Oaks taught a lesson by the champions elect
AFTER an impressive run of results Sevenoaks RFC got a timely wake up call on Saturday when they were hammered 54-0 by London 3 South East champions elect Old Elthamians.
Sevenoaks went into the game at Knole Paddock playing with confidence after a build up of good victories, but were very quickly on the back foot against a well drilled and physical Old Elthamians team.
And, by the end of the game, it was clear to see just how far Oaks have to go to win promotion back to London 2 South.
"As bad as this defeat looks, we have to put this result in perspective," captain Tim Golds said. "We were playing against a team that has brought in five or six players from higher leagues. If we added those same players to our team then I've no doubt that we too, would be promoted from this league.
"But SRFC is not about to start buying players in, we are very proud of the fact that we grow our own talent."
Golds believes the club is now entering an interesting period which could define its future.
"Professionalism is all around us, and with teams in our league and, even the league below paying players, clubs like us will have to make a decision about where we want to go," Golds admitted.
"For the moment we've decided to stick to what we think club rugby is about, and to rely on home grown talent. We've shown that we can compete against the majority of teams in this league with the players we've got. The best team in the league went up this year so fair play to them."
He added: "The result has also been a good reality check for us. It has not been a good season, we've started and finished well, but if we are to look at promotion then we will have to be consistent throughout the season. This relies on people dedicating their time to training during the winter months, and also on us playing a more secure game plan during the wet season.
"It has given us an indicator of where we need to get to and shown us that we have still got a lot to do to get back into London 2, but we are looking forward to next season already. We've got one more league fixture which we'll want to finish on a high and then, after a short break, we'll begin looking at next season."
Oaks travel to Old Dunstonians on April 18.
Comments
by Alex Natera, Bromley
Sunday, April 12 2009, 2:49PM
“Dear Sevenoaks. Firstly, thank you for your hospitality on the 4th- great venue, club house and nice friendly supporters.
I just want to set rumours straight so my new clubs image does not get any further tarnished with the unjustified rumours suggested. For the record only one player gets paid to play for Old E's and this is because he travels some distance (the coaching staff however do get paid). The rest of the players have come as either a result of myself playing with them at Blackheath (and the new visa restrictions applied to the national divisions, the disbandment of the academy team and 1 as a result of straight forward retirement from semi-pro rugby). Believe it or not we have also been fortunate enough to benefit from two of the first team players moving into the local area and simply arriving on our doorstep. On top of that there has also been a good recruitment drive to find players in a 10 mile radius of the club who; want to be privy to high quality coaching (not by myself but more my back line and defense coach- Harvey Biljon) ; and also those who aspire to progress up the leagues whilst commiting themselves totally between the months of September to May, and lastly players who want to be able to trial for Blackheath (of which 3 of my non- ex-Blackheath players were able to do this season).
That I'm affraid is it. These are the facts- our budget is small and dare I say it is probably one of the smallest around(even smaller than yours maybe). We have a good connection with Blackheath (where the benefits are mutual) which is in the process of growing stronger and we are previledged to have the services of some elite coaches.
On top of that I'd also like to make special mention of the 5 old boy's of Eltham College who regularly play in the first team- now that is real "home grown talent".
Lastly, I know of no club who has progressed through to the top of London "amateur" rugby without incentivising some or all their players by either monetary means, accomodation and/or employment. For us to progress from London Div II to London I over the next few seasons I'm sure we will have to do the same. For now we will remain an amateur club like yourselves and try to survive in London Div. II with our small budget but professional attitude.
Sorry to comment on your site but I'm sick of these unfounded rumours that I am paying players to play for me.
Good luck against Old D's and the best of luck challenging for promotion next season. I hope we see you in London Div II in a couple seasons and not the other way around.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Natera
DOR Old Elthamians RFC”