Man of the Match Dom Stangroome
Oaks Academy got their Kent League campaign off to a flying start with a superb performance against a well-coached and persistent Old Colfes side. With only 5 teams entered into Div 1 this season, every point counts and Oaks went about their business from the get-go.
An early 50:22 from fly half Louis Bouverie set the tone as all parts of the Oaks game clicked in a way not seen yet this season. Two solid lineout drives in quick succession gave the home side a great attacking platform to launch from. A bouncing pass found winger Isaac Canham, who threw an outrageous offload to centre Fin Stables for try number one.
Tries two and three followed shortly after. First, fullback Angus Hall scored a magnificent solo effort on the counterattack from inside his own half. Then a sweeping multiphase move found hooker Dom Stangroome holding his width on the left for what will possibly go down as Oaks' try of the season.
Oaks were well and truly into their stride and score four more tries before half-time. Prop Jack Wilson scored off of a powerful driven lineout. Flyer Oli Ebsworth scored after a brutally physical line break from No.8 Frank Kitchen. Captain James Kerton finished another beautiful multiphase possession after Colfes got turned over running from deep before Wilson got his 2nd just before half time off of yet more quick phase ball.
Oaks went in at half time 39-0 up.
The challenge of maintaining the same level of intensity was thrown down during the half time team talk. Oaks rose to that challenge.
The bench brought huge energy with them, as well as 5 more tries.
Kitchen capped a hugely powerful display with a close range try before strong Oaks defence won a turnover that was worked to centre Ruben Le Roux for Oaks' 9th try of the game. Replacement fullback Luka Crowcroft finished off a flowing counterattack for number 10 and Ebsworth put the burners on after another Colfes turnover for number 11.
Angus Hall, now playing 12, finished the job when his perfectly weighted crossfield kick found replacement winger Jake Tucker at full tilt on the left. Tucker bumped off the Colfes cover before going over for a well-earned score.
Final score, 66-0.
To their credit, Old Colfeians would have been well within their rights to request an early stoppage at the 50-point mark. They never looked like doing so. They came to play, and they played the full 70 minutes.
As for Sevenoaks? This was the first time this season that the coaching staff had pretty much the full roster to select from........and it showed. There was an intensity and tempo to the Oaks game that was accompanied by a higher level of accuracy that made them incredibly difficult to defend, or indeed attack, against. Aside from the fireworks in open play, the set piece was once again superb - confirmed by the awarding of the prized Man of the Match jersey to hooker Dom Stangroome.
Oaks now look forward to a huge test away at Canterbury this Sunday in their 2nd Kent League fixture.
Squad list : Jack Wilson, Dom Stangroome, Oli Langley, James Kerton (C), Zach Johnson, George Burgess, Elliot Wright, Frank Kitchen, Mac Leason, Louis Bouverie, Isaac Canham, Fin Stables, Ruben Le Roux, Oli Ebsworth, Angus Hall
Subs : Gregor Pauling, Drew Mercer, Ben McClinton, Tom Hewitt, Luka Crowcroft, Jake Tucker