Sevenoaks: 10

Westcombe Park II: 10

Both teams were without a league fixture in their relevant leagues, so this friendly clash against 'Old' rivals was never going to be much of a friendly, but more of a battle.

Despite the treacherous weather conditions, the game started at a very high tempo with big tackling from both teams, and it took Sevenoaks 10 minutes to settle into the pace of the game. They were a well drilled, very physical team and pilled on the pressure early on.

But the defence held strong and there were crunching tackles, led by hit man Collins at open side flanker. There were two casualties in the first half when Al Barber was taken out illegally and damaged his hip, and fly half Adam Suttle pulled his quad.

Sevenoaks then started to back themselves and strong running from Tom Hunt, in the forwards, and James Garcia, in the backs, set up an exciting passage of play, where both teams should have scored. It was eventually the visitors who managed to cross the line and took the lead, 5-0.

Oaks felt that they had absorbed a lot of pressure and had given them too much respect. It was time to play their rugby. So the second-half ensued and the physical battle continued.

After a series of good play from the opposition they scored their second try and edged away to lead 10-0. At this point Oaks could have given up and said that it is a just a friendly, but this team is not about that.

There is a great spirit in the players, a desire to win and take on the challenge. Sevenoaks responded well and some hard running up the middle created a perfectly judged kick to be collected by James Garcia on the wing, who beat five defenders before crashing over the line.

George Bantin then converted the try in difficult conditions to make the score 10-7. Further pressure resulted in a penalty and Bantin struck a great kick that swirled in the wind and through the posts to level the scores at 10-10.

The opposition then came back and for seven minutes were camped on the Sevenoaks try line.

But great defence from Guy McLaughlin and Mark Ridout around the fringes, along with an incredible and determined team effort, kept out the opposition and the game finished at 10-10.

Skipper Tim Golds said: "It wasn't the prettiest game ever, but it was a team performance that showed a hell of a lot of character and heart.

"It was just what we needed before this week's crunch match against Old Elthamians, who will be another strong opposition looking to win the league and promotion, but at the Paddock, and with Oaks on fire, this Sevenoaks team are looking forward to the encounter."