Kent U17 boys v Eastern Counties U17 boys – 10th May 2026 @ Charlton Park RFC
Kent U17s produced an outstanding attacking display to defeat Eastern Counties U17s 69–17 in an entertaining, high-tempo encounter. Despite a brief spell of pressure and discipline issues in the second half, Kent showed clinical finishing, powerful forward play and dangerous counter-attacking rugby throughout.
Kent made the perfect start after forcing an early turnover straight from the kick-off. Following several strong phases, Aidann Venter spotted space on the blindside and released Sammy Barnes to cross for the opening try, although the conversion was missed.
The hosts quickly doubled their lead with an excellent counter-attacking move. Alfie Newick fielded a kick return and produced a superb offload to keep the move alive before quick hands found Remi Scott-Boyle out wide to touch down. Josh McCann added the extras for a 12–0 advantage.
Eastern Counties responded through a quick-tap penalty that caught Kent off guard, moving the ball wide to score and reduce the deficit to 12–5. The visitors then drew level when a kick in behind was not dealt with in the backfield, allowing Eastern Counties to attack wide and score a converted try to make it 12–12.
Kent regained control through Josh McCann, who burst through the defensive line for an excellent individual try before converting his own score to restore a seven-point lead at 19–12.
The forwards then took charge with a dominant driving maul creating the platform for close pod work that allowed Harry Osborn to power over. Josh McCann again converted to extend the lead to 26–12.
From the resulting goal-line drop-out came one of the moments of the match. Ollie Messer beat the first defender before rounding the full-back to finish a brilliant solo effort and push Kent further ahead at 31–12.
Just before half-time, Maxim Ongley-Dellar made a tremendous break from inside his own half before finding Josh McCann, who sprinted half the length of the field to score. The conversion drifted wide, but Kent still headed into the break with a commanding 36–12 lead.
The second half began with Kent temporarily reduced to 13 players following disciplinary issues, but captain Oliver Crudgington showed excellent leadership with a smart run to relieve pressure and move Kent upfield.
Kent then forced another turnover and capitalised immediately when a clever kick through allowed Freddie Luckett to win the race to the bouncing ball and score. Cameron Aldridge converted to make it 43–12.
The attacking rugby continued as Joseph Oshilaja produced a powerful midfield carry that generated quick ball for Josh McCann. Spotting space in behind, Josh chipped through perfectly for Oliver Messer to gather and score under the posts for his hat-trick try. The conversion stretched the lead to 50–12.
Eastern Counties managed another response through a quick-tap penalty and patient phase play, though the conversion was missed as the score moved to 50–17.
Harry Osborn then capitalised on a loose pass, racing down the touchline and beating two defenders for an excellent solo try. The conversion was missed, but Kent remained firmly in control at 55–17.
Charlie Hay added another impressive score, showing excellent pace and determination to hold off the chasing defenders before Freddie Luckett converted to take Kent past 60 points.
The final word fittingly belonged to Oliver Messer, who completed a remarkable four-try performance with a brilliant run from just inside the opposition half. Freddie Luckett added the conversion to seal an emphatic 69–17 victory for Kent U17s.
Kent U17 & U18 Boys Sponsored by Henderson Rowe
