Bonus Keeps Pilgrims Top

SEVENOAKS 2ND 47 PILGRIMS 24

by Dan Gill

Pilgrims started the game very well and dominated the opening 10 minutes with forwards and backs linking effectively to drive Oaks back. They infringed numerous times in their 22m area and were lucky to escape a yellow card before prop Nathan Morris forced his way over out wide for a try, well converted by fly half Will Hilton, to give Pilgrims the lead. Sevenoaks responded with some fantastic rugby of their own which saw them capitalise on unusually sloppy Pilgrims defending and discipline after Will Hunt was yellow carded. They touched down four times in the next 20 mins to take a commanding 28-7 lead, securing their bonus point in the process, and leaving the pilgrims in need of a massive response.After stern words under the posts the Pilgrims responded to finish the half well, with Al Evans driving over for an unconverted score to it close at 28-12.  Oaks were quickly into their stride after the break and added a fifth try to lead 33-12 before the city side, having the better of the scrums, added a third try. The next score looked like it was going to have a massive bearing on the result as Pilgrims were starting to dominate the phase play and exert their physicality. Sevenoaks were reduced to 14 after their Number Eight was yellow carded but, sadly for Canterbury, that vital score went the home side’s way. They kicked long and duly won the line out after a well executed 50/22. From the resultant catch and drive Oaks stretched their lead to 40-19. With ten minutes remaining Pilgrims focus shifted to scoring a fourth try and a bonus point that would keep them top of the Counties 1 table. Despite some very good home defence, they secured it with five minutes remaining. Good front foot ball allowed the backs to cut loose and wingman Max Campbell cut through to score. Sevenoaks added a final converted score of their own on a day when Pilgrims came up against a side in even better form. The squad will be looking to bounce back when they travel to local rivals Ashford this coming Saturday.