Dorking vs Wimbledon Colts – Match Report, 10 March 2024
Having beaten Guildford the week before in their final pool game, Dorking welcomed Wimbledon to the Big Field on Sunday in the semi-final of the Harlequins Cup. The visitors had lost narrowly to Rosslyn Park in their last game in a high-scoring encounter so Dorking knew this would be another tough fixture. The conditions weren’t ideal, with persistent drizzle throughout the game and, with four regular starters missing, Dorking knew they would have to dig deep.
Dorking began the first half with the slope and after an early penalty to the visitors, from which Dorking won the subsequent lineout, they cleared their lines and camped out in the Wimbledon half. The scrum and lineout were proving very effective, with Jamie Mottashed impressing on his first appearance of this season after two bad injuries and man of the match Duncan Stott putting in a shift in set-piece, defence and attack.
Dorking were looking to move the ball wide at every opportunity but a well-drilled Wimbledon defence continually shut them down and then competed hard at the breakdown. Dorking took a while to adjust to the referee and a string of penalties made for a disjointed first half. Wimbledon, meanwhile, used their no.8 and a couple of other strong forward runners to punch holes in the Dorking defence. They also looked to run the ball whenever they could.
Dorking just could not make their territorial advantage count, spurning numerous opportunities in the Wimbledon 22. With 30 minutes gone and the game still scoreless, Dorking picked up a yellow card for head contact and Wimbledon made them pay. From yet another Dorking infringement, Wimbledon powered over the line for a 7-0 lead at the break.
The Dorking coaches asked for more intensity at half time and they certainly got that at the start of the second half. The backs and forwards looked much more connected, moving the ball well up the slope. Mottashed made a great break in midfield, finding Stott in support. Back-pedalling in defence, Wimbledon conceded a penalty five metres out. Lewis Gover called for the ball and, about to be held up short of the line, fed the ball to Calum Maddick to score. Tom Harper just missed the extras. 5-7
Dorking continued to maintain the pressure, spending the majority of the time in the Wimbledon half. But continuing the pattern of the first half, Wimbledon continued to resist and Dorking still lacked a bit of composure.
From a Dorking infringement, Wimbledon kicked long, drove the subsequent lineout and peeled off to score. Fortunately for Dorking, the conversion was missed and the score stayed at 5-12
As anyone who has watched Dorking colts this season knows, they never give up. A high Dorking kick landed just outside the Wimbledon 22 and a super chase from the backs saw Wimbledon concede a penalty. With some back chat and an extra 10 metres, Dorking sensibly opted for the shot at goal, with Harper adding the three points. 8-12 and game on.
The last 10 minutes were all Dorking. Wimbledon were under the cosh and conceding a string of penalties. Dorking kept hammering away, kicking for the corner and coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Despite a team warning and two subsequent penalties, Wimbledon remained at full strength.
With time running out, Dorking had one final chance after yet another Wimbledon penalty. Dorking kicked for the corner and the forwards took over from the lineout. With Dorking nearing the Wimbledon line, some clever defence saw the maul stopped just short of the line. Despite Dorking protestations, the referee decided the ball was unplayable and the game ended in huge disappointment for the home side.
This was Dorking’s first defeat in a competitive match all season, but Wimbledon were worthy winners. They had done their homework on Dorking, nullifying their opponents’ attacking game, contesting hard at the breakdown and taking their opportunities.
So Dorking fall again at the semi-final stage of the Harlequins Cup. This was a game of narrow margins and could have gone either way, but Dorking know that a bit more composure and playing in the right areas of the pitch should have seen them home. Some important lessons were learned for their ongoing National Cup campaign.
Dorking Whites return to action next weekend with their rearranged cup fixture against Old Cranleighans.
