Club prove too strong for Sevenoaks

12:45pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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BLACKHEATH RFC's under-15s team have defended their Kent Cup title by beating Sevenoaks 17-0, a trophy they have held since they were under-sevens.

Having beaten Aylesford, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells in the preliminary stages, Blackheath were rewarded with a final against Sevenoaks in what turned out to be a very wet, windy and cold morning at Aylesford RFC.

Despite this age group's undoubted pedigree in the competition, nothing could be taken for granted.

This match was Sevenoaks' first opportunity to avenge the exit Blackheath caused them from the same competition two seasons ago in what was a very close encounter.

Tension for the final was high.

Supporters turned out in force to witness a tough battle, not least against the elements, which was not conducive to the open, fast-paced rugby which both sides enjoy playing.

Blackheath dominated possession in the first half but failed to fully capitalise as Sevenoaks' resolute defence snubbed out most attacks which came mainly via the centre channels.

Sevenoaks trailed by a couple of tries at half-time.

The first came from a rare but strong Blackheath rolling maul, which managed to get over the line in the corner.

Try number two arrived after scrum half James Casey, at the base of the ruck, fed a quick ball to giant prop forward Danny Herriott.

He made an unstoppable run from five meters out as four Sevenoaks defenders were unable to prevent him from crashing over to score.

The second period resembled the first in terms of handling errors brought on by the ever-worsening weather conditions, except the challengers spent more time in Blackheath's half of the pitch and looked the more likely to score.

Sevenoaks had set the example of fierce protection of their line earlier and Blackheath followed and soaked up the pressure.

Gradually Blackheath gained momentum and started to get the ball wide.

With a few minutes to go, winger George Kimble obtained the third of Blackheath's three tries on the day.

The remainder of winning side's points came from the boot of fly half Ryan Squires to complete a 17-0 victory.