Dorking RFC

Dorking Colts headed round the M25 and down to Kent for the second time in October following their impressive National Cup win over Sevenoaks earlier in the month.

This friendly was scheduled as a developmental game for both clubs so a chance for additional match time across the whole squad.

On this occasion the wet conditions were more suited to flippers rather than the flip-flops from earlier in October.

It was a closely fought game without score for the first twenty minutes until Sevenoaks edged ahead with a first try (5-0, conversion missed).

There then followed a fantastic first Dorking try from a kick return by Toby De La Hoyde. Receiving the ball in his own half, Toby accelerated towards the defensive line, chipping the cover before re-gathering and scoring under the posts. Toby then converted his own try (5-7).

Dorking’s second try was from a well controlled catch and drive from 20m out. Reuben Pilbeam (captain) peeled away a metre out to take the lead 5-12. A second converted try from Sevenoaks meant the half ended all square at 12-12.

Sevenoaks came back strongly after the break and Dorking’s defensive effort lost energy. Sevenoaks managed to build up a 24-12 lead with a further two tries, before Tom Harper, playing at 10, cut inside from a well recycled line-out 5m out to score under the posts. Reuben Pilbeam dropped kicked the extra points to make the final score 24-19.

All in all a close game in difficult conditions, but a great effort and lots of positives and learnings to build on; Dorking Colts POTM Sam Whittaker who was excellent throughout.

Next week (Sun 5 Nov) Dorking Colts return to the Big Field, facing visitors Reading RFC in another friendly.