Archive Match Reports
Academy unlucky against Canterbury
18 Jan 2009
Sevenoaks U18s started strongly against an unbeaten Canterbury with fly half Field putting in a couple of very testing kicks that were well chased down by Kedge and Walker but unfortunately did not lead to tries.
This was followed by Oaks having to successfully defend in their own 25 for a prolonged period with the forwards putting up a great effort against a stronger and heavier pack and some good tackling in the centres by Peters. Eventually relief came after Canterbury were penalised for continual infringements at the ruck, Oaks counter attacked and were unlucky not to score with what was only the 3rd time that they gained position in the first 30mins.
Eventually Canterbury's pressure paid off, creating an overlap for the right wing to score just before half time.
The second half started badly with Oaks giving away a rather dubious penalty right in front of the posts which was duly converted, this was followed quickly by a try from the left wing.
Sevenoaks now 15 - 0 down stepped up their game with the forwards now gaining valuable possession, Palmer was stopped just short of the line after one of his trademark rampaging runs. The increase in Oaks work rate finally paid off following a good break by Field which allowed the ever present Turvey to score in the corner.
Canterbury responded very quickly with a well worked move from a ruck where their No8 took the ball a full speed bursting through the midfield to score under the posts. Oaks continued to fight until the end creating a couple more scoring opportunities but were unable to break through the strong Canterbury defence.
The final score line really did not reflect the tremendous effort that every player put in against a visiting team that contained 4 Kent U20 and 4 Kent U18 players.