SECONDS WELL BEATEN

Sevenoaks is always a tough place to visit and this was no exception, Vigo being soundly beaten, but there were many positives to be taken. Dom Carslaw proved his return to fitness after injury, and youngsters Dan Burgin and Lewis Pitchell came on to perform exceedingly well as they continue their apprenticeship. Captain Ben Buckland, naturally, led by example giving his usual impression of a baby rhino but the home side were too strong on the day. It is believed that Sevenoaks run a policy of no train , no play for the 1st and 2nd XV’s , thus there are always players ‘skulking’ around the lower teams who are probably above their ‘pay grade’. And so it was apparent today, Vigo pwerless to stop their opponents at times. Vigo were unable to secure enough clean ball to damage their hosts. When they did win decent ball, they seemed to run out of momentum after three or four phases. This can all be corrected on the training field, and Ben says ‘’It is up to them. If they want to improve, they must train’’. However, the lines out were in pretty good order, and gave Vigo some much needed ball. But it was all too little. When they did build up some momentum,Sevenoaks intercepted a pass, ran the length of the field and scored.
Rob Carleton, usually a beacon of light, prevented one try with a spectacular scissors kick into touch to halt one Sevenoaks attack. Vigo put in a lot of effort, one could not fault their heart but it was the execution that let them don time after time. Sevenoaks were always able to keep them at bay, notwithstanding a fine try for Sam Patterson in the first half. In the words of James Clemmence ‘’they were a team of second rows, all massive. We struggled against their power’’. The hosts used the ball well, kicked well, but Patterson was a rock at full back,instigating some sharp counter attacks.
Vigo did kick a penalty in the second half through James Clemmence but weren’t able to make too many dents in the Sevenoaks defence. Six tries was a fair reflection on the game, Sevenoaks the better side. But Ben was justly proud of the effort from his side. They never stopped trying and on another day, with the rub of the green, there might be better days ahead.
Team: S.Patterson; M.Griffiths, T.Barrett, J.Clemmence, R.Lancaster (rep: L.Pitchell); H.Pattison, D.Carslaw; L.Walker, S.Smith, D.Cox; M.Lingham (rep: Josh Miles), R.Carleton; M.Gregory, L.Evans (rep: D.Burgin); B.Buckland.