Charlton Park welcomed a strong Sevenoaks 2nd XV to Broad Walk on Saturday for a fixture that, on paper, heavily favoured the visitors. Most would have marked this down as an away banker—yet Park arrived buoyed by last week’s impressive upset over Crowborough and ready to test themselves again.

Sevenoaks came into the match riding a five‑game winning streak, their last defeat dating back to November against Beccehamians. With the depth of a National League club behind them, their second team featured sharp, youthful backs and seasoned, streetwise forwards—particularly in the front row. Their victory lifts them to second in the league, chasing runaway leaders Old Elthamians.

Despite the final scoreline, this was far from a one‑sided affair. Sevenoaks crossed for six tries, but Park created enough first‑half opportunities to keep the contest far tighter. Three gilt‑edged chances went begging with the try line in sight, moments that could have changed the complexion of the afternoon. The performance, in truth, told a more competitive story than the scoreboard suggested.

Park’s standout moment came courtesy of Josh Fenn, who produced arguably the try of the match. Picking up the ball on halfway, he powered through would‑be tacklers, leaving bodies trailing behind him before finishing under the posts—a superb individual effort that lifted the home crowd.

There were eye‑catching performances across the pitch. Izy Matea dazzled with his footwork, while Ozzie Bury’s sharp hands drew praise even from the Sevenoaks coaching staff and replacements. Idris Hill stepped into an unfamiliar back‑row role and excelled. Felix Marot led with trademark authority. Shae Tucker put his body on the line—literally—shedding blood for the cause. And young prop Manu Jones, still learning the dark arts of the front row, showed grit and determination against a vastly experienced opponent.

After the match, Shae offered a frank assessment: Park started slowly and weren’t quite switched on mentally from the first whistle. Against a well‑drilled, well‑coached side, that early lapse proved costly. But he also stressed that the group knows exactly where it stands and where it needs to get to. With a two‑week break ahead, the focus now turns to regrouping, resetting, and building towards the next challenge.

While the coaching group felt understandably deflated, the supporters were anything but. They recognised the effort, the ambition, and the heart shown by the squad throughout the afternoon.

There was also a welcome sight on the touchline: familiar faces from HM Armed Forces, back for a midweek company rugby match. They return to Woolwich Barracks in August after their tour of duty in Cyprus, and the club looks forward to welcoming them fully back into the fold next season.

Charlton Park now turn their attention to February 14, when they face Park House in what promises to be another spirited showdown.