Home
Sevenoaks 10 - Cranbrook 10
07 Feb 2010
Cranbrook village is located in perhaps the most peaceful and remote part of Kent. Located far from the motorway network and close to the borders of East Sussex this town is a far cry from the industrial north of Kent and arguably more gentrified then even Tunbridge Wells or Sevenoaks. However, the peace and tranquillity was duly shattered on Sunday when two very fine groups of young men locked horns at the Cranbrook Rugby Club. Forget the ludicrous format of the county championships, this was the meeting of two of the finest under 15 sides in the county for the unofficial title of ‘top team in Kent’.
Sevenoaks began the match with a miscued kick off which was made good by some neat footwork by Sinclair who ‘dribbled soccer style’ through the first line of the Cranbrook defence. This gave the Sevenoaks forwards the necessary momentum to win the ensuing ruck and release new boy Johhny Briggs on a powerful slicing run through the first line of defence only to be thwarted by an excellent last gasp Cranbrook tackle.
This was the first of many fine tackles by the Cranbrook team who must have overdosed on Red Bull before the start of the game as each and every time the Sevenoaks team were repelled the man responsible was greeted with an adrenalin charged roar of approval from each and every team mate. Clearly up for the game and aware of Sevenoaks unblemished record the official county champions knew they had to be at their very best and in the tackle they were. Fighting a ferocious rear guard action, time and time again Cranbrook repelled Sevenoaks and cleared their lines with some excellent kicking. When they did not make touch they found Rupert Harris in fine form as he caught cleanly, and either kicked for position or set the Sevenoaks attack in motion with some intelligent running.
Midway through the first half the Cranbrook defence was finally breeched when Briggs brilliantly caught a low pass and outpaced the Cranbook defence (5-0). Not for the first time this season, Sevenoaks did not collect the restart cleanly and infringed at the resulting ruck. A very long penalty opportunity on very stodgy ground was brilliantly converted by Cranbrook and unbelievably on their first visit to Sevenoaks territory Cranbrook gathered three points. The game then resumed much as before, Rupert Harris caught another Cranbrook clearance and sent Slater- Perrera on a cutting run that had much promise and resulted in more pressure but no score. The forwards toiled admirably, met fire with fire and were clearly winning the territorial battle but a heavy pitch and dogged counter rucking constantly disrupted Sevenoaks ball. When the ball was spun wide a blitz defence quickly smothered the Sevenoaks backs and clear cut chances were not forthcoming. As the first half came to an end Cranbrook began to look more dangerous and went close as they kicked on and gathered the loose ball. It was only a last gasp tackle by Matt Johnson that prevented Cranbrook scoring under the posts. Half time Sevenoaks 5-Cranbrook 3
The second half began with Tom Scott gathering the kick off and making a lively run that set the attack in motion. However, Cranbrook gathered Ruggs kick forward and for the first time chose to run with purpose at the Sevenoaks defence. It was now Sevenoaks turn to be pinned in their half as Cranbrook dominated for the first period of the second half. Both Karg and Harris kicked clear but the tables were turned and Cranbrook were quickly back in Sevenoaks half. Despite this pressure, as in the first half, a clear territorial advantage did not result in a deluge of tries and the Sevenoaks defence stood firm. It would take something special to beat this defence and eventually it was forthcoming. Cranbrook won a ruck on the 20 metre line and the scrum half span the ball quickly, drawing his fly half on to the ball creating critical pace in the attack which was maintained by the Cranbrook backs who eventually released the winger who sped down the line round the Sevenoaks defence and under the posts for the first time. This was a quality try from quality opposition and for the first time this year a Sevenoaks 15 was behind in a game.
From the restart Sevenoaks were penalised for being in front of the ball and so agony was piled upon agony as once again they lost momentum at the restart. However, the Sevenoaks team are not just talented, they have great heart and they duly responded by ripping into the Cranbrook team with renewed ferocity. With ten minutes to go Sevenoaks were back on the attack and it was Cranbrooks turn to defend. No quarter was asked and none was given. The hits flew in from both sides and a most exciting game reached its climax. The Sevenoaks attack was again repelled as Cranbrook cleared their lines, but with a few minutes remaining Karg kicked deep into Cranbrook territory and was on the full back in a flash. The ball was knocked forward and with time almost up, Sevenoaks were awarded a scrum five yards from the Cranbrook line. The scene was set and the crowd drew their breath. Tom Scott chose to put the ball in straight and the Cranbrook hooker gleefully took one against the head. However, the ball was kicked clear to the centre of the pitch to the waiting Perrera –Slater who gathered the ball and ran at the Cranbrook defence. Again the tackle came in but Sevenoaks retained possession and from the resulting ruck the ball was span along the line and the Sevenoaks contingent roared with delight as Karg finished in style to bring the score level. 10-10. l. Finally, Karg gathered himself for an extremely difficult conversion attempt. The ball was struck brilliantly but went just short. Final score 10-10.
The emerging consensus in the refreshment area after the game was that this was a fair result and that the real winner on the day was the game of rugby. Players from both sides gave their all and there was very little between the teams. As coaches players and supporters of both teams reflected on this most exciting of encounters thoughts turned to the possibility of a rematch in the county final. Players and coaches of Sevenoaks were also unanimous in thanking all players who travelled and got little or no time on the pitch. The result belongs to all the squad who take part in training and contribute to the ongoing development of the team.