1st October 2022 Big Field Brockham – Conditions Good
Dorking RFC 59 v Rochford Hundred RFC 24
9 try Dorking win in the Sunshine
A glorious sunny autumnal day showed the Big Field at its best, with a lush green pitch and only a slight breeze from the East.
Robert Foster catering delivered a sumptuous lunch (highly recommend you book yourself in for future lunches) and a good crowd of 400+ were then entertained with their own 13-try feast. The match ended with Dorking running out convincing winners against a big and competitive Rochford team, who didn’t give up until the final whistle.
From the start Dorking were immediately on the back foot and after 6 mins Rochford took the lead with a well executed driving maul from 20 metres, Joseph Moran claiming the touch down, converted by Chris Dudman. 0-7 to Rochford.
Getting some possession on 9 mins, Dorking managed to work field position into the opposition 22m and a well controlled drive for the line resulted in a penalty try and a yellow card for the visitors 7-7.
In the perfect conditions the ball was moving freely and with the Dorking backs looking dangerous Cameron Cowell straightened the line and burst through to score on 18 mins. Henry Anscombe converted 14-7.
Showing their experience at this level, Rochford then had their best spell of the game scoring twice (25 & 28 mins), to take the lead through the impressive winger Seth Mokuolu try (unconverted) and back row David Rufaiton, which was converted by Dudman, 14-19 to Rochford.
This salvo of tries seemed to stimulate Dorking into action and they upped the pressure. Occupying the Rochford 22m, the visitors offended again and were penalized with another yellow card. Down to 14, Rochford heads now seem to drop a bit and the ever impressive Henry Birch calmed Dorking nerves with a try by the posts, converted by Henry – 21-19. With thoughts turning to half time refreshments, Cam Cowell then broke through and set winger Tom Hunt free for the bonus point score, converted by Henry 28-19.
Dorking were not quite ready to close half yet, and ran the restart back, putting pressure on the Rochford defence who infringed again. The referee Mr Veryan Boscawan decided the offence merited another yellow card and the award of a 2nd penalty try, leaving the score 35-19 to Dorking at half time.
Suitably recharged, Dorking immediately kept their foot on the gas and after 47mins lock Will Scholes kept up his ever impressive scoring rate this season to touchdown for an unconverted try out wide – 40-19.
Back at full strength Rochford, remained dangerous and on 50 mins grabbed their own try bonus point through George Griffiths scoring an unconverted try in the corner 40-24.
With Dorking strength and conditioning coach Dan McKenzie on his nuptials, the home team were keen to send him the perfect wedding gift with a last 20 mins blitz. As the game opened up, the mobile backrow of Finn Osborne touched down on 60 mins, 47-24, before captain Fred Dalton scored on 70 mins to bring up the half century, and as Henry successfully converted both tries the score was 52-24 to the home team.
In the final minutes the Dorking backs showed their skills in open play, with great communication and interplay between the skilful Fraser Mosley and Ryan Jeffrey who scored an unconverted try out wide to leave the final score 59-24.
Coach Roux commented:
“I am pleased that we managed to put together a good string of attacking phases today. Even more so the fact that we defended our line in the last 5mins and did so with a lot passion.
We still have some way to go as we are still fine tuning a few things, but overall happy with progress to date.
We always wanted to finish the first block strong. Goal Achieved.
Now the players can enjoy a well-deserved de-load week before we get stuck into block 2 of our campaign”
Dorking team:
Birch, Ellis, Catton, Scholes, Howarth, Osborne, Dalton (C), Spurgeon, Jackson, Anscombe, Emens, Jeffrey, Mosley, Hunt, Cowell, Bristow, Sheldrake, Chambers, Grant, Smith
Dorking Scorers:
Tries: Cowell, Birch, Hunt, Scholes, Osborne, Dalton, Jeffery, 2 penalty tries. Conversion: Anscombe 5
Rochford Scorers:
Tries: Moran, Mokuolu, Rufai, Griffiths. Conversion: Dudman 2
Other parish notices:
Don’t for get this Friday takeaway (collection only) Penang Chicken Curry, Basmati Rice and Kuachumba salad. Please book here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dorkingrugbyclub/764250
Also on Sunday we will have our very own Carvery Please book here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dorkingrugbyclub/764284
