Park eased their relegation fears by coming out on top of a 9-try thriller at Luton. But for some first half defensive lapses they would have won more comfortably; they were the more skilful, more constructive team throughout but Luton fought to the end.
It was clear from the start that Park had mastery up front as they drove and drove at Luton. In the 9th minute a penalty was kicked to touch, another drive and another penalty, with the referee warning home defenders. This time Park drove over; the try was disallowed and a 5 metre scrum awarded to Luton. Park took it against the head and Mike Count went over for 5-0.
Luton were nothing if not game, tried to take the match to Park and were rewarded with a penalty which enabled skipper Lincoln to reduce the arrears to 5-3. Luton had a spell of possession without looking really dangerous. But then a Richard Mahony clearance kick was charged down by home flanker Cooper, who followed up to score between the posts, Lincoln converting for 10-5.
Park came back at Luton, scoring in bizarre circumstances. Mahony kicked for touch into the strong cross-wind and the touch judge signalled for touch as the ball passed over his head. However, the ball was blown back into play before it touched the ground, and rolled over the dead ball line. The referee went with his touch judge’s signal. Luton claimed vehemently that play should restart with their scrummage back where Mahony kicked from. Having already warned the home side for abusing him, the referee controversially awarded a penalty to Park which Mahony slotted over for 8-10.
Park seemed to have dealt comfortably with a Luton attack which ended with a scrum near the line. The visiting pack easily shoved back the scrum, and when scrum half Gray tore the ball away from his retreating forwards he seemed as surprised as anyone to notice a gaping hole in front of him and scampered through it to score unchallenged for 8-15.
Park were straight back at them and scored within a minute when Marcus McCluggage followed up, put pressure on a defender, charged down his kick and won the sprint to the ball, Mahony’s conversion brought the scores level.
Still clearly the better side on balance, Park erred again defensively and Gray was again allowed an unmolested passage to the try line when nothing really looked on. Lincoln again added the extras to re-establish the home lead.
But Park kept their heads and battled on. A good run from John Swords saw the ball quickly shifted wide to Nick Canty on the overlap for a cracking try, the strong wind defying a conversion, and so the first half ended with 2 points separating the teams.
Luton began the second half as if their lives depended upon it, but were easily contained, and as soon as Park moved forward they gained a penalty to take the lead through Mahony. As they began to dictate more assertively, a clever inside pass from Tony Paul released Mike Count to almost break the defence. Then came a classic effort with a superb run from Swords, who found Nick Harlock at his shoulder, the winger then off-loading inside to McCluggage who went between the posts, Mahony adding 2 further points for 30-22.
But there was another twist when a long Luton clearance found a good touch and from the line-out home flanker Rudgard got over, Lincoln adding the conversion. Park may have been in overall control, but again there was only a point in it.
Park were never going to let it slip this time. Great play from Harlock released Canty, whose “try” was disallowed for a foot in touch. A great catch of a swirling ball by David Riley saw him set up Graham Corin for a dangerous run. Park’s pressure yielded a penalty to allow Mahony to increase the lead to four. With 10 minutes to go Park launched drive after drive at the home defence, eventually Mahony unsuccessfully trying a drop goal. Luton bravely tried to counter but were outgunned. Chris Ritchie launched a one-man driving maul and the ball was worked inside for Tony Paul to go over, Mahony converting for 40-29.
And this time Park really did stick it up their jumpers until the referee indicated it was the last play and a delighted McCluggage wellied the ball over his own dead ball line to end proceedings.
Park: Canty; Riley, Swords, Paul, Harlock; Mahony; McCluggage; Charlton (Heenan), Ritchie, Blom (Frazier); Corin, Forster; Rodman, Gates, Count.
Subs (did not play) Tauialo, Browne.
Park scorers: McCluggage (2T), Count (T), Canty (T), Paul (T), Mahony (3P, 3C).
Sevenoaks A 10 Blackheath A 5
Sevenoaks A 10 Blackheath A 0
Despite fielding a side with several changes Sevenoaks under 12’s showed the strength in depth of the squad with two back to back victories over joint county champions Blackheath at Kidbrook. In the first game Oaks played uphill in the first half and took the game to the home side with a series of aggressive forward drives. However, on a rare incursion into Oaks half the Blackheath forwards scored too easily from a driving maul. This woke the visitors up and fly half Poland showed his all round talent by alternating between a kicking and running game. Following a superb clearance kick from scrum half McKerlie skipper Vizard stole Blackheath’s ball to power over for the equaliser. In the second half, with the hill in their favour, it was all about Oaks with the midfield of McKay and Scarsi passing the ball superbly to bring wings Martyn and Parker into the game. However, with a typically powerful and uncompromising run number 8 Morgan scored the winner, despite the attentions of three defenders, one of whom ended up in row Z!
In the second game Oaks dominated from start to finish and played some of their best rugby of the season. The forwards, with Wheadon, Jeffries and hooker Small dominant, drove hard at the home defence and provided quick, comfortable ball for the backs to show their pace and skill. With Burleigh, in for the injured Urquhart, and Martyn showing how comfortable they are at A team level the backs cut loose. Scarsi, at outside centre, repeatedly released Parker with well timed passes and the winger was twice stopped short of the line by desperate defence. From a penalty close to the home side’s line Vizard powered over for the opening score. By now Oaks were attacking at will but equally pleasing was the side’s defence; Every time Blackheath attacked Oaks defence was suffocating with McKay in the backs and Sinclair up front putting in thumping hits. With 2 minutes remaining Oaks produced the move of the day when Burleigh fielded a long kick before beating three defenders. From the ensuing ruck Scarsi broke the line before finding Jeffries in support. The lock powered through two tackles before executing a superb off load to his second row partner Wheadon who was unstoppable from 10 metres out. The game finished, as it started, with Sevenoaks rampant.
Sevenoaks B 10 Maidstone A 0
Sevenoaks B 10 Blackheath B 15
Following the standards set by the A team Oaks B’s tore into Maidstone’s A side from the kick off. In a game dominated by mauls Oaks played most of the attacking rugby, superbly led by skipper Nicholls. Short of several first choice backs and with only scrum half Hewitt playing in his regular position Oaks backs performed wonderfully, playing the style of rugby that the squad expects. Oaks took the lead through Hewitt, by now playing his best rugby and bossing his forwards superbly. With the returning Thresher, playing at fly half, enjoying his first game for weeks Oaks repeatedly attacked the Stones line but through superb defence and the odd miss placed pass the score didn’t change. In the second half Oaks had to withstand a series of drives for the line by the bigger Maidstone forwards but the defence held with winger Grenier outstanding in both attack and defence. Having weathered the storm Oaks again attacked and hooker Paget-Brown, improving with every performance, barged his way over to score the second try.
The game against Blackheath saw the intensity levels raised still further with both sides demonstrating high levels of skill and commitment. With the returning Thresher now rested Angus took over fly half duties and performed well and with creativity. In one move the ball fell free and prop Rolfe seized on it quickly and set off for the line. Despite the attentions of several defenders he was in no mood to be stopped and Oaks took the lead. However, Blackheath played well and released their quick backs and two tries were scored in succession. In the second half Oaks forwards upped their intensity and the second row pairing of Taylor and Killick repeatedly charged at the home side’s defence and from one such barrelling drive Killick dived in to score the equaliser. With minutes left Blackheath showed their mental strength and attacked Oaks on both flanks before their big prop crashed over to put them in the lead. Oaks through themselves into the fray with intensity and skill and replacement McKerlie was unlucky to have the ball dislodged in the process of diving in for a score. Then, in a remarkable passage of play Blackheath secured the ball from a scrum in the last play of the game. Admirably they tried to run the ball but had it turned over by Taylor and Oaks got within feet of their line before the home side conceded a penalty for playing the ball on the floor. From the penalty Rolfe crashed over the line but the Blackheath lock and prop managed to get their hands under the ball and a superb game finished with a Blackheath narrow victory.
Blackheath secure safety with league upset
A bright sunny afternoon welcomed Saracens to Rectory Field and a large crowd of supporters who gathered for both home and away sides created a fanatic atmosphere for what promised to be an exciting match. Saracens are placed second in the league to Club’s second from bottom and it was a tough a challenge for Blackheath who so desperately needed the points for survival.
From the whistle it was apparent that Blackheath had not read the form book and attacked the visitors from all quarters and Blackheath scored after 20 minutes as Helena Train picked up a pass scrum half, Dee Mcdonald off a 3rd phase ruck ball before exploiting a gap in the midfield and sprinting to the line with full back Terri Newman converting the points.
First team debutante Sally Appleton fielding a loose kick showed the pace that had earned her selection as she sliced through the Saracens midfield setting up a strong second phase position. Fly half, Becky Carlton kicked for territory and a Saracens error let Appleton in for a well deserved try. Moment’s later Appleton’s game was cut short as she tried to outrun the defensive line and was hauled down on the opposite wing. Appleton was carried from the pitch with what turned out to be a serious leg fracture.
For the remainder of the half Club thwarted the expected Saracens fight back and sadly one such encounter led to the first casualty of the day when second row, Becky Watling, took player and ball and whilst stopping the drive suffered a serious shoulder injury.
The second half started promisingly for Club as they resumed the attacking creativity that had served them so well in the first forty minutes.
Saracens again fought back and their inside centre, Louise Gilbert attacked the Blackheath midfield evading tacklers to score under the posts and revive Saracens spirits. Again Club defended with everything they had and centres Gemma Athorn and Gina Iqanello snuffed out several attacks. Replacement wingers Danni Fugler and Elaine Jaxon made last ditch sideline tackles continuing to deliver in attack and defence.
The Blackheath pack and particularly the front row dominated the set pieces with an awesome display of technical expertise and brute force and determination. Mandy Brunet and Jenny Craggs at prop and Kelly Sonthental at hooker forced their opposite numbers into submission and from midway through the second half Club forwards were in control. As time ticked on the nerves kicked in but Club pushed forward to finish strongly with halfbacks Mcdonald and Carlton combining for Carlton to wrong foot the defence and score the final try of the game.
It was victory but at a price and the team wish their injured colleagues a speedy recovery as both underwent surgery for their respective injuries.
Sunday saw New Ash Green travelling to Canterbury for the return league match of the season.
Following a tough game last week some key players were missing, however with the return of Gilly Church in the second row NAG were confident they could give Canterbury a tough match.
New Ash Green won the toss and chose to kick to start. The next 25 minutes saw both sides solid in defence with some excellent rucking and mauling from the NAG pack and great tackling in the backs neither side could break the defensive lines to score.
However some quick recycling of the ball and a missed tackle by New Ash Green gave Canterbury the break they needed to score the first points of the game which the Full Back converted.
NAG were straight back in the game following a penalty in the Canterbury 22, Full Back Kat Smith crashed through several tackles to score in the corner.
Half time score 7-5 to Canterbury.
The second half continued in much the same way with good defence from both sides, however NAG started to dominate both in the pack and the backs, following a solid scrum deep in Canterbury’s half and with good passing skills from the NAG backs, Kat Smith with a well timed pass put Winger Tanya Pinkham through the Canterbury backs line, she then side stepped the Full Back to score under the posts.
Following some bizarre decisions by the ref against NAG who had been dominant up until this point and some tired legs, Canterbury managed to score their second try under the posts.
Some superb tackles by Back Row Louise Opitz, and Three Quarters Sue Heselden and Jayne Shopland meant NAG kept going right until the end of the match however Canterbury’s larger pack started to cause some damage in open play.
Further decisions against NAG and one final try from Canterbury in the last few minutes of the game and the score was 21 – 10 to Canterbury.
Special mentions to the front row, No. 8 Nicci Harris propping for the second week running and Hooker Louise Harris along with Prop Claire Dalladay taking several balls against the head.
Well done to players of the match Louise Harris and Kat Smith and to everyone else for a hard fought match.
Southend played a disappointing game against Manchester in National Division Two on Saturday. The evening performance was played beneath the floodlights at Warner’s Bridge but the home advantage was not forthcoming in a match which finished 8:39 in Manchester’s favour.
It was Manchester who opened the scoring with a penalty in the thirteenth minute. Until then Southend had held their own and game was looking positive for the Seasiders. Winger, Gareth Wynne, kicked the goal for the visitors first the three points of the contest.
Southend were first to score from a try. The glory came for Andrew Frost playing on the wing. A lineout was secured by Southend and the ball was taken in by the forwards. As multiphase ball was set up the ball again emerged and was shipped to the awaiting back. A burst through by Faapolou Soolefai gained precious ground before heading for Frost who, with a change of angled, fell toward the line, his momentum seeing over into the try area. Simon Hoult just missed out on the conversion leaving Southend 5:3 ahead.
In the twenty sixth minute Southend pressured the visitors into a penalty within reach of the upright. Frost stepped up to take the conversion from in front of the posts adding an easy extra 3 points for an 8:3 lead.
The disappointment came in the second half when Manchester led the onslaught giving Southend rarely an opportunity to enter the game.
Two minutes after the whistle Manchester had equalised with a try. Winger, Kuadey, saw the gap in the Southend defence in front of the posts and leapt at the chance to put himself through. The conversion by Wynne took them two points into the lead.
Before the fiftieth minute Manchester had again crossed the line, this time it was scrum half, James Bramhall who grounded the ball for the five points. Unconverted the score now stood at 8:15.
Less than ten minutes later and the visitors were edging dangerously away as number 8, Sebastian Moss dived over a ruck on Southend’s line to bring in another try. As Wynne converted is was becoming clearer who was in charge of this game.
Kuadey secured his second try a futher ten minutes on as the Manchester appeared to overpower Southend in many areas of play. Southend fought back gallantly but were unable to finish off leaving all the second half scoring their opponents.
Manchester’s inside centre, Rawlings, ran in a try in the final ten minutes of play with these point followed by two penalty opportunities taken advantage of by Wynne to bring the final score to 8:39.
Despite the setback Southend are determined to examine their performance during training this week and make the necessary improvements for the next league game against Waterloo.
This weekend’s game saw London South Africa play their quarter-final of the Wimbledon Cup- and they romped home. Facing a team two divisions above, LSA looked to have a stern test on their hands but the exiles rose to the challenge superbly. With nine tries and a superb kicking display by Matt Fendick meant that Guilford never stood a chance- and with the Warriors’ defence limiting the away side to twelve points it proved to be a good day for the form book as LSA seek to maintain their 100% competition winning record that began two years ago.
When Jake White visited the Club I had the opportunity to probe him about his book, his future, and London South Africa- and on his thoughts of SA rugby. Here is part 1…
Yeah well It’s obviously taken off in south Africa, 210,000 copies…
Well that is it- it’s all about timing. The reality is that I released the book in a rugby nation, two weeks before Christmas- you can imagine, you’re only going to get it right! It has been unbelievable to think how well it has done in such a short time though, but I suppose at Christmas everyone is buying gifts for their corporate clients and their families.
You’ve been speaking a lot about what you’re going to do in the future, I read a story that you’re thinking of taking a job with the IRB as a ‘coach at large’ in developing nations.
Yeah it been something that I’ve talked about, I’m in a privileged position to be able to give something back. Rugby becoming more global can only be good for the whole sport, and it’s important to nurture countries such as Portugal, the US, Georgia and Spain.
It would be something to think about wouldn’t it?
Definitely! You obviously have a big affinity for grass roots rugby having come from PE teacher to world cup winner- now that you’ve had a chance to visit, what do you think of London South Africa?
Well this is what rugby is all about. I think this is a great club, and its a chance for SA players outside the elite to be able to play good rugby in the UK and still be a part of SA rugby. The club here is fantastic, and if it continues to grow then I don’t see why in the future it can’t play its part in the wider spectrum of expat South African rugby.
Sevenoaks three’s carried on in their rich vein of form with a fine win against a resilient Weavering side. With the end of the season in site Sevenoaks are playing with the confidence of a side that knows they are in the running for honours.
Led by inspirational ex-captain Bryan Philips for the day the oaks came out bristling with intent and were determined to underline their credentials. This was always going to be a physical game and the Oaks side stood toe to toe with Weavering and fought it out in the opening exchanges. The first half was scrappy and physical but with Sevenoaks scoring 26 unanswered points despite not playing particularly well they could be satisfied.
Robertson opened the scoring with a typical scamper down the touchline after Kennedy had made good ground with a clean break.
In fits and starts Sevenoaks really showed their class, Number 8 Bart Peterkin was playing the game of his life. His pace off the back of the scrum was instrumental in getting Sevenoaks over the gain line and into Weavering territory. This was soon rewarded with a fine try converted by Kavanagh who has developed into a kicker of the highest quality.
With Sayers always omni-present tying up the breakdown and the coltish second row pairing of Bampton and Fuller always in support Sevenoaks were never short of the ball. This allowed their multi national back line plenty of scope to run at the opposition. A scintillating break by Cosh fed Rosier who broke the defence and with Philips thundering through at speed a try was beckoning, but the pass was just off target leaving Philips grasping at thin air and another score averted.
Both props were having great games with Baldwin thundering around the pitch in his laconic way putting in big hits and Lockey dominating the scrums. Hutcheson brought his athletic prowess to the back row and was rewarded with a well earned try just before half time. This was soon added to with the addition of a penalty try after Rosier was brought down football style when clear to score. Kavanagh again converted.
The second half started in the best passage of play from Sevenoaks probably all season. For 10 minutes they were untouchable with forwards and backs combining in devastating attacks that ran the length and width of the pitch. The replacement Swallow was working really hard off the wing supporting these moves and keeping the ball alive. How a try was not scored is something of a mystery to the massed travelling support, but the play was a joy to behold with the pace and angles of attack constantly changing.
After that the second half belonged to one man. New South African centre Vessels really left his mark on the game with some big hits on the opposition. At one stage he made three tackles in a row with each resulting in a player requiring treatment. The Weavering hooker unbelievably got to his feet after one bone crunching tackle that resounded around the ground and even brought a gasp of admiration from supporters club chairman Dave Lockey.
The story of the half really was a huge amount of pressure and possession for Sevenoaks with incredibly resilient defence from a tenacious Weavering side who never let their heads drop. The best however was left to last with Man of the Match Peterkin picking up on the 10 metre line beating defender after defender before diving in at the corner for a fantastic individual try.
With three league games to go the league title is in the oaks hands, but several sides are still in the hunt so no one is getting complacent.
Despite a promising start, Camberley lost to Wasps Ladies at the weekend. The opening ten minutes of the game saw the best attacking play from the home side all season, even though they were a player down. Camberley took the ball up field and recycled it well. Some quick passing down the line then saw an early try for winger Kiersty Sims who grounded the ball in the corner. Clearly unsettled, Wasps were shocked by such a dominant start and stepped up a gear. However, the first half remained close and although Wasps tried to use their power to dominate proceedings, Camberley’s defence held strong. Some discipline errors and a quickly taken penalty unfortunately gave the opposition a try which gave them a bit of momentum. Wasps tried to capitalise on this and although scored twice more, were clearly taken aback at the home side’s strong defensive play. At half-time the score was 17-5 to Wasps.
Wasps piled on the pressure in the second half and started to use their pack to drive the scrum downfield. At times this worked but Camberley’s forwards held their own. When the opposition did get the ball out they were quickly pounced upon by the back line but rucked well to get it clear. A couple of early tries saw them edge away from Camberley and strong running, coupled with gaps in Camberley’s defence, saw them start to take the game away. Mid-way through the half, an injury took Camberley down to fourteen players but they soldiered on regardless. Wasps started to ring the changes and bring on fresh legs and with the team’s rejuvinated pace and power, brought the final score to 64-5. Although the end result was disappointing, the first half showed an improvement in Camberley’s attacking play and committed defence.
Forward of the match went to Sarah Sanderson for her vocal direction in the forwards and back of the match went to try-scorer Kiersty Sims.
Camberley next play Rosslyn Park at home on 2nd March and would welcome all supporters. The team is also urgently recruiting players. If you are interested in taking up a fun sport, please contact the Captain, Charlie Wildman on 07985 357602 or on Ruggerbabe@aol.com.
Sevenoaks Extra 1st XV took to the field on Saturday eager to put in a big performance against struggling local rivals, Tonbridge Juddians. TJs won a good toss and made Sevenoaks play into the glaring sun during the first half. They did not let this get in the way, however, and within five minutes of the whistle the Sevenoaks backs combined beautifully to produce what was an excellent running try, with Simon Tree going over with the ball for five points. Thierry Walker stepped up to make it seven, continuing his impeccable kicking record. Following the score, though, Sevenoaks seemed to back off. TJs were let back in the game and they made the most of it, putting kicks into
the air which were impossible to pick out of the sun and generally causing Sevenoaks problems. It wasn’t long before a couple of well-worked moves gave TJs a try to keep within two points of the home team.
Sevenoaks continued to press, and eventually earned a penalty within Walker’s range, which made the score 10-5 to Sevenoaks. After this, though, TJs stepped up and looked more hungry for the game. Sevenoaks let them in for a couple of easy scores to take the lead, and they made the most of it.
Despite Sevenoaks’ dominance of the lineouts, control of the scrums and clear class in the backs, it was a day in which everything seemed to not come together as it might have done, and TJs took advantage. The scoreline flattered the winners but no-one could deny the away team deserved the victory. Final score TJs 23-10 Sevenoaks, giving TJs a 3 point aggregate win over the two legs, and thus taking the Gordon Mann trophy out of Sevenoaks’ cabinet and to their own, for the next year at least.
SEVENOAKS have been involved in two thrilling games of rugby in their past two league outings where the final result was unclear until the very last minute of the match - sadly Saturday’s gritty game against Old Colfeians couldn’t have been more different.
With the scores level at 8-8 going into the half-time break, it looked to be a case of whoever wanted it the most would come out on top, but Oaks, who unquestionably still have the desire to win every match, were simply out-muscled by a gnarly opposition tight five.
Unable to gain any decent possession or attacking positions of note, Oaks conceded 19 unanswered points in the second half to see their London 2 South survival hopes hanging by a delicate thread.
With only five games left, Sevenoaks are six points from safety and that’s presuming both Wimbledon and Guildford lose the remainder of their games.
Oaks have two home matches still to play, against Sidcup and Beckenham, with three away trips to Dorking, Jersey and Chobham (the latter two of which are in the top three) of which they must now win at least three
and hope the other results go in their favour. “It doesn’t look great,” admitted Oaks head coach Graham Arkley, who has revealed he will be moving away from the area at the end of the season to take up a new job as assistant head and director of sport at Wellingborough School in Northamptonshire.
“We have to take it game by game now, week by week, and get some wins under our belt. It would be really good not to finish bottom, we have got a bit of pride, even with the two-point penalty that makes life difficult.” And Arkley wants more than anything to finish his last season off in charge of Sevenoaks on a high, saying: “I want to set some standards that should be in place for whenever whoever it is takes charge next year.”
Unfortunately for Oaks, without talismanic captain George Roffey at the helm, the home side lacked an inspirational leader and this seemed to show in their application on the pitch against Old Colfs. Trailing 8-0 after the visitors scored a penalty and a try, Oaks responded almost immediately courtesy of James Garcia crossing for an unconverted score. An Anthony Campbell drop goal on the stroke of half-time evened things up going into the break, but Oaks were always on the back foot in the second period.
One rare break by Olly Robinson saw the tall number eight gallop through the Old Colfeians defence before chipping ahead for stand-in scrum half Shaun Connichie to chase in vain for the loose ball. And that was about the highlight of a gruelling forward battle, which it is safe to say Oaks lost. Two missed tackles in midfield meant Oaks conceded a couple of soft tries and when the game was all but beyond them the visitors scored a lucky charge down to add insult to injury.
And it may be an old adage, but there is no doubt that Saturday’s game was won and lost up front. Old Colfs gave their hosts a torrid time and dominated a fiercely physical contest in which the home side did themselves no favours by having two men sin-binned during the second half.
With no game this weekend, Oaks have plenty of time to prepare for what could be the decisive moment in what has been a disappointing season for all involved as they travel to Dorking for yet another must-win match.
