CS Stags 7 – 71 Dorking
By Jim Evans
Dorking visited Chiswick on Saturday to play CS Stags 1863, who were formerly known as the Civil Service RFC. CS are having a tough season and matters got tougher with Dorking delivering a strong 11 try winning performance.
A combination of injuries and unavailability meant Coach Roux had to pick a changed team from the previous week’s loss to Westcombe Park. A new 2nd Row pairing in the shape of Daragh Chambers and Tom Chave (one of the British Army’s finest), Tyler Norwood at 8 and Henry Smith returning at 9.
After a slow start Dorking got going and an all-out attack approach was based on a strong set piece and quick possession from the breakdown, and this delivered a steady stream of scores.
First up after 13 mins was Johnny Ellis from a catch and drive from an attacking 5m lineout, converted by Matt, 0-7.
On 24 mins Henry Smith took advantage to dive over from close range after a series of pick and drives – conv hit post and missed, 0-12
From the restart a deep kick was gathered by Dorking and run back, Matt Noble received an inside pass on the CS 10m line and had a clear run to the line for the try, which he converted, 0-19.
6 mins before half time after a clean lineout on CS 22m line and a series of drives, Tyler Norwood crashed over for the try and Matt converted, 0-26.
Just before the half time whistle – Dorking attacked again and Johnny Ellis bagged his second which Matt converted, 0-33 at Half Time.
Coach Roux made a few changes for the 2nd half with Fraser Macdonald, Henry Birch and Max Sheldrake joining from the bench to replace Charlie Conner, Dan Riches and James Catton.
52 mins and CS had a defending 5m lineout - the jumper is missed, and Henry Birch gathered the loose ball the ball and dived over for the try, Matt converted, 0-40.
On 62 mins, to compound CS problems the referee issued a yellow card to their winger for side entry into a ruck and Dorking immediately make the numbers count as Ryan Jeffrey scored a try – conversion missed, 0-45.
Dorking continue to attack and again gaps in the CS backline allowed Matt Noble to break and score another try which he converted, 0-52.
More quality attacking play with Henry Smith putting Ryan into space, who drew the full back and then passed to the supporting Henry Anscombe to canter over for a Matt converted try, 0-59.
After an earlier knock to his ankle, Dan Riches was able to return to the field and after some great interchanges, Dan was on hand to score in the corner and given the windy conditions, an impressive conv from Matt out wide, 0-66.
CS to their credit never stopped defending and some good pressure forced an error from Dorking, who dropped the ball, which was hacked through and regathered by CS for a converted try under the posts, 7-66.
There was just enough time for one more score. With the CS defenders rushing up Cam Cowell put a neat chip through, and Ryan Jeffrey gathered to score out wide – conv was missed and the ref had seen enough with the final score 7-71.
It was good to get back to winning ways after 2 losses on the bounce. Next week Dorking host Tring in a fixture which was postponed from before Christmas.
Coach Roux commented:
“We learned a few things today, but to be completely honest, playing against a depleted CS team always had a sense of expectation around it.
Credit to CS for really making us work for every point.
It was good to stick to plan and get some points scored in the way we planned, which showed that we could achieve those goals we set out. It was also valuable minutes for some players returning from injury and pushing for the shirt.
This coming weekend we will host Tring and it will be a game that we will need to bounce back against a team that has had a few mixed results”
Team: Charlie Connor, Jonny Ellis, James Catton, Daragh Chambers, Tom Chave, Tyler Norwood, Fred Dalton, Joel Grant, Henry Smith, Henry Anscombe, Dan Riches, Ryan Jeffery, Matt Noble (C), Louis Flynn, Cam Cowell, Max Sheldrake, Henry Birch, Fraser Macdonald.
