Sevenoaks welcomed Dorking back to the Paddock for the second time in under a month as the clubs' academy 'B' sides played each other in a hugely entertaining game.
Given that Dorking's A side had been responsible for Oaks' exit from the National Cup competition, a stern test was expected as both teams fielded squads of 20+ players not involved in the cup game at the beginning of the month.
After a very evenly matched opening, Oaks slowly began to get on top in terms of possession and territory. A couple of signature early catch and drives caused the visiting defence problems before a powerful carry from captain Jack Wilson created quick ball down the shortside just inside the Dorking 22. The ball was fed to No.8 Josh Martin who barrelled over to open the scoring. 5-0 to Oaks.
Dorking had some quality players in their squad, none more so than their fullback who answered immediately with an excellent solo try. After a short kicking exchange, the Dorking 15 noticed some space in behind the Oaks line. He gathered his own perfectly executed chip-and-chase before going in under the posts. The conversion was added and somewhat against the run of play, the visitors were 5-7 up.
Oaks threatened to unravel a little as some unnecessary penalties around half way gave Dorking access to their 22. Dorking constructed a strong driving maul of their own as they went over for their 2nd try in what felt like as many minutes. The conversion was missed and the score hit 5-12.
Typically for this game, Oaks responded immediately. They forced an error from Dorking straight from kickoff as the ball was kicked out on the full having been carried back inside the 22. Oaks constructed their best driving maul of the game as they rumbled onwards for over 20m+, with prop-turned-hooker for the day Peter LaTrobe the beneficiary. Newly converted centre Gerran Prescott, who had a excellent game, converted to bring the scores at half-time to 12-12.
Oaks came out strong in the 2nd half and were rewarded several minutes in as another strong catch and drive gave 2nd row Max Gilbey possession a couple of metres out from the Dorking line. The big man didn't need an invitation as he powered over with a pick-and-go. Unfortunately, replacement fly half Will Brook was unable to add the extras, but Oaks now led once again at 17-12.
Oaks really began to hit their stride in attack as expansive moves that to their credit, they had been attempting from minute one, began to stick. Prescott cut a wonderful line to breach the Dorking midfield and fullback Alex Holden hit the afterburners to get up on the shoulder for the killer pass. Oaks were in under the sticks and now in a commanding lead of 24-12.
Oaks almost scored again minutes later as Holden cut through on the counter, only to be foiled by an outstanding cover tackle from the Dorking backfield.
Ultimately, the visitors finished the game on top as possession inside the Oaks 22 was converted into a 7 pointer, the Dorking flanker slipping out of a couple of tackles to go in under the posts.
Final score of 24-19 and a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch for those who braved the changeable weather!
Oaks now begin preparations for their Kent League campaign. The 1s and 2s have friendlies against Canterbury and Medway respectively on Nov 19th before they both kick-off their League campaigns with a double-header vs Sidcup at the Paddock on Nov 26th.
Squad : Jack Wilson (C), Peter LaTrobe, Charlie Gillespie, Max Gilbey, Noah Bruce, Toby Lenaghan, Harry Bouverie, Josh Martin, Sam Sherwood, Zac Loder, Jayden Jackson, Gerran Prescott, Elijah Youngson, Max Avery, Alex Holden
Subs : Sam Benjamin, Jamie Wishart, Jamie Catchpole, Will Brook, Freddie Rudd