Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeRUGBYSevenoaks slip to imposing Rochford

Sevenoaks slip to imposing Rochford

Sevenoaks Rugby 1st XV headed to Rochford Hundred on Saturday knowing they would have to be at the very top of their game to bring any points back from Essex. Rochford are imposing themselves on the London & South East Premier and having been promoted two seasons on the bounce, they find themselves alongside Wimbledon and Guernsey in the equivalent of the promotion shake up at the season’s midway point, and after Saturday’s convincing 38-3 win over Sevenoaks, Rochford are now just two points adrift of the top slot.

The day started ominously for the visitors, when a few solid phases resulted in an opening try for Rochford within the first five minutes. Oaks were stung into action, and in fact had themselves to blame for not being in closer contention at half-time. Rochford headed to the sheds with a 12-3 advantage, and a number of basic errors to an extent forced by a lively and rapid Rochford press cost Oaks dearly. The line-out in particular did not seem to be clicking for Oaks, and on several occasions they yielded promising field position by getting pinged for over exuberance at the breakdown..

In the opening salvos of the second half, Oaks put the first half behind them through an impressive sequence of moves to press hard at the Rochford whitewash, time and again driving for the line only to end up short. Rochford’s line speed and some cynical and calculated killing of the ball at the right moments managed to keep Oaks out. Emboldened by these defensive efforts, Rochford found their tempo and for the middle phase of the second half a gulf in class opened between the National League contenders and the visitors. Fast hands, snappy footwork, imposing lines and great continuity found some gaping holes in the Oaks lines. During 10 devastating minutes Rochford scored four unanswered tries, three of them converted and duly moved into an unassailable 38-3 lead. 

To their absolutely credit Oaks kept battling away, and it was once again only resolute defending that kept Oaks at bay. The pressure that Oaks exacted at the start and close of the second half led to three Yellow cards for the Home side.

There was also encouragement in the form of two fine victories for the Sevenoaks Rugby 2nd XV away to Farnham RFC and the Gents at Cranbrook RFC. 

Sevenoaks 1st XV must now dust themselves down and put in the hard yards midweek for the final two matches of 2019. In the first of this key brace of fixtures, this Saturday the 1st XV host Tring RFC at Knole Paddock, 2.00pm kick off and all support very welcome. 

RELATED ARTICLES

WEEKLY STATS REPORT

Most Popular