After relatively mild weather endured for the Academy 2s' league game, the heavens opened during the warm up for the big finale against Wells' A team.
In truly awful conditions, Oaks got their first league win of the season in round 3 as they ground down a resilient Wells side before ultimately pulling away in a disciplined, physical performance at the Paddock.
Oaks had come to terms with the changes from their expected squad this season by using the extended break in fixtures to work on a more territory-based approach. This served them well in the wind and rain as two close range efforts early on from hooker Harry Gullett reflected the home side's ascendency. Fly half Will Brook converted one, but not the other for a 12-0 lead.
The remainder of the half was quite scrappy and Wells had one of two purple patches in the game, camping in Oaks' 22 for several minutes. Eventual MotM, flanker Ed Karsak, really came to the fore in this period, raining in heavy shots in defence to nullify Wells' attempts to get on the score board and drive them back downfield.
It was from one such defensive set that Oaks grabbed their 3rd try just before half time. Wells' spilled the ball under huge physicality in the tackle, with Karsak hacking through around halfway. Winger Lucas Rumunn, back on exeat from Sedbergh School, outstripped everyone else for an acrobatic finish as he got to the ball just before it went dead. 17-0.
Wells had the wind at their backs for the 2nd half and looked to pin Oaks back with a strong kicking game. Indeed, there was an uncomfortable period in which it looked like Oaks might not be able to get the bonus point try, having started so strongly.
It took a bit of magic to finally break Wells' resolve. Winger Tiger Bussey showed his electric pace as he was put away down the left after a rare Oaks starter play off lineout. With the cover coming across, Bussey grubber kicked ahead and went around the cover to regather over the line for a fantastic solo effort. Brook converted and things suddenly felt very rosy at 24-0.
Two more tries added some gloss to the scoreboard. Prop Charlie Gillespie picked and went from close range after another 50m Bussey line break before captain George Booth powered through a gap in the exhausted Wells defence to gallop in from the 22. Brook converted both tries for a 38-0 victory.
It has been a challenging season for the academy. The expected squad hasn't materialised and this has led to a fairly brutal recalibration of expectations. It's a testament to the fortitude of these young men that they have continued to show up, work incredibly hard at training and then (largely) play with smiles on their faces on a Sunday. This win was a demonstration of all of the best elements of the group.
The 1s now have a week off from fixtures, before looking for win number two against Dartford Valley on Feb 9th.
Squad list : Charlie Gillespie, Harry Gullett, Colby Bedford-Eatwell, George Booth (C), Noah Bruce, Tom Kerton, Ediz Karsak, Harry Scott, Zac Loder, Will Brook, Joe Strebel, George Rehbein, Gerran Prescott, Lucas Rumunn, Tom Hyde
Subs : Sam Pearl, Tait Anderson, Tiger Bussey
Man of the Match - Ed Karsak