Acorns bounce back to record fine victory

Rugby

TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS V 7

SEVENOAKS IV 17

Rural Kent League Late Red Division 4

STILL smarting from their previous close defeat to Edenbridge, the Acorns were determined to bounce back in this away fixture against local rivals Tonbridge Juddians V.

However, their customary slow start saw the Acorns defensive line being beaten by a quick-thinking TJs attack, as, feeding off the visitors' mistakes, they crossed for an early converted try.

The Acorns then turned to the matter at hand and cranked up their resolve to attack the TJs line with vigour, but frequent schoolboy handling errors saw them lose a number of balls in the turnover.

However, Irish scrum-half Kavanagh and later the ubiquitous Thompson linked well with the backs and, with the Oaks front five beginning to dominate the set pieces, drove play forward with fly-half Rosier dominating the middle channel.

After a series of rucks and mauls, with Potter and Vizard effective in the pick and drive, eighth man Bampton collected and steamed over for a well-worked try.

With speedy outside backs, it became clear that the wide ball was the best attacking option for Sevenoaks and, after a storming run by winger Watmaugh on the right, the ball was recycled through centres Hayward and Cosh to the left for winger Wright to go over in the corner.

The try was converted to take the score to 7-12 at half-time.

In the second half and with the wind in their faces, the Acorns continued to attack, but were held off by resolute home team defending. TJs never gave up the battle, but the Acorns held a secure line with wing McCrone and full-back Van der Berg putting in some big hits and also linking well in the attack.

Acorns flanker Kelly was putting in the hard yards and well supported by wing forwards Binns and Sellors in being the first to the breakdown and securing quick second-phase ball. An attack on the TJs line saw a penalty being awarded to the Acorns and, with some guidance from the touchline, Kavanagh passed right for Cosh to cross between the poles and secure the win.

However, in his final moment of glory, Kavanagh had his easy conversion charged down, much to the disgust of his team-mates, who had toiled so hard for the points.

Squad: Vizard, Thurnell, Baldwin, Potter, Browning, Sellors, Bampton, Kelly, Binns, Kavanagh, Watmaugh, Thompson, Rosier, Hayward, Cosh, Wright, McCrone, Van der Berg.