Bates: Oaks must look to the future

IMPROVING the league status of the first XV is key, if Sevenoaks RFC are to going to continue to give talented youngsters a club to aspire to.

That is the view of fly-half Matt Bates, who returned to Knole Paddock in November after a brief spell away. The 24-year-old spends Sundays helping out with the club's youth set-up, but feels the senior section has to improve to keep them at Knole Paddock in the long term.

He praised the impact of new coaches Danny Vaughan and John Whitehead, but feels the players themselves must work harder and target London 1 South rugby in the next couple of years.

"I think we need to look at things," Bates said. "We've got fantastic facilities here and are producing all these fantastic, brilliant young players with a great ethos. But where do we want to go as a team? We have to do something to keep the best youngsters here and a lot of that is down to the players. How fit do we want to get? How serious?

"I look at myself. I took time out and missed pre-season. I know I'm not as fit as I was, but I have to hit the ground running next season. I'm already looking at that.

"A couple of years ago we were fighting for promotion. I do find it frustrating. But it's up to myself and a few others to put it right.

"Going up into the National leagues, like Tonbridge Juddians are, is very difficult unless you are going to bring in a lot of players. But London 1 South is definitely something we can aspire to in the next three years. I am desperate to get a promotion with Sevenoaks – that is something I have come back to do."

Bates left at the end of last season because he moved up to London and work commitments were getting too much. However, he is now living locally and back at the club he loves.

His frustration lies in that two seasons ago Oaks were pushing for promotion, but now they are getting beaten heavily by the likes of Lewes and Brighton. In many respects, the success of the professional game is slowly filtering down to the amateur ranks, not just financially, but in the way players condition themselves.

"I'm finding the league a lot stronger," Bates said.

"It's very difficult to put 60 points on a team now. Only Old Mid-Whitgiftians are really struggling.

"I think we, as a club, need a bit of a tougher mentality. Danny is bringing that – he's the best coach I have played under – and numbers at training are good. I just feel that in the past couple of years we have been left behind a bit. Some teams we used to beat easily, have overtaken us."

Oaks, currently eighth in the league, face table-topping East Grinstead at Knole Paddock on Saturday. Things don't get any easier.

"We always go well at the Paddock," Bates, who misses the game, said. "We have never lost heavily there. I think the guys will put up a good account of themselves. Grinstead lost the other week for the first time this season. They are a physical, big side. But I don't think they are the most outstanding side – talent wise. They are very big and use that well. It's going to be tough, but we've got a chance."

The game kicks-off at 2.15pm.