RUGBY: Honours even for Oaks teams as they take on Guernsey and Storm Dennis

Sevenoaks 1st XV and 2nd XV headed into Storm Dennis and Guernsey for the weekend and returned home with honours even. The 1sts went down 31-3 but the 2nds recorded a 19-7 win.

The matches were played under lights and credit must go to both clubs for playing in the most torrid conditions and to the grounds team at Guernsey for ensuring the matches took place despite the weather.

The 1st XV had the wind behind them in the first half of their game and managed to contain a quality Guernsey outfit to lag by just 7-3 at the half time break.

In the second half playing into the wind was always going to be a tough ask and so it proved with Guernsey barrelling over the line not long after the restart to double their lead.

With the teams playing both the conditions and their opponents, it wasn’t the most fluid of rugby but Guernsey continued to apply the pressure and in the process secured the 31-3 bonus point win.

The London and South East Premier table reflects the elevated status of Guernsey Raiders as they top the table on the same points as title contenders Rochford Hundred. Oaks are in the second echelon of the league and will continue to push for a top four standing.

The Oaks 2nd XV victory over Guernsey’s seconds outlines Sevenoaks Rugby Club’s strength in depth and both Oaks sides will channel the offshore experience in coming weeks.

This coming Saturday 22 February is the local derby as Oaks 1st XV take on Tunbridge Wells at Knole Paddock, 2.30pm kick off and all support is very welcome.