Dorking Colts End TJs' Run to Reach National Cup Semis
Sunday 08 February
2026 National Cup Quarter Final
Dorking – In a true clash of titans at the Big Field, Dorking Colts ended the undefeated run of four-time National Cup champions TJs, securing a 29-21 victory to book their place in the National Cup Semi-Finals.
History weighed heavy on this fixture—Dorking’s 2024 Cup campaign also involved knocking out TJs, and the visitors arrived in Surrey seeking revenge. Despite TJs' formidable reputation and unblemished season record, they encountered a Dorking side possessing an intensity and tactical intelligence they hadn't faced all year.
The match itself was in doubt until the final hour; it took a herculean effort from the Dorking ground staff and volunteers to prepare the surface, setting the stage for a classic encounter. TJs began with intent, testing the home defence early, but Dorking weathered the initial storm before asserting their own dominance.
The breakthrough came in the 8th minute. Ellis Long showed outstanding composure and power to finish out wide, opening the scoring. Although the conversion drifted wide, the 5-0 lead settled the hosts.
Dorking continued to control territory, with the forward pack patiently recycling possession near the TJs line. This pressure told in the 24th minute when Miley Chatfield powered over the whitewash to double the lead to 10-0.
Dorking were flying, dominating both sides of the ball. Their defensive pressure in midfield forced a crucial turnover, allowing Ed Rhodes to showcase sublime footballing skills to hack through and score Dorking’s third try. Jack added the extras, extending the lead to a commanding 17-0.
However, TJs demonstrated their pedigree just before the break. Pouncing on an over-complicated clearance from a Dorking scrum, they punished the error to score a converted try in the 34th minute, cutting the halftime deficit to 17-7. The halftime message was clear: expect TJs to chase the game, and execute exits with absolute clarity.
As predicted, TJs looked to move the ball wide early in the second half. However, Dorking’s center pairing had done their homework. Anticipating TJs' preference for a "front ball," Seb Burford read the play perfectly to snatch an intercept try just one minute after the restart. Jack’s conversion restored the buffer to 24-7, seizing the momentum back immediately.
The game then entered a gritty phase. TJs missed a penalty but kept pressing as Dorking’s discipline began to waver. A converted try nine minutes into the half brought the visitors back to 24-14, and the tension ratcheted up when Ben Carloss was sent to the sin bin following a string of team penalties.
Yet, even with 14 men, Dorking’s game management shone through. Refusing to panic, they controlled the clock and territory brilliantly. In the 26th minute, Seb Burford struck the decisive blow, scoring Dorking’s fifth try from the ‘Chief’ play that they had drilled all week where he executed a majestic chip over to push the score to 29-14.
Although TJs managed a late consolation try in the 33rd minute, it was too little, too late. Dorking closed out the final moments to seal a famous 29-21 win. TJs arrived undefeated, but the Big Field remains a fortress. Dorking’s intensity, preparation, and tactical smarts proved the difference against a side that simply hadn't met a team of this caliber all season.
Joint Players of the Match (POTM):
● Seb Burford: For relentless defensive pressure and the game-changing intercept try.
● Louis Bell (Captain): Making his return from injury, the skipper led from the front with a colossal performance National Cup.
Home Semi-Final March 29 vs TBC
Photo credits - Edward Payne
