Match Report Archive
Sevenoaks 22 v Tunbridge Wells 22
22 Feb 2007
The much awaited local derby between 'Oaks U15's and their counterparts from
Tunbridge Wells eventually got under way at Knole Paddock following last
week's postponement due to weather conditions.
As expected both sides were very evenly matched and every ball and yard of territory was fiercely contested. Blistering attacks from both sides were snuffed out by clinically effective defences. The levels of skill and determination by both XVs were impressively high. It took just over 25 minutes before 'Oaks could open the scoring: A clearance kick to 'Oaks 10 metre line was deftly fielded by full back Spark who then jinked his way through the visitors' defence until he was able to off load the ball inside the 5 metre line to enable Soames to power over for the try. Utility back Yeomans added the extra 2 points. The visitors responded almost immediately with an unconverted try in the corner to take the score to 7 -5. A superb restart kick by Yeoman's was collected by Soames who yet again used his pace and strength to score from 30 metres out to take the Sevenoaks tally to 12points. For the next few minutes the home side exerted tremendous pressure forcing an uncharacteristic defensive error from the visitors who failed to deal with a loose ball which was hacked on by Oaks into the in-goal area. Fly-half Day raced for the loose ball and managed to touch it down to take the score at the break to 17 -5.
Tunbridge Wells returned in bullish mood and immediately began to pressurise the 'Oaks' defence with their large and mobile pack. Sevenoaks valiantly rebuffed wave after wave of Tunbridge attack but eventually the visitor's managed a push-over try and conversion to bring the score to 17- 12. Sevenoaks responded within minutes releasing loose forwards Harmon-Tatton and Crane to cause havoc in the visitors' defence. Harmon-Tatton scythed through the oppositon's territory and offloaded to Captain Crane who scored in the corner increasing the Oaks score to 22. Tunbridge dug deep into their reserves of courage and fought back eventually being rewarded with with a converted try to bring them within 3 points. In the dying seconds of the match a moment of indiscipline saw the visitors awarded a penalty just outside the 'Oaks 22. The successful kick brought the scores level and the match to an end 22 ponits to 22.
This was a hugely entertaining match played in good spirit and one which displayed tremendous levels of skill and determination by all concerned. Worthy of particular mention are Grist, Gordon, Gates-Fleming, Safaty and Williams whose efforts contributed greatly to enhance a fantastic game of rugby.