Dorking Colts Storm to Victory in Top-of-the-Table Clash
Sunday 14 December 2025 Result:
Dorking Colts 57 – 5 Rosslyn Park
Dorking Colts delivered a statement performance at the Big Field dismantling the current National Champions, Rosslyn Park With full squads available for both sides, the stage was set for a high-stakes encounter.
Dorking were looking to avenge their only competitive loss of the season against a Park side that arrived with a formidable reputation. Despite the windy conditions, the pitch was in excellent order, promising a fast-paced game.
Dorking asserted control early, playing the conditions smartly to dominate territory. Park, under immediate pressure, conceded early penalties which allowed Dorking to set up a lineout deep in the 22. From the resulting maul, the ball was recycled quickly to the midfield where Toby Shepherd ran a hard line to crash over just outside the posts. With the conversion added, Dorking led 7-0.
Park looked to respond immediately, leading to a tense nip-and-tuck period. However, Dorking’s aggressive midfield defence turned the tide. Quick thinking from Ben Hemmings saw him launch a long ball over the top, setting up a footrace. Josh Leitch showed blistering pace to win the race and great skill to tip the ball forward for the touchdown. The score moved to 12-0 after just ten minutes.
With momentum firmly on their side, Dorking began to move the ball with fluidity. A sweeping move to the edge released Max Waldron, who made a superb break down the wing. Waldron presented the ball perfectly for the recycle, allowing James Gorton-Lee to take a hard line and score under the posts. 19-0 after 15 minutes.
The Dorking scrum was a dominant weapon throughout the afternoon. Following a period where the defence held firm against Park possession, Dorking won a scrum in the 22. Executing a starter play from the U17 playbook, the "Double Ben Fade” to open a gap for Toby Shepherd on a hard inside line for his second try. 26-0.
The home side was now unstoppable. Captain Louis Bell powered through the midfield, setting up a ruck that allowed Zak Simpson to place a delicate chip kick through the defence. Jack Haines displayed lovely footballing skills to control the ball and score. 31-0.
The backs weren't finished yet. From another scrum, they executed a high-complexity play across the full backline, resulting in Seb Williams dotting down in the corner—unfortunately popping a hamstring in the process of scoring. 38-0. As the half drew to a close, Dorking’s defence turned into attack. A turnover ball saw the backrow of Henry O, Joe Leach, and James Gorton-Lee connect brilliantly, ending with Gorton-Lee crossing the line just before the whistle. Half Time: Dorking Colts 45 – 0 Rosslyn Park.
Rosslyn Park, showing the intent of a champion side, started the second half with renewed vigour. They retained possession well and caught Dorking slightly off the pace, moving the ball quickly to the wing to get on the scoreboard. 45-5. The try served as a wake-up call.
Dorking reset their intensity and went back to their dominant set piece. From a scrum, the backs turned the Park defence inside out with great hands, allowing scrum-half Ben Hemmings to snipe over for a classic '9' score. 50-5. With the "50-point rule" looming, both sides continued to compete, but the result was no longer in doubt. Dorking won a final scrum on the right edge, played for territory, and moved the ball swiftly across the line for James Gorton-Lee to secure his hat-trick.
With the score at 57-5 and 20 minutes remaining, the game was called early.
This was a day the squad will likely never forget. It was a complete performance—dominant in the scrum, aggressive in defence, and clinical in attack. Dorking Colts have set the standard for their post-Christmas campaign, sending a clear message that teams should rightly fear facing this side
