Match Report Archive
Kent Final
21 Mar 2010
Oaks go down fighting
Sevenoaks 10 Bromley 11
Over the years Coaches Leahy, Barnes, Rugg and Thurnell have nurtured and developed this Sevenoaks rugby team into one of the finest under 15 sides in the South East. Unbeaten in full 15 a side rugby matches for over two years, each and every player has been nurtured and instilled with a sense of self belief, discipline and commitment to his fellow players that has resulted in victory after victory. Now they faced the ultimate test in youth club rugby-a county final. As coach Rugg sent his team onto the field he knew that whatever the outcome he could rely on every player’s 100% commitment to do his utmost for his team.
The game started well for Sevenoaks when Leahy caught cleanly, Sinclair drove on, and after Bromley infringed at the ruck, Karg kicked the penalty deep into enemy territory and Bromley were under pressure. Most notable in this early period was Bromley’s preponderance to give away penalties, dispute the referee’s interpretation of the laws and subsequently be ordered back a further ten yards. This was all to Sevenoaks advantage and it was not long before a well struck penalty by Cook resulted in the first three points for Sevenoaks.(3-0)
Unfortunately, this score had the effect of galvanising the Bromley effort and rather than talk their way up the pitch in conversation with the referee they chose to use their impressive pack and in particular their number eight to batter away at the Sevenoaks defence. In this sustained period of Bromley pressure competition for possession was fierce as both sets of fowards locked horns and ripped into each other. However, when possession was won, the backs on either side found it very difficult to break the defensive line and as a result the game developed into a midfield battle for the ball with very little penetration or flowing rugby from either side.
Unable to run through the Bromley defence and break the gain line Sevenoaks only effective method of gaining ground was to kick out of defence. Karg and Cook did this to good effect on more than one occasion but having gained precious ground the Sevenoaks attack simply did not have the cut or thrust to create any clear opening. From one such clearance Oaks were awarded a scrum ten metres from the Bromley line but having won the ball the back row and half backs dithered, the Bromley defence was up and ‘in their faces’ and the opportunity was lost.
The first half ended with a penalty being awarded to Bromley which they converted Half time (3-3).
Sevenoaks could not have wished for a better start to the second half. Bromley failed to gather Scott’s kick off, giving Captain Alex Rolfe the opportunity to collect the ball from the back of the ruck, side step the first defender and blast through the last line of defence to run in a superb individual try. Cook converted and Oaks were 10-3 up. Once again however, this served to spur Bromley into action and from the restart Oaks also failed to clear their lines, Bromley were awarded a penalty, which was converted, and the lead was cut to four points (10-6). Buoyed by this quick reply and more determined than ever Bromley again pressed towards Sevenoaks line in a period of sustained pressure. Sevenoaks stood their ground with heroic defending on their own try line but eventually Bromley sucked in the Sevenoaks defence and then spun the ball wide to go over. Score; Bromley 11 Sevenoaks 10.
Sevenoaks were behind for the first time in the game and with time running out they did their best to retrieve the situation. Any score would do and with one final throw of the dice Karg kicked accurately for position to give Oaks a line out ten metres from the Bromley line. It was time for their specialist line out move, ‘but when it rains it pours’, the line out move was poorly executed and seemed to sum up their day. When the final whistle sounded it was Bromley who were Kent champions by the narrowest of margins-one point.
Final score Sevenoaks 10 Bromley 11
Scorers. Try Rolfe. Penalty Cook. Conversion Cook.
Congratulations go out to Bromley for winning the most competitive of matches and becoming county champions. For the Sevenoaks team there is no ignominy in this defeat. The players know that they were not at their best but also that they gave their all to coaches, supporters and fellow players alike and should hold their heads high. At the end of the match Captain Alex Rolfe thanked all who travelled to support the team and all players who were not selected to play for their support. Best wishes also to players Harry Rugg and Cormack Barry for a speedy recovery from injury.