Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 10 - 15 Old Albanians RFC Academy
A balmy Sunday morning at The Paddock saw Sevenoaks Academy 1st XV open their season by welcoming Old Albanians.
The visitors got off to a ferocious start with as they quickly turned the ball over from a monstrous kick off and settled into their attack. Some well put together phases eventually told and the OAs’ second row cut a tremendous line to dot down under the posts. The extras were added with no fuss. The young Oaks were not intimated however and set about working their way back in to the game, inch by inch, through a combination of dominant defence and clever kicking from the half backs. Eventually their resilience was rewarded as Tom Sarkesian jinked his way through the OAs defence to cross in the corner. The Oaks number 12 then added the extras with a fine conversion from the touchline, much to the delight of the oaks’ faithful, behind him. There was nothing between the sides as the whistle sounded for half time at 7 apiece.
Oaks on the charge against Old Albanians. Photo credit: Jacqueline Wines
The Oaks started the second half in strong fashion with some penetrating ball carries from centre Jonty Wines, number 8 Dennis Hansen and full back Jakey Ivell. One such foray resulted in a penalty which an in form Sarkesian stroked through with ease from the OAs ten metre line. However, OAs responded impressively and their attack was rewarded with their own penalty in front of the posts which was converted to level the scores at 10 each. Sevenoaks replied with a spell of sustained pressure and camped on the opposition’s try line. However, thanks to some robust defence and a lack of composure in attack they were unable to get over. It was a failing they would regret as the visitors mounted an ambitious attack from their own 22 in the last minute. A chip and chase was followed by an excellent kick through which was dotted down in the very nick of time by the OAs’ centre to deliver victory at the very last opportunity.
Speaking after the match Academy Head Coach Paul Dawson said, ‘This was a fantastic test for our lads early in the season and I am delighted with the way they stood up to it. I am particularly pleased with the resilience we showed and with the character and determination we delivered in defence. There is much to work on ahead of our National Cup First Round match in October, but I am very excited about the potential in the group. Congratulations to OAs on their win, they look a very promising outfit and I wish them the best of luck with their season.’