Reports 13
Sevenoaks 15 TJs 0
09 Nov 2009
Sevenoaks continue fine form
On Sunday Sevenoaks took a full strength side to face local rivals Tonbridge Juddians in what was sure to be a tough encounter, TJs being unbeaten so far this season. And so it proved a tough one, the hosts making up for their shortfall in overall size by playing with aggression and defending solidly. Sevenoaks took the game to TJs from the first whistle and played as a team, taking up where they finished last week in the wind and rain. However this game was played in fine conditions and on a good surface, and the Oaks made the most of the conditions. Slick passing and good support play took Sevenoaks to within metres of the TJs line, the ball driven forward by skipper Johansson before Brunt made the final surge for the opening try, which was left unconverted. Despite enjoying the majority of possession throughout the half this was the only score, further opportunities being denied by strong defensive work and the feeling that Oaks were trying just that little bit too hard and falling at the last moment.
However, we turned around in good shape and immediately continued to pile the pressure on. Sevenoaks not only dominated the scrums and line-outs but took the honours in the loose too with some technically very sound rucking and mauling. This stream of possession was not wasted by the backs and plenty of ground was made. However it was a forward drive, the ball moving out of contact between big forwards creating great momentum, that swept Oaks up field to within sight of the hosts line and for Barney Haysom to touch down from close range.
An excellent conversion attempt by his brother Christian just fell short from wide out, much to the disappointment of a large crowd.
Still Oaks continued to push forward and, from a scrum 10 metres out, quick ball to centre Hampson saw him burst through close the posts, again unconverted.
Overall a 15 - 0 victory was a very satisfying result and it is clear that this team has regained it's confidence following the shaky start to the season.