Oaks travelled to the Slade for their 3rd meeting of the season with local rivals TJs. Oaks were desperate to win for two reasons: 1) they had lost their previous two meetings by a combined total of 8 points and 2) this was the 3rd round of the U18 National Cup.
Unfortunately for Oaks, the occasion appeared to weigh very heavily on them, especially during the 1st half of the game.
Oaks defended exceptionally well against a varied and high tempo TJs attack, often forcing the home team into kicking possession away. They were also able to climb into the TJs lineout, forcing a number of 'specials' from the hosts early on in the game.
Sadly, all previous talk about an expansive and dynamic Oaks attack in the build-up to the game fell by the wayside once Oaks had gained possession of the ball. All too often, promising phase ball was kicked away with overlaps begging to be exploited on the outside and when Oaks did decide to keep hold of the ball, there were few signs of wide-wide attacking shape that had been causing teams, including TJs, problems in recent weeks.
The result was a half in which TJs dominated possession and territory. Oaks did well to only concede 3 points from a kickable penalty about 20 minutes in. Their persistence in kicking possession away actually led to two kickable opportunities, with an energetic chase making up for the lost possession by winning penalties on the floor. Unfortunately, Oaks were unable to convert these opportunities into points.
TJs led 3-0 at half time.
Both teams made their mandatory changes at half time and Oaks' subs initially made the bigger impact. Instead of kicking possession away, players like Jonny Francombe, Pat Spice and Barnaby Thomas ran the ball back hard at the hosts and milked several penalties for high tackles and not rolling away. This approach actually hurt the Oaks cause before it helped it as a failed counter led to another TJs 3 pointer to take the score to 6-0.
However, whilst still lacking cohesion, Oaks were now beginning to fire some shots and actually make the TJs defence, defend. TJs were incredibly aggressive at ruck time. This was often rewarded with a turnover or a penalty for holding on, but it did also give Oaks their most concerted period of dominance in the game. Penalties around the halfway gave Oaks access into the TJs 22 and they were finally able to begin taking advantage of their driven lineout. It must be said, the home side defended the maul as well as any team this season has done against Oaks, but the sheer quantity of reps meant that Oaks began to gain more and more momentum in their drives. After multiple infringements, a TJs forward was sent to the bin and Oaks went in for the kill. Another penalty for in at the side unfortunately didn't result in a 2nd yellow and TJs managed to stop the following attempt just short of the line. Oaks' lack of composure in phase play came back to haunt them as they struggled to convert from a couple of metres out. They lost possession and TJs survived their biggest scare of the match.
It was in fact slightly cruel that the score that killed the game off was from a driving maul that the hosts themselves managed to put together. Having won a penalty on halfway with their aggressive strategy at the ruck, the home side pumped the ball deep into Oaks territory. Oaks defended the maul superbly, but TJs did what Oaks previously could not and found a way over the line, with a procession of pick and go drives. TJs converted and at 13-0 the game was effectively over.
Oaks did what they could to try and close the gap but the TJs try appeared to have extinguished any residual belief in the Oaks team that they could win the game. To add insult to injury, the game ended with an injury to fly half Louis Bouverie after a huge collision in midfield after an Oaks scrum strike - a real area of strength to date - was telegraphed by the TJs centre.
Oaks will be hugely disappointed not so much by the loss - TJs are a strong side and historically have had the edge in the current U18s age group - but by the manner of the loss. Oaks didn't really fire a shot until after the half time whistle, something that was pointed out none-too-calmly by the Head Coach during the HT team talk. This was a game they could have won. Indeed, they could very easily have been awarded a penalty try during their series of driving mauls in the middle of the 2nd half - this would have actually put Oaks 6-7 up at that point. Captain Will Murphy was immense in the pack, along with Jack Ludden and Dom Stangroome. Young Frank Kitchen shook off a ropey 1st half to put in some powerful carries after the break. The talent is there, the belief sadly isn't. If these players can find a way to back themselves, they have the tools to go after a consolation prize of the Kent Colts Trophy after Christmas.
In the short term, Oaks need to dust themselves off quickly as next weekend they play a very strong Canterbury side in the return leg of the Kent League. This should hopefully be a double-header at the Paddock so a great chance to bounce back! The Academy U16s also have a double header, away at Old Elthamians.
Squad list: Alby Butt, Dom Stangroome, Gregor Pauling, Jack Ludden, James Kerton, Frank Kitchen, Elliot Peters, Will Murphy (c), Sam Hopkins, Louis Bouverie, Barnaby Thomas, Zac Shirtcliff, Angus Hall, Joe Ryder, Juan Barnard.
Subs : Luke Walter, Damien May, Billy Boyd, Jonny Francombe, Pat Spice