FOR Sevenoaks, the seemingly endless wait is over and the noble sport of rugby returns to consume the passion of rugby fans on Saturday afternoons.

The first and extra's first pre-season friendlies began on Saturday with matches against Sutton and Epsom, a London 1 South club, and this weekend both teams will be away again at Romford and Gidea Park.

Reports from the front suggest that the teams are very well prepared and raring to go, with an excellent and committed turnout at training and a number of exciting new players.

The first XV lost 23-15 at Sutton and Epsom, but playing against a team a league above they should really have closed the game out before half-time.

However, the Extra XV enjoyed a superb 33-7 win. Straight from the kick-off, Oaks started how they wished to carry on, with a crunching tackle from new captain Josh Baldock.

Oaks were playing with great pace and power, which led to a well worked try by Jamie Kedgie, which fly-half Jonny Barber comfortably converted.

Sutton and Epsom came back hard, but with great defence and big hits from Robbie Unwin and John Turvey came further turnover ball for Oaks. This again led to Jonny Barber and Unwin working well together to put Ben Hoare over the try line and under the posts, Barber again converted.

Sevenoaks led 14-0 at half time. The opposition came out fighting and scored a try – despite brave efforts in defence from second row combo Will Coates, Ben Fuller and number eight Ben Donaldson.

The score was now 14-7, but some good work from the forwards at the breakdown gave the backs the opportunity to run in another well worked try scored by Unwin (21-7).

All together, the pre-match plan worked very well for Sevenoaks. The forwards provided good, clean ball for the backs, who in turn dominated play.

A converted try by Barber and another from Unwin left the final score at 33-7. It was a great result for the seconds and a great team performance. Outstanding individual displays came from Robbie Unwin, Jonny Barber, John Turvey and Adam Sluttil.

Training sessions run each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7pm at the Paddock. All players from the five senior teams are welcome and encouraged to attend. Any new members or anyone thinking of joining the club are also very welcome to attend.

In other news, the clubhouse redevelopment has commenced and improvements to date include larger player changing rooms, new player toilets and showers, bar refurbishment, kitchen expansion and new lighting throughout,

These and many more innovations represent the first phase in the overall plan, and there is a lot more to be done, so anyone who wants to contribute or help with fund-raising can find details on the club's website, www.sevenoaks-rugby.org.uk