Reports 13
S'oaks U13A 59 Aylesford 0; S'oaks B 15 Aylesford 22
28 Oct 2008
Sevenoaks A 59 Aylesford A 0
Sevenoaks A team continued their successful run away at Aylesford at the weekend with a 9 try demolition of the home side. However, despite the scoreline, Aylesford deserve a huge amount of credit as they competed with Oaks right until the last minute, when desperate defence kept them out.
Oaks began by playing simple rugby and when the ball was moved quickly down the line no one was going to stop fullback Urquhart when he rounded his opposite number. The visitors kept a steady flow of scores in the first half with the pick of them being scored by centre Fearn after a handling move involving both backs and forwards.
Turning round 27-0 ahead Oaks then increased the pressure as the pack began to take control. A miss placed clearance from the Aylesford fullback was consumed by Oaks powerful lock Wheadon who ran through four tackles to score under the posts. McKay and Killick replaced Martyn and Wheadon but the style of rugby didn't change with fly half Poland controlling the game. From a quick ruck on the right hand side of the pitch the backs passed the ball superbly with Urquhart coming into the line at pace. Fearing another powerplay run Aylesford committed two defenders to the tackle, but the fullback responded to his coaches' demands to pass more and gave a perfectly timed offload to debutant winger Hosiene who rounded the defence and scored in the corner for the try of the day.
However, Oaks' ability to score bagful's of tries comes about through the unseen work of many and with man of the match Small and tight head prop Briggs doing endless work in the tight, the forwards took matters into their own hands on the stroke of full time with a try from skipper Vizard. Poland, McKerlie and Thresher added 7 conversions to complement the tries.
Sevenoaks B 15 Aylesford A/B 22
With both teams a little short of fielding two different sides Oaks put out 11 of the B squad supported by 4 A teamers against a side that comprised a large number of opposition A team players and competed very well before losing by a converted try.
With skipper, and man of the match, Nicholls in outstanding form in the back row Oaks took the game to their hosts from the start and with the forwards securing plenty of good ball the backs played with adventure and desire. From a line out which was well won by newcomer Humbles scrum half Hewitt fired out a strong pass which enabled the backs to move the ball at pace. Winger Grenier, having already made an outstanding try saving tackle, turned attacker in this move and beat three defenders to score under the posts, but unfortunately the conversion was missed.
However, the Aylesford boys were now playing with confidence and from a charged down kick they scored a converted try before adding two further scores in well worked moves on the wing. With multiple positional changes being made to ensure everyone got a game Oaks were finding it difficult to generate any momentum although newcomer Gray, playing in the centre, maintained the early promise he has shown by coming close to scoring.
With the regular B team front row absent Small and Vizard stepped into the breach and from a series of pick and drives the hooker crashed over the line to score. However, the home side also scored again to leave Oaks a mountain to climb, although lock Killick did manage to narrow the gap after another series of drives by the forwards.
With the last play of the game Oaks produced some outstanding rugby with interplay and offloading from both forwards and backs. With an overlap begging the forwards took the ball one stage too far and the chance to score was missed and Aylesford held on for a close won victory.