Sevenoaks Rugby Academy 2s enjoyed a lively 13-a-side tussle with TJs at Vizards on Sunday 21 March. This was a great example of the friendly rivalry between the two Clubs enabling a game under RFU ‘game on’ principles and both sides clearly enjoyed the run out in the sunshine.
Having led all match Oaks found themselves 22-21 behind with less than 10 minutes to go, the final winning score line showing Oaks’ fighting spirit.
Oaks started well and were abrasive from the start, challenging TJs at every breakdown. Having weathered some early pressure Mac Leason showed a lot of tenacity to break through for the first of Oaks’ seven tries. Billy Boyd was incredible from the kicking tee and secured the extra two points every time Sevenoaks crossed the whitewash.
Next up Jon Odeyemi found space in the outside channel and a try by TJs just before the half time whistle meant the lads entered the break 14-7 ahead.
This was an intense match being played at full bore. In the Oaks pack everyone was getting properly stuck in with Luke Walter and Harry Corsini putting in enormous shifts and big hits. Rhys Owen and Sam Keenan ably supported by Harry Fulcher and Daniel Craig were energetic and kept the set piece platform steady under constant TJs pressure.
Sevenoaks began the second half well and after Adam Davies at 9 punched forward from a set piece Billy Boyd set up Man of the Match Alby Butt to cut through from inside centre and go in under the TJs posts. Alby was everywhere all match.
Stung into action TJs sprang to life and punched some direct lines around the breakdown to get in behind the Oaks with two unanswered tries.
Following the second of these and under the posts at 22-21 down the chat was positive and the response immediate with Oaks romping twice down the left hand flank first for Mac Leason and then for Odeyemi to secure their second tries. The final plays of the match included a late try for TJs and a smart combination between Henry Lynch and Jake Seaman on the right that came up just short of the TJs try line. Final score Oaks 42 TJs 29.
Credit to all involved in a great day’s rugby and thanks to our hosts TJs.
