Match Reports
Tunbridge Wells 12 Sevenoaks 43
15 Feb 2010
A combined Sevenoaks RFC B XV and Acorns team took on the might of Tunbridge Wells in a match of special significance in that it was both a league encounter and an Evergreen Cup game rolled into one. To add further spice to the already heated recipe, the opposition were lying 2nd in the league table and had been responsible for previous Cup exits by the Acorns, so the atmosphere was heavily laden with the desire for both cup revenge and a league upset.
The match started at a ferocious pace with the Oaks attacks being blunted with some good opposition defence. Wing forwards Kelly, McCulloch and Johnstone drove close in and repeatedly created second phase ball which allowed scrumhalf Carrick to dominate the midfield and link effectively with Gowie to release with great effect speedsters Bingham, Hayward and Lane outside of him. Satterley marked his return with the opening try on the right which was followed up by a score from the ever present Kelly who, despite 3 knock-ons, was also able to touch down a second time and make amends. Carrick missed the first two conversions from centre field but then was successful with the rest from the touchline and scored two tries of his own to eventually take the man-of-the-match award.
Nicholson and Emmins, well supported by props Thurnell and Shirtcliff and with pin point throwing and great driving play by hooker Manning, dominated the lineouts and were gradually able to wear down the Wells pack. Play continued with a series of attacks and counters and, following the second Oaks try, Wells fought back to score two of their own to take a 10-12 lead at half time.
The second half saw the introduction of impact players Fuller at lock and Ingram at flank and this had an immediate impact with Oaks camping in the Wells 22 metre line. Strong forward play followed by a cunning sidestep by replacement flyhalf England saw Hayward go over for a well worked try, followed soon after by several phases in the pack and great interplay between Levick and Excocet that took play close to the line, but a poorly timed kick from Park was returned with interest, only to be picked up by winger Logan for a great sprint down the right, forcing a desperate defensive tackle from the Wells fullback. The resulting ruck was cleared by Richardson and Morris who passed to eighthman McCulloch for another of his barnstorming runs and a converted try under the posts, to take the score at the final whistle to 43-12.
Sevenoaks from: Thurnell, Manning, Shirtcliff, Morris, Richardson, Emmins, Nicholson, Ingram, Kelly, McCulloch, Fuller, Johnstone, Carrick, Gowie, England, Park, Bingham, Hayward, Logan, Levick, Satterley, Price, Boatman, Lane
Saturday sees the B XV in a home encounter v Bexley with the Acorns also on duty at the Paddock in a match against Vigo.