Sevenoaks were feeling good coming into the first game of the second half of the league season after a strong indoor campaign and an enjoyable pre-season win against a tough East Grinstead side on Tuesday evening. With debutants Stephen Hunter and Ryan Mann joining the team, the boys in purple were looking for three points to start 2023 on the right track.

However, they were put on the back foot from the first whistle with Old Cranleighians piling on the pressure, hungry for some much-needed points. Only thanks to some key saves from Tom Brocklehurst did Oaks keep the score level going into the Q1 break.

The pressure continued to mount into the second quarter and OC's went 1-0 up after a nice move down the Sevenoaks touchline. This became 2-0 shortly after, with a penalty stroke cooly slotted into the top right corner of Brocklehurst's goal.

Halftime gave the Oaks side an opportunity to reset, and the boys felt as if a comeback was on the cards. Unfortunately, an unexpected turnover in the middle of the pitch resulted in a well thrown aerial and volley combination that took the score to 3-0.

Buoyed by the support of our home fans, Sevenoaks fought hard for the remainder of the game, with Paul Mcleod re-opening his account for the season with a well taken penalty corner. Sevenoaks looked better in the fourth quarter but unfortunately couldn't convert any further chances and the game finished 3-1.

Sevenoaks will look to bounce back with a tough fixture in Bath next weekend.