RUBGY: Guildford takes early lead but Sevenoaks fights back to secure comfortable victory

Sevenoaks Rugby 17 Guildford RFC 3

Sevenoaks Rugby Club returned to winning ways at the Paddock with a 17-3 victory over Guildford on Saturday. The match was barely underway when a long delay resulted from an injury to a Guildford player who suffered a suspected concussion.

When play restarted both sides took some time to settle into their respective strides before a flurry of scores. First Guildford nudged themselves into the lead through a penalty. Given the quality and pace of the visitors’ interplay it’s testament to the Oaks defensive set up and tenacity that these three points were all the boys from over the Surrey border registered on the day.

Sevenoaks responded rapidly. After some respite from defending and having cut out the unforced errors, a typically combative carry from the pack set up field position in the top third of the pitch and Sam Porter barrelled over for a try that was converted by Tom Gray.

The teams headed into the sheds 7-3. The second half served up a similar pattern of ranging movement from Guildford that was met with an Oaks tackling wall. Ultimately Oaks converted the defensive pressure into attaching territory and a Gray penalty extended the lead to 10-3.

The Oaks pack was beginning to get the nudge on their opponents and when this earned a penalty for a set piece infringement in front of the posts the decision to turn down a certain three points and scrum again was a bold one. The option paid off as Oaks carried the ball over the try line in the shape of Sean Derrick and with the extras making it 17-3 the win was assured.

Oaks are now two wins from four and every match in this higher league is a tough test. This Saturday the navy and golds head to Dorking RFC. It’s a 3pm KO and all support will be very welcome.

Sevenoaks has heard that the visiting injured player responded well to treatment and is now on the mend. The club says it wishes him all the best for a swift recovery.