Pictured: Dorking RFC’s U17s team following their victory over Birmingham Moseley in the National Cup Shield final in 2012
As we delve further into the successes of Dorking RFC Colts sides and further to our recent article on the victorious 2007 team dubbed "Catton's Lot", our club enjoyed another triumphant moment five years later in 2012. The U17s embarked on an impressive journey in the National U17s Cup, clinching victory in the Shield final against Moseley from Birmingham with a commanding score of 20-8 at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium.
And like “Catton’s Lot”, great things were predicted of the side the season before when they came third in the Surrey League. This was also a large squad who fielded two happy sides and went on to supply a similar number of players to the 1st XV and senior sides.
The side that reached the final in 2012 played an expansive game with mobile forwards who unleashed their electric back line which included Adam Worth who went on to feature in Exeter’s Academy and 7s side and Fraser Mosley who played and captained Harlequins’ U18 Academy side. Half backs Joey Bennett, Henry Smith and Worth, centres Will Bennett and Olly Hutson and full back Mosley all played for Dorking 1st XV, with Smith and Mosley still playing for the 1sts this season and Joey Bennett still turning out for the 2s.
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Pictured: Fraser Mosley with the ball against Westcombe Park during the 2023/2024 season
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Pictured: Henry Smith playing against Bury St Edmunds during the 2023/2024 season
In the pack, big athletic lock Luke Chitty was selected for the 1sts, while squad player Fred Dalton went on to become one of Dorking’s best-ever No7s and has captained the 1sts for the past two seasons during which time the club has enjoyed it’s highest-ever placings in the National Leagues, finishing both seasons in the top 3 of National League 2.
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Pictured: Fred Dalton scoring a try against Westcombe Park early in the 2023/2024 season
And, of course, there were plenty of others in that squad that played senior rugby for Dorking and elsewhere including Bill Rowlands, Marcus Steel, Jack Rogers, Jack Hunt, Alex Murray, Toby Lambert, Piers Lawford, Ollie Baptiste-Wilson and, of course, the late Ben Regan, a back row who would surely have featured in our Ones like his dad Jim.
Paul Mosley, who managed the 2012 finalists, said:
"The 2024 side really are something special. Their cohesive play in the semi-final blew away Rams and left us all gasping in admiration. They have earned their place at the final and all of the 2012 squad are delighted for them and their coaches.
We were privileged to make it to finals day at Worcester and none of us involved will ever forget. I remember most the positive energy in the squad, a great final between two very good sides… and a wild and hilarious coach ride back to Dorking afterwards!
We’re all looking forward to seeing you guys in the final, make sure you enjoy your day.”
So, it is no wonder the club is looking at our current crop of Colts as they approach their Worcester final with such enthusiasm, for this lot could prove to be the best yet and be the lifeblood of Dorking RFC for many years to come.
Support Our Colts
As a club we are fundraising to put our Colts in the best dispositions as they prepare to travel to Worcester for the final of the National Cup. All support is very much appreciated and will go a long way in giving them best experience possible. All donations will be put towards support the cost of travel to and from the game, pre-match lunch for the squad as well as some specialised kit for the final.
Equally if you would like to make your way to Sixways Stadium in Worcester to be in attendance for the final, a supporters bus will be travelling from Dorking RFC. Tickets are availble on the button below.
