Revised on:
Army Veterans (48) vs Sevenoaks RFC (0)
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In May 04 the Army Veterans entered the European Golden Oldies Rugby Festival in Benidorm. For reasons unbeknown to us the competition did not have a trophy for the winning team. Sevenoaks RFC, like ourselves had gone through the tournament undefeated but were not allowed to play us in a ‘final’ due to the fact that the tournament was a ‘festival’ and not a competition for winners and losers (strange but true). It was for this reason that we decided to throw the gauntlet down to Sevenoaks to play us in order that we could finally decide who the Benidorm Golden Oldies Champions actually were………… and so on Sun 20th Feb 05 the game was played.
It was at this time that Sevenoaks decided to get themselves off the bus and start competing in the game. They started to slow the ball down very well and to their credit gave a small master class in mauling. Unfortunately both our first choice front row Biff Mason (prop) and Taff Lock (hooker) where injured in the first half prompting changes from the bench in the form of (utility any position) JJ Jeffrey and in the second half Matt Rawlinson. It had now been some thirty minutes of good play from both sides that saw both teams in some very good attacking positions being let down by the final pass. On the 35 minute the ever-present Vets blindside Steve Burton made what can only be described as a great solo effort to again be converted by Hammond 19-0 at half time and some changes were made. Just before the second half began Lt Col Andy Allen impressed upon the Vets team the necessity to play to our game plan as the boys had been trying a little too hard. A change at 9 and 10 saw Keith Mitchell and the peter pan of rugby Sean Anders coming on to calm things down, using the forwards well to set the attacking platform. Some pinpoint kicking from Mitchell showed just how good he is kicking from hand with the excellent chasing of both Steve Emms and Taff Thomas ensured the pack where always going forward. The 55th minute saw once again Taff Thomas with his evasive running score an excellent try followed 3 minutes later again by Pete Lockett who is impossible to stop when given space and the chance to pick a great line. It was now apparent that the master class of mauling had indeed rubbed of on the Vets and some great drives up the middle again proved just a little too much for our valiant opponents. Some great tries by Matt Rawlinson on 62 mins and Conrad Price on 70 mins ensured that the defence had indeed been broken in the Sevenoaks camp. Try of the match had to go to the old man at nine Mr Herbal-life himself Sean Anders after some typical lively movement around the base of the ruck. Conversions by Locket and Willcoxen to end the game on 48-0 ensured a great win. Steve Burton was deservedly voted Man of the match by Sevenoaks RFC. Quite clearly there is still life in the old dog yet………………… We now look forward to the Western Super Mare game with great confidence on the 4th March 05. Thanks again must go to the Sevenoaks boys for giving us the chance to put our game plan into action. We look forward to next year boys!!!! See Sevenoaks RFC - RFU website See Sevenoaks RFC |
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From the outset the boys in red took the game too Sevenoaks some great driving and strong attacking rugby gave our very mobile forwards a firm platform to mount some exceptional phases of play. Indeed it was Martin Louther our openside who was first over the Sevenoaks line after some well worked ball by his very own forwards in the second minute, converted well by Dave Hammond, his first of two. From the Sevenoaks kick off back to the Vets we then took the ball straight back with interest, again showing some outstanding phases of play with Mike Campbell going over three minutes later.