On their return to competitive hockey Sevenoaks kicked off their league campaign in style with a convincing 3-1 win at home over Havant on Sunday.

From the very first whistle Sevenoaks took control of the game, dominating possession and very much setting the tone and tempo. Oaks' initial success was soon rewarded as they took the lead through a far post tap in from Ben Allberry. A well executed Oaks move down the right hand side resulted in the ball dropping to the far post with Allberry on hand to apply the finish and open his account for the season. The second quarter continued in much the same vein but with Oaks unable to increase their lead. A well saved James Beck drag flick that seemed destined for the bottom left hand corner was as close as Oaks were able to come.

Oaks picked up where they left off at the start of the third quarter and quickly extended their lead through a goal of the season contender from man of the match Max Denniff. Having rejoined the squad following his graduation from Durham University over the summer, Denniff looked dangerous all game. Following a precision pass from full back Craig Morton, Denniff received the ball on the turn high up the pitch, expertly eliminated two Havant defenders before shelling the ball over the goalkeeper's shoulder into the roof of the net. Two nil to the home side.

It was a more even game in the fourth quarter with Oaks reduced to ten men for much of it following a series of clumsy tackles. Havant saw their chance and threw players forward in an attempt to salvage a result. Their efforts bore fruit when a mistimed tackle from Nick Barker awarded Havant a penalty corner which was dutifully dispatched into the side netting to reduce the deficit to one goal with ten minutes to play. Just as the momentum appeared to be shifting into Havant's favour, a perfectly executed Oaks attack saw Allberry slot home his second of the match, killing off the game and securing all three points for the home side. Morton was able to pick out Nick Barker high up the pitch on the right side who squared to Allberry to coolly slot under the oncoming Havant keeper.

Havant kept pushing but Richard Potton stood firm making several stunning saves to maintain Sevenoaks' two goal lead. The last few minutes of the game were tense but Oaks did enough to see out the game and secure their first win of the season.

Next weekend Sevenoaks are away against local Kent rivals Canterbury on Sunday who, having narrowly lost their league opener, will be looking to bounce back.