Dorking Colts v Sevenoaks Academy match report 8/10/23
Dorking Colts travelled to rivals Sevenoaks for the second round of the National Cup on Sunday. This was a return to the graveyard of Dorking’s national cup ambitions four years ago, the last time they had entered the competition, something that still clearly rankled three of the coaching staff. Dorking has lost narrowly that day in a game that they should have won and were determined not to repeat the mistake.
Sevenoaks Academy were clearly ambitious, with the stated aim of winning the National Cup on their website. As reigning Kent champions in both cup and league, Dorking knew they were in for a stiff test.
In unseasonable heat and on a firm dry pitch, a big change from their last fixture here, Dorking opened with the sun on their backs and receiving the kick off. The opening exchanges were particularly nervy, Oaks sending the ball straight into touch, allowing Dorking an early scrum to demonstrate their power against a larger pack.
After several attacks by both sides were cancelled out by excellent defence, Dorking though they had the breakthrough. From set-piece ball, Dorking moved the ball wide to winger Will Simpson who got hauled down just short of the line. He had the awareness to pop the ball to a support runner and after a quick clear out, captain Alex Power darted over the line but had the ball knocked from his grasp.
The game then entered a period of stalemate. Dorking were dominating the breakdown but conceding too many penalties. Sevenoaks were enjoying more of the possession but some dominant Dorking tackling meant any attacks were snuffed out. Credit to the Dorking players as they adapted to the referee (who was excellent throughout and really let the game flow) and quickly began to turnover Sevenoaks ball on a regular – and this time legal – basis.
After a cagey 30 minutes, Dorking finally opened the scoring. With increasing dominance in the scrum, Dorking rocked the Oaks 8 back on their own 5-metre line, winning the ball against the head. The backs reacted quickly, firing the ball down the line. The outstanding Will Darbishire broke the line but was tackled just short of the try line. A quick recycle by the forwards allowed man of the match Calum Maddick to dart over from short range. Charlie Nichol, who wasn’t to miss a kick all day, slotted the extras. 7-0
Dorking weren’t quite done with the first half. After a couple of penalties in a row, Dorking opted for a scrum under the Sevenoaks posts. The Oaks 8, under increasing pressure, collapsed to concede a further penalty. With time up, Dorking sensibly opted to take the 3 points on offer to close with a 10-0 lead.
The half-time message was the importance of the next score and Dorking didn’t disappoint. Moving the ball wide at every opportunity, Dorking were stretching the Oaks defence. After a strong break by Jai Kamaluddin, Will Darbishire hit the line at pace, using his strength to fend off 2 players and power over from distance for a score under the posts. 17-0
After being pegged back by Oaks, Dorking then went end to end. From a goal-line drop out by Dorking, Oaks spilt the ball in their own half, under pressure from a great Dorking kick-chase. After a couple of hacks through, Toby de la Hoyde broke into the far corner and popped the ball up to the supporting Chris Styles to score. Charlie Nichol had no problem converting from out wide for a 24-0 lead.
Sevenoaks were not done yet and were fighting to get a foothold in the game. From a scrappy line-out close to the Dorking line, an Oaks forward broke round the side and despite the attention of two Dorking defenders, managed to brush the line with the ball. 24-7
Dorking responded almost immediately. Playing with great tactical nous, Charlie Nichol forced Oaks to carry the ball back over their own line and to concede a 5-metre scrum. Dorking needed no invitation to put the game to bed and after a strong carry from Will Darbishire, captain Power finally got his score, diving over to the right of the posts. 31-7
There was still time for the spirited Sevenoaks team to score again. From a poor kick chase by Dorking, with players understandably tiring in the heat, Oaks moved the ball quickly, breaking several tackles, and rounded things off with the final score. 31-14 to Dorking.
This was another incredible effort by the Dorking 21 against very strong opponents. With huge work-rate and intensity in defence, coupled with strong set-piece and some electric backs, Dorking were worthy winners and will be the team to avoid in the next round of the draw. With the demons of four years ago put to bed, the National Cup journey continues.
