Archive Match Reports
Sevenoaks Extra 1XV Against Gravesend
7 Nov 2006
Extra 1st XV show 1st XV class
Sevenoaks Extra 1XV Against Gravesend
Sevenoaks 41 – Gravesend 0
On a glorious sunny Saturday afternoon, Sevenoaks extra 1XV took on a Gravesend side languish near the bottom of the table. Sevenoaks from the off took the game to their opponents, who coming into the match had suffered 5 straight defeats. From the 1st scrum, the pressure became apparent with the smaller but more mobile Oaks pack immediately driving the larger Gravesend forwards off the ball. Not to be outdone by the forwards, the Sevenoaks backs sprang into life with Scott receiving a poor kick to majestically pop of to Parkhill who raced over in the corner for the 1st score. This gave Gravesend something to think about but the Oaks were keen to show that they were just as comfortable in defence, with Ruffles & Scott putting in some bone crunching tackles on their opposite numbers. Mclean all afternoon gave the opposition something to think about combined well with new halfback partner Kavanagh. The midfield was boosted by Matt Pollock returning from injury, who dully went over for a score, even though his work rate and pace deserved more.
But once again it was the Oaks Forwards who really showed why Sevenoaks 2’s have become such a hard team to beat, dominating and controlling the game. The front row even while giving away a lot of weight, controlled the scum’s and barley gave an inch. Priestley and Coleman dominated in the 2nd row with the bullish Coleman fighting off 5 players for a score under the posts. Yea was allowed to be moved to the more familiar surroundings of number 8, until injury forced him to retire after such a promising start. Mike Thomas marshalled the forwards around all day, adding 2 well deserved scores in 2 matches for him. Griffiths became a much welcomed addition back in to the side and did not allow the opposition a comfortable moment all afternoon. With many positives to be taken out of the game, Sevenoaks should be pleased with themselves, but the real test is over the next couple of weeks with a succession of tough away games, that will prove if the 2’s really have what it takes to win the league they deserve this season.