It was their first league win in four games and Ian Sutton’s side were good value for the nine-try victory after turning around at the interval leading 33-24.

Tunji Iwala scored a hat-trick of tries and there were further scores from Piers Johnson (2), Dan Carroll, Aston Craddock, Ali Neden and Tom Fairley.

In the main event, the 1st XV bounced back from two successive defeats either side of the festive period, to knock Rosslyn Park off the top of the National One table with a thrilling 28-22 victory (see 1st XV match reports).

Well worked tries from Harry Ledger, Tom White and James Golledge had put Elthamians in the box seat, leading 28-10 after 50 minutes. But they were forced to withstand a storming Rosslyn Park fightback as the visitors scored two unanswered second half tries and set up a nerve-racking final five minutes.

The Development XV made it five Kent Invicta League victories on the bounce with a hard fought 22-16 victory at Sevenoaks 2nds.

All OEs’ points came from St Mary’s University students, further proof if any were needed, that the ground-breaking partnership with the University is already paying dividends.

Sadly the game was marred by two lengthy interruptions for injury. Sevenoaks lost one of their back row to a serious ankle injury and OEs lost recent recruit Jamie Bowler to a knee injury which will require surgery. We wish both a speedy recovery and send our grateful thanks to the excellent Sevenoaks medical staff whose assistance was invaluable.

Elthamians had started well, opening the scoring through hooker Charlie Burman from a driven lineout in the Oaks 22, Oli Hobman adding the extra points.

However, the impressive Sevenoaks side forced their way back into the game, defending strongly, attacking the breakdown and asking questions of the OEs backline with some lovely passing and clever off-loads.

Three penalties, two very well taken from distance, put the home side ahead and right on the half-time whistle, a fine flowing move saw their winger score in the corner, giving them a 16-7 lead.

Elthamians started the second half strongly, and after gaining good field position, they drove over from a scrum in front of the posts, Alex McLean touching down. Hobman kicked a simple penalty shortly after to give the visitors a narrow one-point lead.

With just a few minutes remaining, OEs recycled quick ball and released the backs, centre Ciaran McGann forcing his way in at the corner with a fine finish.

The only blemish on an otherwise successful weekend for the club came on Sunday when OEs Women went down 36-19 at home to Hampstead Ladies - the first time in almost two seasons, they have suffered back-to-back defeats.