Match Report by Mr Rick Howe,
And Our Referee was Mr Richard Hanks.

In their earlier encounter last September Crowborough came second best, on the receiving end of a 48-5 thumping.
With seven enforced changes to the home side line up, and with limited training ground time, those watching could have been forgiven for anticipating a similar outcome, but took some solace from what will no doubt will become known as, the “Northampton effect” ,when they fielded an “under strength “ side that then comprehensively defeated Prem Leaders Bath.
Within ninety seconds of the KO, Sevenoaks recorded their first score, exploiting some woeful defensive lapses, tainting the supporters initial optimism with a dose of realism, that presaged what may develop next. 0-5
Having been stung by the visitors quick start, the ‘Boro pack contested strongly, winning much of the 50-50 balls, and soon they were in the Oaks 22 courtesy of the first of what was to be a litany of penalties conceded by the visitors.
From this lineout ‘Boro were to determine that they had the edge in that department and would exploit that throughout the rest of this contest. Winning the ball Will Creasey broke right only for the slippery ball to be dropped, handing possession to the opposition. With Oaks looking to attack from deep, they unnecessarily gave away another penalty.
Quick ball was what was needed, but prevarication and uncertainty made what came next, somewhat predictable ,and the initial momentum stalled, before the ‘Boro backs moved the ball left.
Agonisingly, with an overlap just waiting to be exploited, an unwise right side step into two covering defenders, slowed the momentum. With the maul set up a gap appeared and Ed Croft scampered through the hole to score to the left of the post for a Jared Herman converted try
Moments later the Oaks #10 had to leave the field but this did not appear to affect their game plan, and within minutes Sevenoaks were once more in the lead with a score from their second row, who took a lateral pass at speed to crash through some spirited defence. The try was converted.7-12
The scoreline ticked up further when the bowling ball of a prop took another short pass at speed, and swatted away any attempted tackles bringing the score to 7-19 with half time approaching.
It was essential that the next score went to the home side if they were to have any hope of getting something from this match, so it was a blow that a penalty was awarded to the visitors for holding on bringing the HT score to 7-22.
This was to be the classic game of two halves , and tellingly the last score was to be the last time the visitors were to threaten the ‘Boro line.
Whilst Sevenoaks left the field to get warm, the ‘Boro coaching team kept their charges on the pitch and whatever they discussed appeared to work, as they started the second half an entirely different side, and were to continue to dominate the contest for the next 40 minutes.
Crowborough were to stand no nonsense and competed for every ball robustly, determined not to be bullied off the ball. At one point a melee saw the official showing two symbolic yellow cards, unable to pin-point the actual culprits.
Crowborough’s pressure was relentless, causing Oaks to creep unsubtly off-side with unnecessary and panicky, no arms tackles. Crowborough now had the edge as Oaks lost discipline, and with each penalty ‘Boro crept further and further up field. From a line out fifteen metres from the Oaks line, Andrew Kidd once more soared high. As the surge came on the maul crabbed right and forward, with Oaks back peddling as Crowborough crashed over the line with Richard Tasker coming up with the ball. With Jared Herman lining up the kick and the shot clock running down the Tee was still not on the pitch, and with just 3 seconds left the rushed kick was pulled wide. A lesson to be learnt? 12-22
Crowborough continued to exert pressure and another penalty; another catch; and another controlled drive to the right . Knowing what was to come Oaks piled in extra defenders to stem the momentum. Suddenly the ‘Boro centres rushed to the blind side, belatedly followed by the Oaks cover detaching from the maul.
This simple but effective move opened up the gap through which the evergreen Richard Tasker strolled to seal his brace, which Herman converted.19-22
With just minutes left, Sevenoaks came alive and took the game deep into the ‘Boro 22, where a converted try would have taken the hard won losing bonus point from the hosts. Some ten phases of play tested the ‘Boro defence with Callum Main putting in a real shift at the coal face, and as the ball was spilled, Ed Croft punted the ball into touch to relieve the pressure and bring the game to an end. 19-22
This result leaves Crowborough in eight place on 22 points , nine points adrift of seventh placed Beccahamians and 11 points behind 6th placed Ashford.