Hertford RFC U18A vs. Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

1s Man of the Match George Burgess

Hertford RFC U18A 7-10 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

In February of 2022, Sevenoaks Academy 1s and 2s travelled to Hertford for the first of what will hopefully be many double header fixtures between two massive clubs. 

The weather that day was cold, crisp and clear. The rugby benefitted hugely as Oaks came away with two hard fought wins in high quality games. 

Unfortunately, as Oaks travelled to Hertford for another double header in January 2023, the weather had other ideas. 

The rain and wind was constant, from the moment the teams took the field to warm up to the moment the referee called the game 5 minutes early due to visible standing water. Indeed, the only interruption to the rain was for an even more spectacular hailstorm just before kick-off. 

The conditions made any enterprising rugby highly unlikely.

To their credit, the Hertford players seemed far the more comfortable with the conditions as they dented the Oaks defence early on with some seriously robust carrying. Oaks maintained their shape, but a clever grubber kick from the Hertford 10 proved too much to deal with and the Hertford centre pounced on the loose ball for an early score. 

Sevenoaks struggled hugely to get anything going as the weather combined in a perfect storm (no pun intended) with some ferocious Hertford defence. Ultimately, the difference between the two teams were two perfectly executed scrum strikes from the visitors. 

Winger Oli Ebsworth was put away twice down the right hand side. The first time, he was pulled down short. However, Oaks strung together their only truly threatening multi-phase attack of the match to work the ball in field before sweeping back right to send Ebsworth over in the corner. The second time, Ebsworth cut out the middle man by going over from 60m out after a wonderful in-and-out on the Hertford cover defence. 

The score was 7-10 to Oaks at half-time.

It remained that way as the weather somehow got even worse, making it impossible for either team to construct anything meaningful in attack. Oaks had the wind behind them in the 2nd half and so were able to pin Hertford back repeatedly until, with 5 minutes left on the clock, the referee wisely decided to call an end to the game for safety reasons. 

This was a very difficult game to take any meaningful lessons from, but there were definitely bright moments. Ebsworth's finishing aside, captain for the day and fly half Louis Bouverie played the territory game exceptionally well and debutant George Burgess put in a Man of the Match display in the back row. 

Oaks now look forward to their first Kent League game of the season, at home vs Old Colfeians, on January 22nd. 

Academy 2s

In the 'B' game, Sevenoaks Academy 2s took the spoils 0-12 after tries from Jon Odeyimi, as well as a mightily impressive touchline conversion from returning Max Lindsay. Indeed, the sharper minds appeared to be on the 2nd team pitch as the B game was called somewhat earlier than the A game as players from both sides dashed inside to try and regain feeling in their limbs! 

The Academy 2s look forward to a friendly fixture vs new friends Park House at home on January 29th.

Academy 1st XV Squad list: Jack Wilson, Frank Kitchen, Drew Mercer, Ben McClinton, Zach Johnson, George Burgess, Ryan Dixon, Elliot Wright, Mac Leason, Louis Bouverie (C), Isaac Canham, Freddie Rudd, Jake Tucker, Oli Ebsworth, Juan Barnard

Subs: Peter LaTrobe, Tom Hewitt, Toby Goodman

Academy 2nd XV Squad list: Nic McLean, Andrich Skein, Charlie Andrews, Max Gilbey, Sam Keenan (CC), Jamie Catchpole, Alexander Blackmore, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Rhys Williams, Max Lindsay, Alex Holden, Sam Sherwood, Jon Odeyimi, Max Avery, Finn Good (CC)

Subs: Ollie Smith 

London Irish Wild Geese RFC U18 0-53 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

For the second time in as many weeks, Sevenoaks Academy 1st XV faced an old National Cup foe in a friendly fixture. London Irish have long been age group powerhouses and had been Oaks' regional final opponents in their run to the quarter final back in 2020. 

Sadly, much like Oaks' opposition last weekend, London Irish appear to have been victims of their own success. A team of varying ability levels took the field against a Sevenoaks side missing it's hefty Judd School contingent - Judd play Trinity School, Croydon in the NatWest Cup on Wednesday. 

Oaks kicked off and stood up well to some strong London Irish carries to force a turnover and go close to scoring in the corner. From the exiting kick, Oaks successfully worked the ball left and then back to the middle before fly half Ben Pearl called the ball back to himself down the shortside. Fast feet and a burst of pace later, Pearl was scoring Oaks' first try of the game. This was quickly followed by Pearl and Oaks' 2nd try as he sniped intelligently down a small but undefended short side around half way. This try was converted by winger Juan Barnard and Oaks led 0-12 early on. 

The remainder of the half was somewhat scrappy as both teams struggled to hold onto the ball in attack. Sevenoaks did still manage to score two more tries just before half time as their defence forced penalties out of the host side. Prop Peter LaTrobe was the beneficiary of a trademark lineout drive before captain James Kerton powered over from some nice phase ball at close range. Barnard converted Kerton's try, but not LaTrobe's and Sevenoaks led 0-24 at halftime. 

There was a sense as the 2nd half began that the floodgates were on the verge of opening if Sevenoaks could just maintain possession through enough phases. This is exactly what happened as Sevenoaks scored at consistent intervals throughout the half.

Winger Max Avery went over first before scrum half Mac Leason darted right from a close-range scrum to score Oaks' 6th. The visitors' best attacking set of the game led to another try for Avery as he stepped off his right foot out wide to beat the scrambling home defence before two powerful breaks on the counter led to tries for both the starting fullback Ollie May and his replacement, Luka Crowcroft. Of all the 2nd half tries, Barnard converted one and young centre Freddie Rudd converted another to give a final score of 0-53.

This was another solid performance from Sevenoaks, as they build towards a big double header vs Canterbury away on Dec 18th. Having lost to Tonbridge Juddians 34-17 in the 3rd round of the National Cup, Canterbury should pose a significant challenge for an Oaks side that continues to display excellent cohesion, in spite of the regular changes to the squad enforced by a gruelling school schedule. 

The prospect of the Kent League post- Xmas with a full squad to pick from, against the likes of Canterbury and indeed TJs, is becoming a more and more exciting. 

Squad list : Peter LaTrobe, Elliot Wright, Oli Langley, James Kerton (C), Zach Johnson, Rui Beaufoy, Ryan Dixon, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Mac Leason, Ben Pearl, Juan Barnard, Freddie Rudd, Ruben Le Roux, Max Avery, Ollie May

Subs : Harry Corsini, Gregor Pauling, Tom Hewitt, Luka Crowcroft 

Old Albanians RFC U18 0-57 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

For the first time since an epic National Cup quarter final in March 2020, a Sevenoaks Academy 1st XV took on Old Albanians RFC as they travelled to St. Albans on Sunday. 

OAs were victorious 13-17 in that brutal encounter and are a big name in national terms, so a tough fixture was expected. 

Unfortunately, OAs have been victims of their own success and it became clear in the build up to the game that they were far from full strength. Injuries from school fixtures plus players unavailable due to county and other representative commitments took it's toll on the hosts. Sevenoaks had their own problems as no fewer than 11 of the provisional 22-man squad had to be changed throughout the week leading up to the match. 

During the warmup, no one really knew how things were going to pan out with all the changes to both sides. 

Sevenoaks received kickoff and worked an effective exit to take the game down into OA's territory. They immediately applied pressure with some incredibly physical defence deep inside the OAs 22. The home side would probably have wanted more distance on their clearance kick to touch. Oaks leapt into life as hooker Frank Kitchen, playing his first game for the academy this season, was launched into the OA's defence from a lineout starter play. The ruck ball was rapid and two phases later, a well executed backs shot gave Ollie May space to sprint down the left flank. The tackle attempt was a good one, but May's refusal to be put to ground led to a line break and Oaks' first try. Fullback Angus Hall, also playing his first game of the season, slotted the conversion for a 0-7 lead. 

This early exchange set the tone for the remainder of the half. Oaks would use their kicking game to advance up the field, before applying huge defensive pressure to OA's to win the ball back. The next try came from an Oaks centre field scrum just inside the OA's half, as a beautifully weighted grubber kick from fly half Louis Bouverie was pounced upon by Hall. May scored his second a few minutes later in a carbon copy of his first try. Both were converted to give Oaks a 0-21 lead after 20 minutes. 

To their credit, Old Albanians showed a great deal of determination to force their way up to halfway with some belligerent ball carrying shortly after May's 2nd try. A knock-on by an Oaks tackler gave the hosts an attacking scrum on the right-hand side, around the halfway line. The following strike move created the overlap that OA's had so desperately been seeking, but winger Max Avery read the pass perfectly to intercept and glide away for another Oaks try. This was followed shortly after by a try for No. 8, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, after more quick phase ball from a lineout starter play opened up a shortside that was exploited by scrum half Zach Ferguson. 5 tries and 4 conversions in a clinical 1st half meant that Sevenoaks led 0-33 at the break. 

Oaks kicked off the 2nd half and once again used their defence to force a turnover deep inside Old Albanians' territory. Fly half Bouverie reacted quicker than anyone else and found winger Avery for his 2nd try of the game from a well weighted crossfield kick. This was a real gut punch for the hosts, who in spite of the scoreline had enjoyed some solid possession at the back end of the 1st half.  

The remainder of the 2nd half was somewhat scrappy compared to the 1st. OA's enjoyed significantly more possession as the game progressed but were unable to execute their starter plays in attack. This would lead to Oaks gaining multiple possessions in good attacking positions. For whatever reason, they weren't able to capitalise as ruthlessly as the game wore on. 

That being said, there was still time for 3 more Sevenoaks tries. First, centre Jack Tucker powered over on the left after more strong defence led to another turnover close to the OA's line.  Bouverie pounced on a loose pass to get his reward for another fantastic performance before Frank Kitchen bookended his debut with another ridiculously powerful line off the back of a lineout to go in from 50m out. Angus Hall didn't miss a conversion in the 2nd half and the final score was 0-57. 

It goes without saying that a fully tooled-up Old Albanians side would have presented a very different opposition, with no disrespect to those who wore the shirt on the day. That being said, Oaks' 1st half accuracy belied just how many of their own 'gun' players were unavailable, with several being lost less than 24 hours before the game. Indeed, this performance demonstrated very clearly that Oaks don't really have 'gun' players. Instead, what they have is 25-30 players who are all capable of executing a game plan to a high level, often when playing out of position. 

Special mention must go to captain and Man of the Match James Kerton. He dealt with the adversity of losing half of his starting pack to injury in the days leading up to the game with a calm determination that has become synonymouswith his leadership style. He led a physical and enthusiastic Oaks pack, in which he was one of only two U18s, with utter surety. 

Sevenoaks now look forward to another big weekend on the November 20th as the Academy 1st XV play London Irish over in Sunbury and the Academy 2nd XV play Park House in Bromley. With school National Cup and Vase fixtures removing a significant chunk of the playing contingent, it will be a huge test of Oaks' resources. We cannot wait! 

Squad list : Jack Wilson, Frank Kitchen, Drew Mercer, James Kerton (C), Rui Beaufoy, Ryan Dixon, Tom Hewitt, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Zach Ferguson, Louis Bouverie, Ollie May, Ruben Le Roux, Jake Tucker, Max Avery, Angus Hall

Subs : Andrich Skein, Peter LaTrobe  

Teddington RFC U18 12-28 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

With Kent League fixtures being moved to after Christmas, the academy 1st XV travelled to Teddington for a much needed (and appreciated) short notice friendly.

Not much was known about Teddington pre-game. Would the typical fallout from physical and intense Saturday school games be an issue, or would Oaks still have enough firepower to get the job done?

Early signs weren't promising as Teddington came out of the blocks at a rapid pace. Ferocious tackling and a pair of very lively half-backs gave Oaks a much needed wake up call as Teddington worked their way up the field before some clinical offloading out of multiple tackles led to an early home score. The extras were added and Teddington led 7-0. 

To their credit, Sevenoaks responded and slowly but surely began to dominate possession and territory. However, the ferocity of the Teddington tackling combined with an aggressive breakdown policy meant that Oaks were never able to fully capitalise on the field position that they were creating. Frustration was starting to build as Oaks couldn't find the killer phase, but the continuous waves of Oaks possession were starting to frustrate Teddington just as much. 

This manifested itself in a red card for Teddington after a nasty looking high shot went in on winger Oli Ebsworth as he broke down the right hand side late in the half. It should be said that this was clearly more out of desperation than malice! 

Oaks went in at half time 7-0 down but the mood was one of determination rather than panic. 

The turning point came early in the 2nd half. A centre field scrum provided No.8 Elliot Wright with the perfect platform to break right before dummying and powering his way through two attempted tackles to score under the posts. Fly half Louis Bouverie added the conversion to bring Sevenoaks level.

Immediately from the kick-off, Oaks ran from deep and with a far more accurate and aggressive clearout were able to generate several phases of rapid ruck ball. This led to Bouverie having the time and space to execute a textbook chip and chase, gathering his own kick and stepping inside the opposition fullback for Oaks' 2nd try. Bouverie then converted his own score. 7-14. 

Very much against the run of play, the impressive Teddington 12 made a superb line break off a counter attack leading to Oaks conceding a penalty just inside their own 22. Oaks defended the quick tap exceptionally, but were undone as an attempted grubber kick from Teddington deflected off of players from both teams before fortuitously bouncing up into the arms of the Teddington 13 who gleefully dotted down. No conversion and the score sat at 12-14 with 15 minutes to go. 

The visitors responded quickly with more quick phase ball down the left hand. Man of the Match Bouverie then found 2nd row Zach Johnson cutting a superb line to split the Teddington midfield. Johnson then demonstrated his athleticism as he beat the fullback to score Oaks' 3rd try. Bouverie converted again and Oaks were beginning to pull away at 12-21. 

Both teams created opportunities for further scores in the final 10 minutes, with neither being able to quite find the last pass. Eventually, Oaks managed to string together several sets of possession inside the Teddington 22. Replacement wing Jake Tucker went close off a midfield scrum before centre Fin Stables finally sealed the result, powering over from a well worked scrum strike on the final play. Bouverie made it 4 from 4 as Oaks won 12-28. 

This was a fantastic test for the young Oaks. The usual disruption to the squad between the team announcement on a Friday and kick off on the Sunday was dealt with exceptionally well. New players were blooded against a very well organised and lively Teddington side who contested every possession with a real enthusiasm. Such was their energy, it was easy to forget that they played the best part of 50 minutes with only 14 players on the field.

Oaks defended well throughout and they will be pleased at their ability to adapt and overcome when their traditional strengths were nullified. However, they will need to work hard on the contact area if they are to be successful in their next outing - a double header away at powerhouses Old Albanians on November 13th.  

Squad list : Jack Wilson, Andrich Skein, Drew Mercer, James Kerton (C), Zach Johnson, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Tom Hewitt, Elliot Wright, Isaac Canham, Louis Bouverie, Juan Barnard, Fin Stables, Ruben Le Roux, Oli Ebsworth, Ollie May

Subs : Peter LaTrobe, Rui Beaufoy, Ryan Dixon, Jake Tucker

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV 7-5 Westcliff RFC U17

Tom Hewitt - man of the match!

The Sevenoaks Academy 2nd XV edged a fraught match against Westcliff Academy 2nd XV at home on Sunday 10th October in the autumn sunshine. Despite dominating possession and territory in the first half, and playing through a second half strewn with errors and penalties from both sides, Sevenoaks won 7-5.

Sevenoaks started positively from the kick off with great focus and determination to create opportunities for gain line success, improve ball retention and continuity in attack, which were points of improvement from the previous game against Bishop Stortford. The team’s willingness to recycle the ball quickly and maintain focus on their shape almost led to a try in the corner and were unfortunately penalised just short of the line.

Sevenoaks limited Westcliff’s territorial and possessional attacking opportunities for most of the first half with dogged and organised defending. They were also fairly well disciplined and organised in attack in the first half, with the forwards offering good carrying options to play off. This pressure finally told in the 26th minute when Andrich Skein scored from the back of a driving maul off a lineout. This no doubt brought a smile to the head of the Sevenoaks academy as the players executed the move perfectly. Juan Barnard converted a difficult kick, and added what would be the decisive two points come the end of the game. The remainder of the first half saw Sevenoaks not being able to build upon the pressure they had brought to bear upon the opposition, and when half time came, the players could not help feeling they had missed a number of try scoring opportunities.

Despite starting the second half with renewed focus to improve their accuracy in attack Sevenoaks were unable to add to the scoreboard. Both sides struggled for any meaningful continuity and fluidity in attack, and indeed both struggled with accuracy and ball retention at the lineout. The half was littered with penalties which limited scoring opportunities and prevented free flowing rugby from being played.

Westcliff were determined to equalise despite the stop/start nature of the second half and scored in the corner during the dying seconds of the game. Fortunately for Sevenoaks the conversion was missed and they edged the game by two points.

Tom Hewitt was awarded man of the match for his ball carrying in attack, and tireless work in defence! 

Bishop's Stortford RFC vs Academy 1s and 2s

Pre match moment of silence for the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II

Bishops Stortford RFC U18B 13-16 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

Sevenoaks Rugby Academy 2s got the season off to a winning start in an incredibly even-matched run out at Bishops Stortford on Sunday 11 September 2022.

In the dying throes of the game only resolute Oaks defending kept the home side at bay, after the visitors had enjoyed enormous proportions of the possession throughout the match without truly capitalising on it.

At half time it was 0-0, as the field position Oaks established time and again was not transferred into points. Crucially while the Oaks scrum was rock solid the Oaks line out was not functioning to its normal high standards. Still there was much to be positive about in the huddle at the break and a determined Oaks returned to the fray.

Sevenoaks duly secured the first points of the match with a Max Lindsay penalty, which earned a rapid response from Stortford as they secured a penalty of their own. Lindsay was impeccable from the kicking tee and kicks in open play all day.

Finally pressure told once more for Oaks as a well worked backs move resulted in field position in the home side’s 22 from where Max Avery managed to weave his way under the posts and Max L secured the extras.

The match then truly sprung to life as with 10 minutes to go and at 3-13 the Stortford right wing found some space and excellent connection and passing resulted in the try of the match for the home side to bring the score to 10-13 after an earlier Oaks penalty.

Some barraging runs by Oaks Man of the Match Liam Thomas and good interplay between the Oaks backs earned Oaks another penalty slotted by Max L and again a quick response from Stortford. As it was Oaks managed to hold on to edge an ultimately impressive season opener.

Academy 2nd XV vs Bishop's Stortford (A)

Fin Thomas Andrich Skein Harry Corsini Harry Fulcher Rui Beaufoy Sam Keenan Ryan Dixon Liam Thomas

Isaac Canham Max Lindsay Max Avery Freddie Rudd Toby Goodman Alfie Stratton Finn Good

Charlie Andrews Alex Holden

Academy 2nd XV Man of the Match Liam Thomas

Bishop's Stortford RFC U18 0-26 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

After a nail biting 10-13 win for the Academy 2nd XV, the 1s got stuck into an athletic and physical Bishop’s Stortford side.

Stortford's senior mens 1st XV ply their trade at RFU level 3, so stiff opposition was expected for the young Oaks against such a large and successful rugby club.

Sevenoaks came out of the blocks very quickly and attempted to move the larger BS pack around the field with quick phase ball. For 10 minutes or so, it was a case of close but no cigar as Oaks made line breaks but failed to deliver the killer pass. The breakthrough finally occured from a solid lineout drive inside the BS 22. Scrum half Mac Leason to feed newly converted flanker Raphi Simmonds-Dance running a powerful unders line to breach the defence and score. Fly half Louis Bouverie added the extras to take Oaks into a 0-7 lead.

The game settled into a clear pattern. If Oaks were unimaginative or static with their carries, the powerful Bishops Stortford tight defence punished them with brutal collisions. When Oaks held their shape and shifted the point of attack, they were able to generate ruck ball so rapid that Stortford were struggling to contain them. The final pass eluded Oaks on several occasions before BS had their first sustained period of attack after poor Oaks discipline gave them field position.

To their immense credit, the young Oaks repelled several waves of powerful tight carries from the BS pack before forcing an error and relieving pressure through the exiting kick.

Oaks went back on the attack for the remainder of the first half. They got their reward when Bouverie floated an inch perfect pass over the top of the wide BS defence to give flyer Oli Ebsworth the sniff he needed to scorch down the right-hand side from 30 metres out. No conversion this time meant that Oaks went into half time 0-12 to the good.

A scuffle early in the 2nd half seemed to take a lot of momentum out of the game and it was a scrappy affair until the latter stages of the half, with neither team able to keep possession long enough to mount any significant pressure.

Fortunately, Oaks were able to finish with a flourish. A counter attack from inside their own half created quick ruck ball for several phases inside the BS 22. Centre Ruben Le Roux took full advantage by picking up from the back of yet another rapid ruck and powering through a fatigued Stortford guard defender to put the game beyond doubt. Bouverie converted to make the score 0-19.

Oaks were not done quite yet as another counter attack, this time instigated by Man of the Match Fin Stables, generated more quick phases deep inside Stortford territory. Le Roux was again the beneficiary, cutting an inside line off of debutant Nathan Brown - now on at fly half - to score his 2nd and Oaks' 4th try of the game. Brown added the extras to take the final score to 0-26.

Error count aside, this was an impressive performance to start the season. Bishops Stortford will expect to win a lot more fixtures than they lose this season. The power and athleticism of many of their squad was present for all to see. For their part, Sevenoaks endeavoured to play at a tempo that any team would find difficult to cope with. Naturally, this led to a degree of 'looseness' in some of the finer skills, but when it clicked it was a joy to watch. The squad now has several training weeks before the first Kent League game in October.

Starting lineup : Jack Wilson, Dom Stangroome, Drew Mercer, James Kerton (C), Arthur Hansen, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Elliot Wright, Joe Sussmes, Mac Leason, Louis Bouverie, Luka Crowcroft, Fin Stables, Ruben Le Roux, Oli Ebsworth, Ollie May

Subs : Nic McLean, Tom Hewitt, Jake Tucker, Zach Ferguson, Nathan Brown, Juan Barnard

Academy 1st XV Man of the Match Fin Stables

Tonbridge Juddians RFC U18Bs 29 - 42 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

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.

Tonbridge Juddians RFC U18s 5-28 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

The Sevenoaks Academy 1s took a big step towards a top 3 finish in the Kent League by upsetting local rivals TJs on Sunday, producing their best performance of the season in the process.

It is no secret that TJs have had a stellar season to date, beating Oaks in all 3 previous encounters including a 13-0 win at TJs in the 3rd round of the National Cup back in November. TJs have since progressed all the way to the final of that competition, which will be played on May 1st.

Needless to say, Sevenoaks were not favourites to win this game.

Oaks started exceptionally, contesting and winning possession straight from their own kick-off. The ball was worked infield and TJs, ever keen to bring their physical defence to the fore, crept offside in midfield. Zac Shirtcliff slotted the ensuing penalty and Oaks found themselves with an early 0-3 lead.

The next meaningful act of the game was another penalty awarded to the visitors inside the TJs half, this time after some strong defence. The angle for a kick at goal was not favourable and so the ball went into the corner. Oaks' driving lineout - led by the likes of James Kerton and captain Will Murphy - has been a strength all season and so it proved again. One drive led to a penalty, which led to another drive and a prop Gregor Pauling was the beneficiary. Oaks were 0-8 up and hadn't been in their own half yet.

TJs got their inevitable period of possession after they broke down the left wing from a poor Sevenoaks exit. The home side showed their class as they played on top of the stretched Oaks defence for several quick phases. In the end, Sevenoaks ran out of metres and TJs crashed over just to the left of the posts. Fortunately, they missed the conversion which kept the score at 5-8.

Oaks' next score was a carbon-copy of the opening salvo as a turnover straight from the restart led to another kickable penalty for Shirtcliff. He needed no second invitation as he took Oaks into a 5-11 lead with roughly 20 minutes gone.

Oaks were competing well, but TJs threat was increasing as the game began to break up. One team would make a half break before the other would win a turnover on the floor and run it right back at them. Fantastic entertainment for the supporters, not so much for the coaches! Eventually, Oaks broke through the middle from deep and scythed their way up to inside the TJs 22 out on the left. Flanker Henry Thompson carried hard off 9, before fly half Louis Bouverie found Shircliff out the back of another forward pod. Shirty stepped and cut through the middle of the TJs midfield before floating an inch perfect pass of his left to winger Juan Barnard, who gleefully scampered over in the corner. 5-16.

TJs redoubled their physicality in attack and threatened on more than one occasion to breach the Oaks line a 2nd time. The visitors' defence held firm and key turnovers on the floor from Murphy and Stangroome meant that the score didn't change before half-time.

The first 10-15 minutes of the 2nd half was very much tit-for-tat as both teams showed ambition to play but were let down by a lack of accuracy.

TJs suddenly unlocked the Oaks defence through the middle and looked certain to score. However, the returning Tyler Weekes managed to track back and intercept what would have been the killer pass to their left winger. Weekes then turned, bumped off the winger and set off down the right-hand touchline. He kicked through as the cover came across and as the ball trickled into the dead ball area, a TJs back rower was adjudged to have taken him out off the ball to prevent a score. Yellow card for TJs and a penalty try to Oaks, who were now in dreamland with a 5-23 lead.

TJs dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the game but were continually undermined by poor execution at lineout time. From one overthrow, scrum half Harvey Galloway found back row Barnaby Thomas who bounced out of a tackle and set off up the centre of the field. Indeed, he set off so quickly that his support was quite a long way away when the TJs fullback moved across to shut him down. He launched a pass to his right, which bounced and was picked up on the run by Bouverie who then fed winger Joe Ryder for the final score of the game.

Despite more heavy-duty TJs carrying, Sevenoaks' defence held firm for the remainder of the game. Final score, 5-28.

This was an important win for Sevenoaks. So many times this season, they have lost winnable games through simply not believing that they could compete with their opposition. Couple this with TJs' status as National Cup finalists and Oaks could so easily have talked themselves out of this one before the game had even begun. It is to their huge credit that they did the opposite. For their part, TJs were resting several first choice players after a brutal cup semi-final last weekend and clearly they will have had one eye on their upcoming final. That being said, on paper this was still a quality outfit and Oaks were the better team on the day in every facet of play.

Sevenoaks now look forward to their final league game on April 3rd at home vs Medway. With any luck, Oaks can continue this form and give the outgoing U18s a fitting send off from age group rugby!

Squad list: Gregor Pauling, Dom Stangroome, Oli Langley, James Kerton, Ben McClinton, Henry Thompson, Barnaby Thomas, Will Murphy (c), Harvey Galloway, Louis Bouverie, Oli May, Zac Shirtcliff, Tyler Weekes, Juan Barnard, Luca Crowcroft

Subs: Drew Mercer, Henry Hartley, Jack Ludden, Elliot Peters, Ruben Le Roux, Joe Ryder

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 19-7 Cranbrook RFC U18s

Sevenoaks Academy welcomed Cranbrook to the Paddock for the 4th of their 6 Kent League fixtures. Having won comfortably at Thanet before losses to very strong Canterbury and Blackheath sides, Oaks were looking to bounce back with a win this time out.

At the behest of Cranbrook, Oaks rested the majority of their U18s (and several U17s) to keep a supposed 'mismatch' from getting out of hand. Indeed, only two U18s were in the squad at all, with the entire starting XV being comprised of U17s.

It became apparent within 5 minutes of play that Cranbrook were considerably stronger than had been communicated. They were physical in the carry and an absolute nuisance at the breakdown. Playing into the wind and on the smaller 2nd XV pitch, Oaks struggled to get beyond their own 10m line for much of the 1st half. Cranbrook, clearly enthused by their edging of the physical battle, went over from close range after a 5m lineout roughly 10 minutes before half time. Their fly half slotted the extras and despite some promising attack just before the whistle which nearly resulted in a try, Oaks went in at half time 0-7 down.

Strong words were said in the half time team talk and U18s Barnaby Thomas and Zac Shirtcliff were let off their leashes. This clearly had the desired impact, as the young Oaks started the 2nd half like a runaway train. Number 8 Henry Thompson went over twice in quick succession - his first try coming after he hit a beautiful line to split the Cranbrook defence just inside the 22. Shirtcliff converted one of the two tries to give Oaks a 12-7 lead.

If these two tries were the result of Oaks making better use of their kicking game, their 3rd was an advert for having the courage to run from deep. Two quick rucks after a kick-off receipt led to the ball finding Barnaby Thomas in the midfield. He smashed through the visiting defence before arcing left and threatening to burn off the opposition fullback. Just before he was about to be tackled into touch, he executed a superb grubber kick which bounced over the try line and held up in the dead ball area. Thomas won the race to his own kick and dotted down out wide to a hysterical reaction from the Oaks supporters. Shirtcliff made the wide conversion look easy and Oaks led 19-7.

To their credit, Cranbrook fought hard to regain some territory and spent the last 10 minutes of the game firmly camped inside the Oaks 22. Time and time again they battered away at the Oaks line. Time and time again, a massive Oaks shot or jackal would kill the attack at the crucial moment. The game ended ultimately ended 19-7.

This was far from a vintage performance from Oaks. Yet the manner of their victory left a lot to be positive about. The coaching staff had taken the decision in good faith to 'even up the contest' by resting multiple players at the request of the opposition. This decision could very easily have cost the players a result in a game they would otherwise expect to win. The resilience of the playing group to literally dig themselves out of a hole at half time was potentially a turning point for the group's self-belief.

Ben McClinton stood out in a fine performance in the row. Oli Langley put in tackles beyond count. Henry Hartley was massive in defence when he came on and captain for the day James Kerton led by example with relentless tackling and carrying on top of his usual stellar lineout work.

Oaks have next weekend off before travelling to TJs for what will surely be a massive test in their penultimate league game on March 20th.

Squad: Drew Mercer, Dom Stangroome, Oli Langley, Ben McClinton, Tom Moseley, James Kerton (C), Alby Butt, Henry Thompson, Harvey Galloway, Louis Bouverie, Juan Barnard, Ruben Le Roux, Jon Odeyimi, Oli May, Finn Good

Subs: Henry Hartley, Barnaby Thomas, Tom Hunt, Adam Davies, Zac Shirtcliff

Hertford RFC U18As 0-27 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

After what has sometimes felt like a relentless grind of league and cup matches, Sevenoaks Academy enjoyed a day in the sun as they travelled to Hertford for a friendly double-header.

The 53-seater was booked for 8am - the first challenge of the day! The boys passed with flying colours and that set the tone really.

Full of buzz and energy from the moment they got off the coach at Hertford, the young Oaks ripped into the early stages of the game in much the same way as they had attacked the warm-up.

Improved defence has been a real area of work for Oaks since the defeats to Canterbury and Blackheath. The Oaks spacings were spot on, their speed to fold and reload exceptional. Hertford carried hard and with purpose in the early going but the visitors' defence quickly got on top in the collisions, forcing a penalty.

Oaks went straight to their lineout drive and to his credit, the Hertford referee allowed Oaks to use this weapon much more than recent men-in-the-middle have done. Hertford infringed and Oaks drove the ball even deeper into the home 22 and had a 2nd crack of the whip. This time they were too close to repel, with hooker Dom Stangroome dotting down after the pack had driven Hertford over the line. 0-5.

After a reasonable exit from the kickoff, Oaks defended powerfully once again to win another turnover. They made ground up the left-hand side, before prop Gregor Pauling found fly half Louis Bouverie with a beautiful zip pass out the back off 9. Bouverie did the rest, stepping inside and then out again to split the Hertford defence and go in under the posts. Zac Shirtcliff added the extras and Oaks found themselves two scores up.

Hertford had the better of the rest of the 1st half, as Oaks errors in the carry coughed up field position. Fortunately, the Oaks defence was once again steadfast and their try line was not breached. 0-12 at half time.

Oaks scored so early in the 2nd half that poor Harvey Galloway - now filming after an excellent 1st half at 9 - hadn't even turned the camera on yet! Captain Will Murphy went in from close range after Oaks broke through straight from the kick-off to make it 0-17. Very shortly after this, Oaks scored again as centre Raphi Simmonds-Dance got on the end of a lovely grubber kick from Shirtcliff after the latter scythed through the home defence off a scrum strike.

The visitors spent the remainder of the game defending as their discipline deserted them, with dominant tackles repeatedly being undermined by cheap penalties for offside and not rolling away. Oaks would have the final say, however. Yet another solid defensive set yielded a turnover in midfield as flanker Frank Kitchen ripped the ball from Hertford before setting off down field. The ruck ball was rapid and was worked wide to fullback Luca Crowcroft who stepped inside to break the line and go 40m up into Hertford territory. Two phases later, flanker Elliot Peters went over on the left to finish off Oak's best move of the day.

Final score 0-27.

This was an impressive display from Sevenoaks. Incremental improvement in performance has been the message since Christmas and on this day, it certainly felt like progress had been made in all areas! More importantly, there was a genuine sense of enjoyment in everything the players did, from getting onto the coach at the Paddock to climbing off of it again at the end of the day.

Next weekend sees the Academy 1s in Kent League action at home vs Cranbrook.

Squad list: Gregor Pauling, Dom Stangroome, Oli Langley, Tom Moseley, James Kerton, Barnaby Thomas, Elliot Peters, Will Murphy (C), Harvey Galloway, Louis Bouverie, Oli May, Ruben Le Roux, Zac Shirtcliff, Juan Barnard, Luca Crowcroft

Subs: Drew Mercer, Henry Thompson, Frank Kitchen, Mac Leason, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Ollie Ebsworth

Blackheath RFC U18 31-0 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

Boy was this a hard one to take.

Sevenoaks travelled to Blackheath on Sunday to play a team that has made it to the quarter finals of this year's National Cup - they play Tonbridge Juddians next weekend.

Oaks have played Blackheath twice already this season. In the first encounter, between two close to full strength sides, Oaks found themselves 2 points up with 10 minutes to go before silly mistakes cost them the match and gave Blackheath a somewhat flattering 24-36 scoreline. In the second encounter, between two very mixed teams, Oaks dominated for 50 minutes before the game was called early due to a nasty looking injury to a Blackheath player.

The young Oaks' perceived improvement over the course of the season, combined with Blackheath potentially having one eye on their cup quarter final led to a cautious optimism amongst the coaching staff that an upset could be on the cards.

This did not transpire.

Sevenoaks started the game with the wind behind them and they took full advantage. Blackheath were caught cold and pinned deep within their own territory. Indeed, such was Oaks' early dominance that with a touch more composure near the Blackheath line (and it must be said, with better officiating of the lineout maul defence and offside lines) the visitors could very easily have found themselves a couple of scores up. Unfortunately, this wasn't to be the case. Multiple line breaks by the likes of fullback Luca Crowcroft and Zac Shirtcliff went unconverted and despite dominating the first 25 minutes of the game, Sevenoaks were kept scoreless.

Slowly but surely, the individual power and athleticism of Blackheath became more and more of a factor. The home side threatened to strike a couple of times before eventually breaking out and scoring a wonderful team try from inside their own half. 5-0 to 'the club'.

The score clearly knocked the wind out of Oaks' sails. They did manage another line break as captain Will Murphy ran a fantastic line through the middle, but once again Blackheath were able to snuff out the attack and win the turnover. They went quickly and managed to work a clever, low kick up into Sevenoaks territory. Oaks made a rare mistake at the lineout and Blackheath pounced, scoring their 2nd try after 3 rapid phases of turnover possession. Oaks somehow found themselves 10-0 down going into half time.

Oaks left the changing room to start the 2nd half visibly deflated. The two try deficit combined with the knowledge that they would be playing into a 15 point wind was clearly weighing heavily on them.

Blackheath, by contrast, had survived their early wobble and now had the look of a team that can claim to be one of the top 8 sides in the country. They demonstrated their credentials with a blistering counterattack from turned over Oaks ball almost as soon as the half had started. They duly converted and at 17-0 down, the belief that they could win all but left the visiting side.

To their credit, Sevenoaks stuck to task and although they conceded two more tries - each more painful to endure than the previous - they avoided the kind of 50 point drubbing that one can imagine a team of Blackheath's calibre putting on many a side in this situation. The game ended, almost mercifully, at 31-0.

In the immediate aftermath of this game, it would have been easy to spiral. To go from losing late in the game to back in October to losing by this margin and failing to score felt like going backwards........and yet, Sevenoaks fired more shots in 25 minutes of this game than they had in the previous 5 or 6 games combined against Kent's big three teams at this age group. Their lineout was once again completely dominant - against a pack with multiple Saracens Academy and Kent PDG forwards in it. Unfortunately, a common theme of this season has been a very poor standard of refereeing with regards to maul defence. Line breaks were created on more than one occasion from first phase scrum strike moves and perhaps more importantly for the future, many current U17s (and one U16) have developed into real leaders within the group.

James Kerton was absolutely outstanding at the lineout and in the loose. Luca Crowcroft was high class from start to finish and Elliot Wright was powerful and dynamic before a hamstring niggle forced him off frustratingly early on. Frank Kitchen, playing up again as the U16s had the day off, came off the bench and took on U18 forwards as if they were several years younger and about 15kg lighter.

This game could (and arguably should) have been very different. At some point, things are going to click for this group and when they do, they are going to deliver a huge performance.

Squad list: Alby Butt (U17), Elliot Peters (U18), Henry Hartley (U17), Tom Moseley (U17), Henry Thompson (U17), James Kerton (U17), Elliot Wright (U17), Will Murphy (U18), Adam Davies (U17), Billy Boyd (U18), James Akeman (U17), Ruben Le Roux (U17), Zac Shirtcliff (U18), Oli May (U17), Luca Crowcroft (U17)

Subs: Oli Langley (U17), Sam Keenan (U17), Frank Kitchen (U16), Harvey Galloway (U17), Louis Bouverie (U17), Patrick Spice (U18)

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 14-19 Canterbury RFC U18s

Sevenoaks Academy welcomed Canterbury U18s to the Paddock for the 2nd time in 3 months this Sunday. In the previous fixture, a noticeably weakened Canterbury side were pushed hard by 14-man Oaks, before ultimately winning comfortably.

With Canterbury clearly at full strength this time around, the young Oaks were fully aware of the task at hand.

The task was made even more difficult when Oaks infringed in the early exchanges. Canterbury drilled the penalty deep into the Oaks 22 and utilised their impressive lineout drive to catch Oaks cold, scoring the game's 1st try. They converted for a 0-7 lead.

Oaks were already on the verge of breaking as a couple of poor kick chases gifted Canterbury's incredibly dangerous backline with opportunities to counter. Oaks were almost immediately 5m out from their own try line again as Canterbury went for the early kill. This time around, Oaks held out and won the turnover. This seemed to spark something in the home side and after a very shaky start, bit by bit, they began to get some wins of their own. A knock-on here, a turnover on the floor there and suddenly the Oaks support had more and more things to get noisy about.

The only issue was that despite the improved defensive effort, Sevenoaks were still struggling to get their attack going. Their retention rate in phase play was poor and one occasion, the conceded penalty at the breakdown was once again drilled deep by Canterbury (indeed the home support felt that the kick had gone dead). Oaks repelled the initial drive, but the visiting hooker broke off the back of the maul to burrow over for Canterbury's 2nd try. The score at half time was 0-12 to the visitors.

This was a real make-or-break moment for Oaks. A huge amount of effort had been expended and yet they remained pointless. The half time replacements were urged to bring all their muscle and energy to bare to score next and keep the game alive.

Things got worse before they got better.

Canterbury had been pushing the boundaries of legality with their counter-rucking from minute one. One such counter-ruck, which it must be said was nowhere near being 'through the gate' led to a turnover after Oaks had managed to string together their best attacking phases of the match. Canterbury got away with one and the ball spilled loose from the ruck. Canterbury reacted first and from the line break, the home side felt no choice but to infringe again. Once again, the penalty was drilled deep and once again, Canterbury broke off from the failed maul to score again. The try was converted. 0-19. A hammer-blow for the home side.

Things looked bleak for Oaks, but the Canterbury score had been against the run of play. Oaks were forcing errors from the Canterbury attack and were finally starting to string some phases of their own together. Sevenoaks were now able to give Canterbury a taste of their own medicine as they put together repeated lineout drives of their own. The visitors were visibly rattled and infringed once too often for the referee's liking. A Canterbury player was sent to the bin and Oaks sensed their chance. The penalty got Oaks to within 10m of the Canterbury line. The pack did the rest. Elliot Wright was the beneficiary of a superb driving maul and Zac Shirtcliff added the extras. 7-19.

Oaks used their man advantage to dominate possession and territory for the remainder of the game, so much so that Canterbury lost another player to the bin. However, Canterbury's dogged defensive work at the breakdown was preventing Sevenoaks from playing their way to another score in phase play. Oaks went back to their driving game. Drive after drive was held up over the line or spoilt for a scrum turnover before Oaks finally got their reward with a couple of minutes left on the clock. This time, hooker Dom Stangroome was the man dotting the ball down. Shircliff added the extras to bring Oaks within 5 points at 14-19.

Sadly, Oaks' inaccuracy in phase play was their downfall as two promising attacks ultimately came to nothing. The final whistle sounded, with Canterbury players visibly relieved and Sevenoaks players floored by grief.

This was a heartbreaker for Sevenoaks. Despite a very poor 1st half in terms of attack, the reality is that this is a game they could have won. At full strength, Canterbury are arguably the strongest team in Kent at this age group, which demonstrates the improvement of this Oaks group since the 53-3 thumping away in east Kent back in November. What really stood out in this performance were the leaders in group. Captain Will Murphy was huge and his lineout deputy James Kerton aided in a fantastic effort at the set piece. Zac Shirtcliff emptied the tank on both sides of the ball and his goal kicking ensured that Oaks went into the final minutes with everything to play for. The returning Henry Thompson and Ruben Le Roux provided much needed physicality and new boy Henry Hartley brought massive energy off the bench with him.

Sevenoaks play National Cup 5th rounders Blackheath next Sunday at Well Hall, 11am ko. If they produce a performance anything like their 2nd half today, a big scalp might well be theirs for the taking!

Squad list: Alby Butt, Dom Stangroome, Drew Mercer, Henry Thompson, James Kerton, Elliot Wright, Elliot Peters, Will Murphy (C), Sam Hopkins, Billy Boyd, Joe Ryder, Pat Spice, Zac Shirtcliff, OIlie May, Luca Crowcroft

Subs: Gregor Pauling, Henry Hartley, Luke Walter, Adam Davies, Ruben Le Roux

Thanet Wanderers RFC U18 vs. Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

Sevenoaks Academy 1st kicked off their official Kent League campaign with a trip down to Thanet on Sunday.

In the Academy's previous visit to Broadstairs back in May 2021 for a scrumless and maulless friendly, the story of the day was Thanet's overwhelming physicality eventually triumphing over Oaks' fast and wide attacking play.

The young Oaks were challenged to make winning the physical battle their number one priority and they delivered in spades.

Huge defensive sets compared with rapier-sharp handling on the counter gave Sevenoaks tries through Pat Spice and Oli May, taking them into an early 0-10 lead. Some ill-discipline from an Oaks exit gave Thanet their first meaningful field position shortly after. Thanet constructed a useful driving maul but were stopped just short of the Oaks line. When Thanet attempted to carry over from close range, repeatedly dominant tackles by the likes of Elliot Peters and Drew Mercer led to a turnover penalty for the visiting side.

Oaks finished the half strongly and after repeated attempts from close range, hooker Dom Stangroome was the beneficiary of a powerful driven lineout. Fly half Billy Boyd stepped up to add the extras and Oaks went in at half-time 0-17 up.

The 2nd half was a slightly more frustrating affair. Despite a constant supply of clean lineout ball provided by captain Will Murphy, Jack Ludden and James Kerton, Oaks struggled to get over the line as Thanet dug in.

The penalty count had started to turn against Oaks and this allowed Thanet a rare visit to the Oaks 22. Despite more brutally physical defence, Thanet kept their patience and after many phases, barged their way over from close range to give themselves a foothold in the game at 5-17.

Sevenoaks to their credit, responded immediately. A clever lineout 'special' gave allowed Oaks to carry well over the gainline inside the Thanet 22. Two quickly executed phases later and Oli May was able to step his way to his 2nd and Oaks' 4th try of the game. This was then followed by a well-executed strike move from a scrum just outside the Thanet 22 which saw the returning Luka Crowcroft denied only by an outstanding cover tackle from the Thanet centre. The damage had been done however and Zac Shirtcliff capped off a fine display by working around the corner and powering over from 10m out.

Final score, 5-27 to Oaks.

This was an energetic and at times clinical performance from Sevenoaks. A shift in attacking structures combined with a slightly more forward-orientated game plan has given the lads the foundations from which to launch more 'put-together' attacks. This clarity appears to have energised the group and with more players returning to the fold, the final whistle was greeted by cautious optimism by players and coaches about just what might be next.

Squad list: Alby Butt, Dom Stangroome, Drew Mercer, Jack Ludden, Luke Walter, James Kerton, Elliot Peters, Will Murphy (c), Mac Leason, Billy Boyd, Juan Barnard, Pat Spice, Zac Shirtcliff, Oli May, Finn Good.

Subs: Gregor Pauling, Harry Corsini, Charlie Day, Sam Hopkins, Luka Crowcroft

Medway RFC U18s 7 - 26 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Academy 2s enjoyed a cracking day in the sun at Medway RFC on Sunday 9 January, starting 2022 in some style with a 26-7 win over very solid opponents.
The match provided a robust way to blow away the cob webs for two sides that never yielded willingly all match. Medway put in some huge hits and battled hard however ultimately the structured phase play of Oaks, coupled with some outstanding individual performances, won out.
Harry Corsini was Oaks man of the match on the basis of three steals at the breakdown; several thumping tackles, and deft steps and passing on the carry by the front row forward. Henry Hartley and Ollie Langley also impressed in the front row and Tom Hunt at hooker threw perfect darts into an infallible line out, chiefly to James Kerton who soared above the opposition time and again to set the platform for the Oaks.
So it was that the Oaks breakthrough came from a line out catch and drive from 10 metres out, with the imposing Oaks 8 Henry Thompson marshalling the maul over the line for a try that outside half Billy Boyd duly converted.
Charlie Day and Rhys Owen were both dominant on the flanks and their carries and hard work set up the field position for Oaks’ second try. A couple of phases found Oli Heap romping down the left wing to set up field position and then Heap popped up again to burst through the Medway defensive line for Oaks’ second try and Boyd again added the extras.
Stung by this, Medway sprang into action. Oaks allowed the big Medway ball carriers a little too much space and given the inches they duly took the yards, moving the ball effectively and abrasively into the Oaks red zone. From here a sequence of pick and go rugby resulted in the Medway 8 dotting the ball down under the posts and the conversion meant it was 7-14 to Oaks going into the half time break with the game very much afoot.
Sevenoaks were up the hill in the second half yet started very strongly. Harvey Galloway at 9 made some trademark yards with a box kick and this set the platform up for Boyd to put Finn Good and Luka Crowcroft into space. A few phases later Crowcroft found the space on the left to dive over for a try following an intelligent pass by Galloway.
Medway then once again stepped up, putting in a lot of hard work in the midfield to keep Oaks at bay. The hosts put in some very solid tackles as did Oaks and the sides went properly at it in a few lively encounters in the middle of the park.
Pip Hodson and Toby Goodman in the centre ans wing respectively were proving a handful for the Medway defenders. This ultimately told with a midfield break by Sam Keenan recycled to give James Akerman some space on the left wing. Akerman stepped one Medway player then outpaced the cover to dive over the line for Oaks’ fourth and final try that Boyd, who truly impressed in the way he kicked from hand as well in bossing the Oaks back line and also both taking and putting in some big hits of his own.
Twice following that final try Oaks got over the Medway line and twice - with full credit to the Medway defence - the visitors were held up. Final score 7-26.
Huge credit to both squads for an outstanding match played in great spirits.
Squad list: Harry Corsini, Tom Hunt, Henry Hartley, Sam Keenan, James Kerton, Charlie Day, Rhys Owen, Henry Thompson, Harvey Galloway, Billy Boyd, Toby Goodman, Luca Crowcroft, James Akeman, Oli Heap, Finn Good
Subs: Oliver Langley

Blackheath RFC U18s 0-41 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

The Oaks Academy 1st XV bagged their first Kent League win of the season in their final league game away at Blackheath on Sunday.

Both sides were clearly affected by unavailability due to school and county rugby commitments, but it was the new faces on the Oaks side who were better equipped to deal with the step up.

After their disappointing exit from the cup a fortnight ago, Oaks have shifted their attack structures to align more with those used by the senior squad. These are complex shapes, yet the way the group have adapted to them has been nothing short of a revelation.

Oaks started at a rapid pace and settled into their attacking shape in a way previously unseen this season. Hard carries through the middle by the likes of James Kerton and Sam Keenan were complimented by the second wave of runners out the back. Space was fashioned out wide on the left for debuting fullback, U16 Ben Pearl. Slick hands from the midfield backs did the job and Pearl stepped inside a drifting defender to dot down and get Oaks off to the perfect start. 0-5.

Oaks countered immediately from the ensuing kick-off and once again utilised their attacking shape to stretch the Blackheath defence. This time, Oaks decided to play through their opposition and another debuting U16, number 8 Joe Sussmes, cut a cracking line through the heart of the defence before powering through the fullback to score under the sticks. Shirtcliff added the extras to take Oaks into an early 0-12 lead.

Oaks were firmly in control and after Blackheath conceded a penalty around halfway, the ball was pumped deep into their 22. A trademark Oaks catch-and-drive allowed prop Alby Butt, one of the few ever presents in the side so far this season, to dot down and take Oaks 0-17 up. Oaks new boy, Oli May, capped an impressive display by bagging himself two tries before half time. The first came after fly half Billy Boyd found him out the back before May stepped inside the cover and then the fullback to score. His second came after receiving the ball just inside the Blackheath half. The home side were dropping off a lot of tackles by this point and May took full advantage by carving through from long range for a fantastic solo effort. May's tries sandwiched a Zac Shirtcliff score from a Sevenoaks lineout steal close to the Blackheath line. All of this amounted to an Oaks half-time lead of 0-34.

The half-time message was to maintain the levels of intensity and accuracy demonstrated in the 1st half. This is always a challenge when a half has gone so perfectly. Oaks were up to the challenge.

Immediately from kick-off, Butt reminded everyone that aside from being a demon at scrum time, he is also incredibly quick. He burst down the left wing from the kick before bulldozing the covering Blackheath defender. An amazing piece of individual play, but unfortunately the brave home tackler was injured in the collision. Play was stopped and Blackheath were forced down to 14 men. Oaks matched their numbers and the game continued. Oaks pinned Blackheath deep in their own territory. From a 5m ruck, Shirtcliff was able to strip a Blackheath carrier during the tackle before spinning out and diving over the line for his 2nd. He converted his own score. 0-41.

Sadly, the game wouldn't last much longer as another huge carry from the kick-off led to a Blackheath playing suffering from a suspected concussion. Physios from both teams entered the field to provide the very best care to the stricken player. With the prospect of the home side going down to 13 players for the last 20 or so minutes, both sets of coaches agreed to call the game early to reduce the risk of further injury.

Huge credit must go to Blackheath for fulfilling the fixture with such limited resources. At full tilt, they are strong enough to be awaiting news of their National Cup 4th round opposition. Oaks can sympathise with the struggle of getting games played with huge numbers of players unavailable. In a time where teams increasingly just bail on fixtures because they are missing a few players, it has been pleasing that Oaks have been allowed to play all 6 of their league matches this season - even if results have not gone our way.

Now to Oaks. Where to begin really. The starting team was yet again completely different to even a week ago vs Canterbury. Three U16s started the game, two of them debutants. Only 5 members of the starting team featured in Oaks' last win, in the 2nd round of the National Cup back in October. Despite this, Oaks produced a very fluent and intense performance. The speed of the ruck ball combined with the sheer number of options that halfbacks Mac Leason and Billy Boyd had available to them was hugely encouraging.

The last two performances have given Oaks real confidence heading into the post-Christmas Kent competitions. The emergence of so many players as legitimate 1st team contenders, combined with players undoubtedly returning from school duties, should give Oaks the depth to compete at the top table again.

In the short term, the Academy U16s have one final fixture before Christmas - a double header away at Chobham next Sunday (12th Dec).

Squad list: Alby Butt, Tom Hunt, Drew Mercer, James Kerton, Sam Keenan, Elliot Peters, Charlie Day, Joe Sussmes, Mac Leason, Billy Boyd, Oli Ebsworth, Juan Barnard, Zac Shirtcliff (C), Oli May, Ben Pearl

Subs: Harry Fulcher, Christian Dolly, Jon Odeyimi

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV & 2nd XV vs. Canterbury RFC U18s

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 12-28 Canterbury RFC U18s

Sevenoaks welcomed Canterbury to the Paddock on a crisp, but clear morning for their return Kent League fixture.

Oaks' availability struggles had cost them dearly in the first fixture, with a strong Canterbury side coming out 53-3 winners. In the pre-match build up, there was a real fear that history would repeat itself. Late dropouts from injuries sustained in school matches the previous day, combined with the fact that Oaks were fielding an Academy 2s team, also against Canterbury, meant that Oaks started with a bare 15.

When lock Damien May went down a couple of minutes into the game with a shoulder injury after a huge shot on a Canterbury ball carrier, things looked bleak. Oaks would have to play the rest of the game with 14 men.

What happened next defied belief.

It has not been an easy season for this group. A tough Kent League campaign combined with last weekend's National Cup loss have understandably dented confidence within the group. It would have been so easy to surrender to another Canterbury battering after such a demoralising start. Instead, the group rolled up their sleeves and proceeded to climb into Canterbury from minute one.

They got rewarded for their bravery. Captain Zac Shirtcliff - self-admittedly quiet in defeat the week before - cut a superb line from an early scrum strike and was put through by his fellow centre Pat Spice. The momentum Oaks gained from this line break led to a succession of lineouts close to the Canterbury line. From one such lineout, Oaks' maul came down just short of the line. Scrum half Adam Davies reacted quickest and darted in down the short side for Oaks' 1st score. Shirtcliff added the conversion and 14-man Oaks found themselves 7-0 up.

Canterbury were clearly missing a few players themselves. This, combined with ferocious Oaks tackling from the likes of Drew Mercer, James Kerton and Barnaby Thomas meant that instead of customary Canterbury line breaks, passes were being dropped and possession often conceded on the floor. The away side still had plenty of quality however. A frankly mesmeric crossfield kick from their 10 was caught by the right winger without even breaking stride for Canterbury's 1st try. They converted the score to level the game at 7-7.

Oaks took this setback in stride and applied huge pressure from the kick-off, led by pack leader for the day Elliot Peters. There were big carries from Gregor Pauling and Alby Butt which opened up gaps for fly half Billy Boyd to dart through and win Oaks a penalty inside Canterbury territory. Oaks went straight to their driving game and once again were stopped just short of the try line. A couple of pick-and-gos towards the posts pulled the Canterbury defence inwards and Oaks again exploited the short side to put winger Joe Ryder into the corner for their 2nd try. No conversion this time around, but Oaks were back in front at 12-7.

Canterbury struggled to find their usual fluidity in attack, but showed their invention when another outstanding kick from their 10 found space in the depleted Oaks backfield. Oaks scrambled but were turned over on the floor and several phases later Canterbury were over in the corner. They added the conversion to go in at halftime 12-14 up.

The first 20 minutes of the 2nd half were full of action and endeavour from both sides, but short on outcomes. Canterbury would work a promising attack to then be foiled by heroic Oaks scramble defence. Oaks would then fashion a line break in phase play before throwing one offload too many or being turned over on the floor by relentless Canterbury jackalling.

It was all great entertainment for the watching supporters but the 14-man elephant was slowly creeping into the room. Canterbury's extra man began to tell as their big carriers started to dent Oaks' defensive line more consistently. Yet again, the visiting 10 took advantage of the space out wide and a crossfield kick was fielded on the bounce by their right winger. He was chopped down by Mac Leason - playing out of position at fullback - but he got the ball away back inside to his fullback who raced in under the posts for Canterbury's 3rd try. 12-21.

Oaks were now being penned into their own half and were forced to chance their arm from deep. One such attempt back fired as Oaks were charged down from a scrum strike insider their own 22 and Canterbury pounced to score their 4th try and head into a 12-28 lead. This was ultimately how the game would finish.

Despite the defeat, there was a mood of optimism in the Oaks huddle post-match. The players had been challenged by Head Coach Dawson before the match to "show visible pride and desire in wearing the Oaks colours". This they certainly achieved. They defended brilliantly for huge chunks of the match and scored two well-worked tries in the early game before energy levels got too depleted. Recent arrivals to the club like prop Drew Mercer and fullback/winger Oli May put down strong claims for further 1st team inclusion. Players who had underperformed in the National Cup loss to TJs came back spitting and snorting in a manner that has not previously been seen from this group.

Oaks have one more Kent League game away at Blackheath on December 5th - their last opportunity register that elusive win against Kent's elite. After that, the coaches and players look forward to (hopefully) having much stronger availability for the Kent Cup post-Christmas, with school XVs largely stopping after December. If the group approaches the cup with anything like the energy and enthusiasm on display vs Canterbury, they might just surprise a few people.

Squad list: Drew Mercer, Elliot Peters, Gregor Pauling, Damien May, Luke Walter, James Kerton, Alby Butt, Barnaby Thomas, Adam Davies, Billy Boyd, Oli May, Pat Spice, Zac Shirtcliff (C), Joe Ryder, Mac Leason

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 2nd XV 12-41 Canterbury RFC U18Bs

Sevenoaks Rugby Academy 2nd XV had a tough run out versus their Canterbury counterparts on Sunday 28 November. Thanks to Sevenoaks School for supplying the pitch on a bright and clear winter morning.

Canterbury started strongly and only resolute defending by the Oaks kept them at bay in the opening salvos. Rhys Owen (C) was leading from the front and helped marshal the pack to keep the Oaks line in tact.

However with the slope in their favour it wasn’t long before Canterbury, who played some great rugby on the day used field position to scythe through a gap in the Oaks back line. A tough match was made harder for Oaks when very early in the match a head clash between Toby Goodman and Cameron Davies forced them to leave the pitch and we wish them both a speedy recovery.

Two subsequent tries for Canterbury opened a 0-17 advantage; Oaks having squandered their own ball on several occasions were being quickly punished.

Then Oaks began to hit their stride and managed to retain possession through phase play. Jon Odiyemi after several penalties to Oaks and catch and drives from the ensuing line outs from five yards out saw the winger athletically dot the ball down. The teams entered the sheds at 5-17 and with the slope to their advantage it seemed the Oaks fight back was on.

Canterbury however had other ideas and played decent fluid rugby to take the first points in the second half and extended their lead to 5-24.

For Sevenoaks the pack including Ed Cross, Will Dinsmore, Adam Vickers, Charlie Day, Daniel Craig, Sam Keenan, and Harry Fulcher all put in big shifts especially as Oaks through injury went to 14 and then 13 players on the park. Fulcher, Keenan and Owen all carried the ball well to make hard yards for Oaks at vital stages in the game.

In the backs Rhys Williams bossed from 9 and established a strong combo with Ben Graham at 10, who was immaculate with the boot securing some great field position in closed and open play.

Outside the half backs Henry Lynch, Christian Dolly and Juan Barnard plus Sam Hopkins all stuck to their task.

On several occasions in the second half Oaks pressed the Canterbury line but then turned the ball over a little too easily with the visitors making the most of these errors to romp up the pitch. Canterbury showed great handling and awareness to move into a 5-41 lead.

Sevenoaks as you would expect stayed in the fight. The lads were duly rewarded when Keenan crashed over the line for a much deserved try before Graham’s conversion marked the end of proceedings.

Credit to both squads and thanks must go to referee Jonathan Wright for his help in the staging of a lively and game Sunday run out.

Tonbridge Juddians RFC U18s 13-0 Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV

Oaks travelled to the Slade for their 3rd meeting of the season with local rivals TJs. Oaks were desperate to win for two reasons: 1) they had lost their previous two meetings by a combined total of 8 points and 2) this was the 3rd round of the U18 National Cup.

Unfortunately for Oaks, the occasion appeared to weigh very heavily on them, especially during the 1st half of the game.

Oaks defended exceptionally well against a varied and high tempo TJs attack, often forcing the home team into kicking possession away. They were also able to climb into the TJs lineout, forcing a number of 'specials' from the hosts early on in the game.

Sadly, all previous talk about an expansive and dynamic Oaks attack in the build-up to the game fell by the wayside once Oaks had gained possession of the ball. All too often, promising phase ball was kicked away with overlaps begging to be exploited on the outside and when Oaks did decide to keep hold of the ball, there were few signs of wide-wide attacking shape that had been causing teams, including TJs, problems in recent weeks.

The result was a half in which TJs dominated possession and territory. Oaks did well to only concede 3 points from a kickable penalty about 20 minutes in. Their persistence in kicking possession away actually led to two kickable opportunities, with an energetic chase making up for the lost possession by winning penalties on the floor. Unfortunately, Oaks were unable to convert these opportunities into points.

TJs led 3-0 at half time.

Both teams made their mandatory changes at half time and Oaks' subs initially made the bigger impact. Instead of kicking possession away, players like Jonny Francombe, Pat Spice and Barnaby Thomas ran the ball back hard at the hosts and milked several penalties for high tackles and not rolling away. This approach actually hurt the Oaks cause before it helped it as a failed counter led to another TJs 3 pointer to take the score to 6-0.

However, whilst still lacking cohesion, Oaks were now beginning to fire some shots and actually make the TJs defence, defend. TJs were incredibly aggressive at ruck time. This was often rewarded with a turnover or a penalty for holding on, but it did also give Oaks their most concerted period of dominance in the game. Penalties around the halfway gave Oaks access into the TJs 22 and they were finally able to begin taking advantage of their driven lineout. It must be said, the home side defended the maul as well as any team this season has done against Oaks, but the sheer quantity of reps meant that Oaks began to gain more and more momentum in their drives. After multiple infringements, a TJs forward was sent to the bin and Oaks went in for the kill. Another penalty for in at the side unfortunately didn't result in a 2nd yellow and TJs managed to stop the following attempt just short of the line. Oaks' lack of composure in phase play came back to haunt them as they struggled to convert from a couple of metres out. They lost possession and TJs survived their biggest scare of the match.

It was in fact slightly cruel that the score that killed the game off was from a driving maul that the hosts themselves managed to put together. Having won a penalty on halfway with their aggressive strategy at the ruck, the home side pumped the ball deep into Oaks territory. Oaks defended the maul superbly, but TJs did what Oaks previously could not and found a way over the line, with a procession of pick and go drives. TJs converted and at 13-0 the game was effectively over.

Oaks did what they could to try and close the gap but the TJs try appeared to have extinguished any residual belief in the Oaks team that they could win the game. To add insult to injury, the game ended with an injury to fly half Louis Bouverie after a huge collision in midfield after an Oaks scrum strike - a real area of strength to date - was telegraphed by the TJs centre.

Oaks will be hugely disappointed not so much by the loss - TJs are a strong side and historically have had the edge in the current U18s age group - but by the manner of the loss. Oaks didn't really fire a shot until after the half time whistle, something that was pointed out none-too-calmly by the Head Coach during the HT team talk. This was a game they could have won. Indeed, they could very easily have been awarded a penalty try during their series of driving mauls in the middle of the 2nd half - this would have actually put Oaks 6-7 up at that point. Captain Will Murphy was immense in the pack, along with Jack Ludden and Dom Stangroome. Young Frank Kitchen shook off a ropey 1st half to put in some powerful carries after the break. The talent is there, the belief sadly isn't. If these players can find a way to back themselves, they have the tools to go after a consolation prize of the Kent Colts Trophy after Christmas.

In the short term, Oaks need to dust themselves off quickly as next weekend they play a very strong Canterbury side in the return leg of the Kent League. This should hopefully be a double-header at the Paddock so a great chance to bounce back! The Academy U16s also have a double header, away at Old Elthamians.

Squad list: Alby Butt, Dom Stangroome, Gregor Pauling, Jack Ludden, James Kerton, Frank Kitchen, Elliot Peters, Will Murphy (c), Sam Hopkins, Louis Bouverie, Barnaby Thomas, Zac Shirtcliff, Angus Hall, Joe Ryder, Juan Barnard.

Subs : Luke Walter, Damien May, Billy Boyd, Jonny Francombe, Pat Spice

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 22-25 Tonbridge Juddians RFC U18s

Just two weeks before they meet in the 3rd round of the National Cup, Oaks and TJs met for the return leg of their Kent League fixtures. Oaks had gone down 15-10 away at TJs at the beginning of the season and were keen to make amends.

With neither team in a position to win the league, both sets of coaches agreed to rotate their squads to give players opportunities to try and force their way into National Cup selection.

Any notion that the quality of the game would suffer as a result of this was quickly dispelled.

TJs started strongly, with physical carries through the midfield sucking in Oaks defenders. Oaks got a little narrow after one such carry and TJs took full advantage, spreading the ball wide and dotting down in the left corner for an early lead. The extras were added for a 0-7 scoreline.

To their credit, Oaks responded well. Some well executed shape and pattern led to a Shirtcliff line break through the middle of the TJs defence. TJs scrambled well but knocked-on having managed to smuggle possession back. From the split field scrum, Oaks worked a nice shortside move with fly half Pat Spice putting winger Jon Odeyimi away on the left for Oaks' 1st try. Shirty was unable to add the conversion on this occasion. 5-7.

Almost immediately from the kickoff, Sevenoaks worked another clever shortside attack and made big yards down the left-hand flank. They maintained possession and pressure which led to a penalty and then lineout inside the TJs 22. A trademark Oaks lineout drive enabled prop Alby Butt to dot down and take Oaks ahead. Shirty added the extras. 12-7.

Oaks had started to dominate territory, with Shirtcliff and Spice noticing some indecision in the TJs backfield and repeatedly probing with smart kicking options. Oaks managed to win another lineout inside the TJs 22, but got their timings wrong and conceded a frustrating penalty. However, TJs missed touch and the young Oaks launched an impressive counter attack. Several phases of quick ruck ball presented Spice with a gap in the TJs defence. He stepped through before feeding hooker Elliot Wright for Oaks' 3rd try. Shirty again added the conversion. Oaks had gone from being 0-7 down early on to being in control at 19-7.

TJs came back fighting and their big carriers started to make bigger dents in the Oaks defence. The home side's discipline worsened under pressure. Repeated infringements close to the line led to a yellow card for flanker Adam Vickers. TJs took full advantage of the numerical advantage. They worked the ball wide from a lineout, before a clever tip-pass on the gainline created their 2nd try of the day. They converted to bring the score to 19-14.

Oaks immediately applied pressure once again and won two penalties in reasonably quick succession. One went wide, but the next went through the sticks to give Oaks a 22-14 half time lead.

Sadly, this was to be the last time Oaks would register points. A combination of unforced errors from Oaks and a much-improved showing from the visitors led to the majority of the 2nd half being played in Oaks' territory.

First, TJs took advantage of poor defensive reads on the outside of the home defence work walk-in out wide on the right. No conversion brought the score to 22-19.

TJs then really flexed their muscles and whilst Oaks' defended bravely to prevent another try, two more kickable penalties brought the scores to 22-22 and finally 22-25 in the visitors' favour at the full-time whistle.

A hugely frustrating day for Sevenoaks. A really promising 1st half was ultimately undone by a poor performance in the 2nd half. Discipline, unforced errors in attack and defensive decision-making out wide are the major work-ons between now and when these sides meet again in a fortnight. That being said, there were plenty of performances to be proud of. 2nd row James Kerton made a strong case for inclusion with a hard-working display and Elliot Peters led from the front at 7. Pat Spice and Zac Shirtcliff produced mature performances with no shortage of skill and vision, as proven by two of the three Oaks tries on the day. There was also the return to the fold of talented Sevenoaks School back, Jonny Francombe and the debut of new prop from Trinity School, Sevenoaks - Drew Mercer.

Next weekend sees the Academy 2nd XV welcome Sittingbourne and Sheppey U18s whilst the Academy U16s have a big derby match away at Medway.

Squad List: Alby Butt, Elliot Wright, Harry Corsini, James Kerton, Sam Keenan, Adam Vickers, Elliot Peters, Ben Sellors, Mac Leason, Patrick Spice, Jon Odeyimi, Finn Good, Zac Shirtcliff (C), Jonny Francombe, Juan Barnard.

Subs: Drew Mercer, Charlie Day, Rhys Williams, Henry Lynch

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 41-19 Heathfield & Waldron RFC U18s

The Academy 1st XV welcomed the Sussex team to the Paddock on Sunday for round 2 of the RFU U18 National Cup. Having come out comfortable winners in their round 1 matchup, Oaks were expecting a sterner test this time out. In spite of the score line, that is exactly what they got.

Oaks started much as they have throughout the season. Lots of energy and enthusiasm but with a lack of control. An early missed penalty by Heathfield was a bit of a let off for sloppy Oaks discipline around the ruck.

The home team took full advantage of their good fortune and worked a strong position inside the Heathfield 22. A strong drive from an ensuing lineout allowed prop Alex Watkins to dot down over the line for an early Oaks score. 5-0.

Oaks' poor discipline both at ruck time and on the offside line would be a theme of the match as they continually undermined strong defence around the ruck with the concession of unnecessary penalties.

Unlike in the round 1 fixture, this opposition were ready and able to take advantage of easy access into the Oaks 22. Poor Oaks work rate around the corner in defence allowed Heathfield to capitalise on a huge numerical advantage on the Oaks left flank. The ball was moved wide quickly and accurately for the equalising score. The following conversion took the visitors into a 5-7 lead.

The next 10-15 minutes were a real test for the home side as H&W consistently took advantage of poor numbering up in defence to find space out wide and get in behind the Oaks defence with clever attacking kicks. One such break led to a somewhat desperate period of defence from Oaks, during which they somehow forced a turnover. They broke out from deep and were only stopped a few metres out from the away team's try line. Several powerful pick-and-gos later, Watkins was over for his 2nd try. Zac Shirtcliff added the extras to take Oaks in 12-7 up at half time.

The 2nd half followed much the same theme as the first. Oaks' poor discipline meant most of the half was actually played inside the home side's territory. However, Oaks had identified weaknesses in the H&W defence. Centre Fin Stables sliced through off a scrum strike inside the Oaks half before going all the way to score Oaks' 3rd try of the game. Shirtcliff again added the extras to make the score 19-7.

Heathfield once again highlighted Oaks' achilles heel as more needless penalties were conceded in the middle third. The away team constructed a tidy two-phase starter play from an attacking lineout in the Oaks half. With Oaks once again failing to fold around the corner in defence, the ball was worked wide to the H&W left winger who went in untouched. No conversion brought the scores to 19-12 with around 25 minutes to play.

Heathfield now very much believed they could win the game and in reality, they could have. Unfortunately for them, they had no answer to 30 second bursts of pace and power that the Oaks were blasting out in between periods of mediocrity.

Stables bagged his 2nd try and replacement scrum half Adam Davies got on the end of Zac Shirtcliff pass to score Oaks' 5th. Both tries came from deep, either side of a Shirtcliff penalty. The game was now beyond Heathfield's reach at 34-12 but to their credit they continued to throw the kitchen sink at the Sevenoaks defence whenever they had possession. A powerful break from their very impressive number 12 gave them some reward for their efforts and brought the score to 34-19.

The final try of the game was somewhat comical as Oaks actually fluffed their lines from a split field scrum. The wayward pass completely halted the Heathfield defence and Stables took full advantage to power through some weak tackling to score his hattrick. Shirtcliff added his 4th conversion of match to bring the final score to 41-19.

Oaks progress to round 3 of the National Cup with two strong results under their belts. However, further progress will very much depend on the young Oaks massively improving their discipline on both sides of the ball. Heathfield were afforded far too many easy entries into Oaks territory and far too much space out wide. One has to conclude that in a national competition, a 3rd round opposition will punish these errors more ruthlessly. On the flip side, Oaks are finding energy levels in the latter stages of matches that opposition teams are currently struggling to deal with. It should also be noted that Oaks were missing several senior players due to the half-term holidays.

Sevenoaks now await confirmation of their round 3 opposition with baited breath.

Squad list : Alby Butt, Elliot Wright, Alex Watkins, Jack Ludden, Gregor Pauling, Barnaby Thomas, Elliot Peters, Ben Sellors, Sam Hopkins, Louis Bouverie, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Zac Shirtcliff, Fin Stables, Ollie Ebsworth, Juan Barnard

Subs : Tom Watkins, Damien May, Frank Kitchen, Adam Davies, Jon Odeyimi

Sevenoaks RFC Academy 1st XV 31-17 Aylesford Bulls RFC U18s

The young Oaks welcomed Aylesford Bulls to the Paddock on Sunday for a high-energy encounter between two large squads.

Bulls have had some availability issues thus far this season - Oaks can certainly relate - and thus requested a game of three thirds in which they could get game time for their entire U18s squad.

Oaks obliged and took the opportunity to rest chunks of their local grammar school contingent, many of whom had already played a midweek game followed by a Saturday fixture. In spite of several new combinations, Oaks put it in a strong showing built upon the foundations of huge amounts of energy and desire.

It was actually Bulls who struck first. After a lively opening few minutes from both sides, Aylesford spotted space in the Oaks backfield and forced a goal-line dropout. Oaks were unable to get much distance on the restart and powerful Bulls carrying had them over the tryline two phases later. Their kicker nailed the conversion to give them an early 0-7 lead.

Conceding early has been a theme of Oaks' season. What appears to be changing however, is the response to these early setbacks. Straight from the restart, Oaks applied defensive pressure to the Bulls carriers to force a scrum. Having almost scored with another first phase strike play, Oaks were able to go through multiple phases whilst retaining their shape and width. The pressure finally told as prop Alby Butt powered over from close range. Captain for the day, Zac Shirtcliff slotted the extras to bring Oaks level at 7-7 as the 1st third of the match drew to a close.

Aylesford struck first in the 2nd third, forcing a penalty from the Oaks kick-off receipt. Bulls opted for the 3 pointer and went back into the lead at 7-10.

Oaks once again responded immediately. A penalty was forced from the kick-off for holding onto the ball on the floor and Oaks went deep into the corner. A trademark catch-and-drive led to hooker Elliot Wright dotting the ball down over the line for Oaks' 2nd try. No conversion from Shirtcliff on this occasion, but Oaks took the lead for the first time in the match. 12-10.

Oaks took control for the remainder of this middle third of the game, with their wide-wide shape causing a lot of problems for the Bulls defence. After one particular attack that went beyond 10 phases, Shirtcliff stepped off his outside leg to carve through the defence before beating the cover to score under the posts. He converted his own try to take Oaks into the final third 19-10 up.

Oaks carried on where they left off in the final third as more accurate phase play in the Bulls 22 was rewarded when outstanding fly half Louis Bouverie found Wright on a beautifully executed unders line to split the defence for Oaks' 4th try. 24-10.

Bulls upped their physicality in defence as they tried to mount a comeback and actually succeeded in pinning Oaks deep inside their 22. An Oaks scrum under massive pressure in front of the posts looked ominous for the home side as Bulls cranked up the heat. Oaks somehow got the ball away to Bouverie who proceeded to step inside his opposite man before stepping outside the inside cover and accelerating off down the field. He fixed the Bulls fullback before feeding U16 winger and 1st team debutant Raphi Simmonds-Dance. RSD still had more than 50m to go once receiving the ball but his pace and power did for the Bulls cover as he went in under the posts to seal a very popular victory for the Oaks supporters. With Shirtcliff in the bin for a team yellow, Finn Good - another 1s debutant - stepped up to slot the conversion. 31-10.

Aylesford knew the match was done at this point, but to their credit they pushed hard for the final score. Oaks started to fall off some tackles in the midfield and Bulls found their way up into the Oaks 22. This time they weren't to be denied. Despite an outrageous cover tackle from Shirtcliff - now back on the field - Oaks were unable to keep the visitors out from close range. Bulls converted their try to close the gap to 31-17 with a couple of minutes to go.

Oaks almost responded with another immediate repost as a turnover from the restart gave them territory close to the Aylesford line. Finn Good went for an audacious chip and chase, which he came within millimetres of pulling off. It was not to be and the final whistle went.

Despite being a friendly in which both sides made use of large benches, this game felt like a bit of turning point for Oaks. Their attacking shape and depth was the best it has been all season and their defensive width was much improved from previous fixtures. No fewer than 7 players made their Academy 1st XV debuts. Two of them, try scorer Simmonds-Dance and Oli Ebsworth, became the 5th and 6th U16s to play in the 1s this season. Debutants and regulars alike brought massive energy in everything they did. Jack Ludden led the forward pack assuredly in the absence of captain Will Murphy, whilst fullback Juan Barnard demonstrated yet again why he has featured so prominently for the 1s this season.

With round 2 of the National Cup due at home to Heathfield and Waldron next Sunday (Oct 24th), Oaks are in a much better place than they were just two weeks ago.

Squad list: Alby Butt, Elliot Wright, Tom Watkins, Jack Ludden, Sam Keenan, Damien May, Elliot Peters, Ben Sellors, Mac Leason, Louis Bouverie, Henry Lynch, Finn Good, Zac Shirtcliff (C), Jon Odeyimi, Juan Barnard

Subs: Alex Watkins, Tom Hunt, Rhys Owen, Charlie Day, Adam Davies, Raphi Simmonds-Dance, Oli Ebsworth