academy coaching structure at the club run so well by Adam Bowman. They have played some thrilling, entertaining and awesome rugby over the season and given much enjoyment to all. What is so impressive is that the 22-man squad come from nine different schools in the area and have gelled as team on and off the pitch - they all have bright futures ahead at Under 18s and senior level.
