BackSat 13 Sep 2025 · Counties 1 Kent
Sevenoaks II
1st XV
48
5
A Tough day at the Paddock !!
Ian GEERING14 Sep - 09:12
Saw a Similar outcome to 12 months ago, and a defeat for the Crow's
For the second week running, the Crowborough line up was much changed, through injury and availability.
The above result, not too dissimilar to that of the corresponding fixture 12 months ago, was not so much a reflection of these changes, as it was of the dominance shown by the home side’s back division, that sought out then exploited, the gaps in defence.
Probing runs by the Oaks #11,#10 and #15 caused consternation and only for several brave cover defence tackles particularly from, Will Pitman and Edward Croft was the score kept below 50 points. But the Oaks backs did not have it all their own way, with the forwards getting in on the action with fine tries by the #1 prop, and the recently arrived South African #7, who like many of the Oaks side had clearly performed in higher leagues.
Although the ‘Boro side has talent in abundance, the understanding, confidence and familiarity that comes from training and playing with a settled side cannot be underestimated.
This was one of the main differences between these two sides, with Oaks’s line speed bordering on the off-side, closing down any chance of moving the ball wide, and, although this can be a risky strategy that can be open to the probing chip or dummy pass, the predictability of ‘Boro’s lateral passing appeared to be a risk worth taking.
In the set pieces, Crowborough held the larger Oaks pack in the set scrum and competed well in the loose, but at the lineout without a recognised thrower, and when #5 Henry Hicks went off injured, Oaks had a perfect platform to launch their attacks for most of the game.
At half time the score was 24 – 0, but it was to their credit, that in the 2nd half, and in spite of leaking further tries, they did not allow their heads to drop. As the game moved towards the final whistle ‘Boro got their just reward and avoided the zero point game, with a forwards try scored by Will Creasey who had battled strongly all afternoon. Sadly the kick was missed. 48-5 was the Final Score.
Next week Crowborough welcome Eastbourne RFC 1st XV to Steel Cross for a double header cup game that incorporates both the Bob Rogers and National Cups KO 2:00pm.
The above result, not too dissimilar to that of the corresponding fixture 12 months ago, was not so much a reflection of these changes, as it was of the dominance shown by the home side’s back division, that sought out then exploited, the gaps in defence.
Probing runs by the Oaks #11,#10 and #15 caused consternation and only for several brave cover defence tackles particularly from, Will Pitman and Edward Croft was the score kept below 50 points. But the Oaks backs did not have it all their own way, with the forwards getting in on the action with fine tries by the #1 prop, and the recently arrived South African #7, who like many of the Oaks side had clearly performed in higher leagues.
Although the ‘Boro side has talent in abundance, the understanding, confidence and familiarity that comes from training and playing with a settled side cannot be underestimated.
This was one of the main differences between these two sides, with Oaks’s line speed bordering on the off-side, closing down any chance of moving the ball wide, and, although this can be a risky strategy that can be open to the probing chip or dummy pass, the predictability of ‘Boro’s lateral passing appeared to be a risk worth taking.
In the set pieces, Crowborough held the larger Oaks pack in the set scrum and competed well in the loose, but at the lineout without a recognised thrower, and when #5 Henry Hicks went off injured, Oaks had a perfect platform to launch their attacks for most of the game.
At half time the score was 24 – 0, but it was to their credit, that in the 2nd half, and in spite of leaking further tries, they did not allow their heads to drop. As the game moved towards the final whistle ‘Boro got their just reward and avoided the zero point game, with a forwards try scored by Will Creasey who had battled strongly all afternoon. Sadly the kick was missed. 48-5 was the Final Score.
Next week Crowborough welcome Eastbourne RFC 1st XV to Steel Cross for a double header cup game that incorporates both the Bob Rogers and National Cups KO 2:00pm.
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