PILGRIMS 43 SEVENOAKS 2nd 17
by Dan Gill
Following last week’s victory at Crowborough, the Pilgrims opened their account at the MTG with a convincing victory over Sevenoaks in what has been a close affair in recent meetings.
Canterbury started brightly and set the tone for the day when they fielded the first kick off and began to drive Oaks back, using the forwards to good effect before looking to find width. After making their way deep into the Oaks 22, a penalty was conceded for not effectively clearing a ruck which was to become a common theme throughout the first half. It wasn’t long, however, before the Pilgrims endeavour was rewarded with the opening try. Outstanding defence from Henry Kenny and Yannick de Moubray forced the turnover and half backs Valladares and McMann sent waves of runners at the Oaks line before centre Sonny Trew-Neville battered his way over near the posts and Tom McMann converted.
The visitors responded immediately as the Pilgrims infringed at the ruck and their fly half stepped up to slot the first of his four penalty goals. His second duly followed after a high tackle was punished making the score closer than the balance of play suggested at 7-6.
Pilgrims picked up the pace and added a second try after good forward play led to Will Hunt forcing his way over from close range for a converted score. The Canterbury defence was proving difficult for Oaks to penetrate, but they kept in touch with two further penalty goals from their adept fly half who had shown himself able to punish any infringements in the Pilgrims own half. A positive response then produced some outstanding rugby. Fly half McMann made a half break and kept the ball alive with an offload that found its way to openside Jake Dengate who stepped off his right foot to burst through a gap. His deft chip was perfectly weighted and full back Jack Cohen didn’t have to break stride as he raced away to score by the posts, making the conversion a formality.
That was quickly followed by an outstanding individual try by young back Owain Collins who fielded a long kick deep in his own half before setting off on a jinking run that saw him beat numerous defenders and dotting down out wide. A great way to mark his first Pilgrims try on his competitive home debut. McMann’s conversion attempt from out wide came back off the post to bring the half to a close at 26-12.
Pilgrims were first on the score sheet after the interval with a first phase try that will put smiles on the coaches faces. The forwards won clean possession from a lineout and the ball was moved smartly to Sonny Trew-Neville who cut through the Oaks back line and his pass sent the supporting Adrian Geddes racing away to score.
Props Aaron Cooper and Elliott Lusher came to the fore with some strong runs forcing the visiting defence on to the back foot and supporters Man of the Match Collins then turned provider as his run and pass set up Cohen to add his second touchdown and take Pilgrims lead to 38-12.
To their credit Sevenoaks rallied and produced some good rugby to force a penalty which they kicked for the corner and scored from a well worked driving maul.
Not to be outdone, Pilgrims set up a driving maul of their own shortly after and captain Alex Evans dotted down for the seventh try of the day to complete a good team performance.
