The Sevenoaks Academy 2nd XV headed to Westcliff RFC in Essex on Sunday with confidence drawn from a successful season so far, and more favourable weather conditions than they had experienced recently.
The first half followed a similar pattern to those in previous games this season, in that Sevenoaks were in the ascendancy for much of the half. Despite having the better chances to score and the greater share of the territorial statistics for the half, an inability to maintain continuity in play through the phases meant that there was little between the sides on the score board. Sevenoaks had to rely on two displays of individual brilliance to score and go ahead in the game.
Firstly, a fine counter attack from his own half led to Alex Holden scoring in the corner, and a powerful run from Max Gilbey in the last third of the pitch led to another try. This took the score to 12-0 and Sevenoaks had hoped this would settle their play down and lead to more fluent teamplay. Westcliff however had other ideas, and through excellent work at the breakdown, along with fine attacking play from both forwards and backs begun to assert their dominance in the game towards the end of the half. This resulted in two converted tries being scored, and at the half Westcliff were winning 14-12.
With much head scratching during the half time team talk Sevenoaks prepared for the second half with renewed vigour and a focus on maintaining their shape and ensuring they had continuity in attack. Westcliff’s fluent play continued at the start of the second half and was met with stout Sevenoaks defending. When in possession of the ball Sevenoaks were still lethargic and struggled to maintain possession of the ball at the breakdown. Westcliff’s jackler’s along with their excellent line speed in defence thwarted Sevenoak’s attacks throughout the half. An increasing penalty count also played its part in Westcliff’s building momentum, which led to their third try mid way through the second half.
At 19-12 down Sevenoaks turned to their kicking game to relieve the pressure and make forays into the Westcliff half. They also increased the work rate in defence to try and build pressure of their own, and special mentions have to go to Andrich Skein and Max Gilbey for their tireless and powerful tackling. This pressure finally told and from a turnover Chris Barrett went over late on in the half.
With less than 10 minutes left Sevenoaks were still 19-17 down and still weren’t playing the fluent rugby that makes them so effective. In a backs against the wall situation however work rate, teamwork and moments of individual brilliance can see you over the line. Step forward Ben Pearl, who had been a thorn in the side of Westcliff’s defence all game, with two solo tries which left the defenders and supporters alike speechless. The final whistle went shortly after the final try and meant Sevenoaks won the game 27-19.
The old adage of finding a way to win even when things aren’t going for you certainly applied the Sevenoaks Academy 2nd XV on Sunday, and there stubbornness in defence and inspired individual brilliance in attack meant that they were deserving winners. Westcliff however deserve huge praise for their work at the breakdown, and offloads in attack which gave them a lot of continuity. Sevenoaks look forward to the return fixture next season.
Quite a few players could have been awarded the man of the match award but Ben Pearl, who’s mazey running still has the defenders confused, is the deserving winner.
Squad list : Peter LaTrobe, Andrich Skein, Will Tarry, Rui Beaufoy, Max Gilbey, Liam Thomas, Ryan Dixon, Jamie Catchpole, Zach Ferguson, Ben Pearl, Sam Keenor, Freddie Rudd, Toby Goodman, Chris Barrett, Alex Holden
Subs : Charlie Andrews, Fionn Daly, Kam Satrettin, Rhain Coombes, Will Francombe