A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back to the Big Field.
With so many rescheduled and away games in the first half of the season, it feels like we’re at home a lot—which is obviously a great advantage.
The 1st team bounced back well last weekend against a strong Westcombe Park side, and I was really pleased to see the resilience on show from the playing group.
This week, we welcome back OA’s, who are making the trip over for the second time this year after our pitches were frozen at the start of January.
A special welcome also to Seaford, who are here to face Dorking Women today in what is likely to be a title decider.
I hope all visiting club members, players, and supporters have a great day here at Dorking.
This is now Game 6 of 10 in a row for our senior men’s team, and I know all the support means the world to them- so I just wanted to say thank you to the Dorking faithful.
Enjoy the day!
Your DoR, Armand #wacomb
Armand Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
A WORD FROM THE HEAD COACH
Good afternoon, and welcome to The Big Field for what promises to be a fantastic day of rugby, with both our men’s and women’s 1XV teams in action. A warm welcome to all visiting players, coaches, and supporters— especially to the Seaford Scarlets, who arrive unbeaten and sitting at the top of the table. It’s exactly the kind of challenge that should bring out the best in us.
It’s been two months since I joined the women’s setup, and in that time, I’ve been hugely impressed by the buy-in, commitment, and determination of this group—both players and staff—along with the incredible support from the wider club. The first half of the season may have had its frustrations, but the mindset has shifted, and the squad is ready to push on.
Our last encounter with Seaford was a tight contest, ending in a 34-29 defeat. From speaking to the players, there’s a real hunger to set the record straight. The dominant 29-5 win over Guernsey two weeks ago has given the team renewed belief—belief that we can compete with the best. We go into this fixture ready to play the game on our terms, with the attacking intent that defines this club.
So strap in, grab a drink, and if you’re not on the pitch, make plenty of noise—this one’s going to be fun!
Enjoy the games, Jack
Jack Bairstow Women’s Head Coach
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - OLD ALBANIAN
Today, we’re delighted to welcome Old Albanian RFC to the Big Field. A club with a storied history and a strong pedigree in National League rugby, Old Albanian has seen some impressive highs over the past two decades. With a strong senior setup and an impressive minis and juniors programme, the club has seen its fair share of star power, counting England internationals like Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola and Maro Itoje among its alumni, thanks to its close ties with Saracens.
Having been in National 2 for 7 seasons, their initial rise through the leagues begun in 2010 with a play-off win against Old Patesians, which secured their place in National League 2 South. Just two seasons later, they achieved promotion to National League 1, where they finished an outstanding 5th in the 2012/13 season - the highest league position in the club’s history. Old Albanian’s resilience was tested in 2014/15 when an unfortunate administrative error led to a five-point deduction, ultimately causing relegation from National 1 by a single point. However, the club regained Nat 1 status only 2 seasons later in 2015/16, earning promotion once again before being relegated again into the competitive National 2 structure at the end of the 2017/18 season.
More recently, under the leadership of their Director of Rugby, James Osborn, and bolstered by their dynamic squad, OAs has built a reputation for playing a fastpaced and expansive style of rugby with some standout players such as fullback Alex Noot who is all too frequently highlighted in the tries of the week picks for his outstanding solo raids and scores. Currently sitting 9th, but showing flashes of brilliance throughout the season, they arrive at the Big Field on a two-game winning streak and having won four of their last five, including a statement victory away in Guernsey last weekend.
We look forward to another thrilling clash and extend a warm welcome to all players, supporters, and officials from Old Albanian RFC.
LEAGUE POSITIONS
RECENT FORM
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - SEAFORD
Founded in 1938, Seaford Rugby Club has a rich history and is widely respected in the rugby world. The club has earned its reputation through consistent performance and a strong presence in the sport over the years.
Since the Ladies XV joined the competition in the 2014/15 season, they’ve made a significant impact. In 2018, Seaford’s Ladies XV won the National RFU Plate Final, a major achievement in only their 3rd year in competition. Currently sitting at the top of the table and unbeaten in their last eight games, they’re a formidable team this season.
Under coach Olli Woolbridge, the Ladies XV has shown strong team spirit and determination. With players like Olivia Connor, who has been consistently scoring tries, the team’s momentum is undeniable.
Looking to maintain their winning streak today, Seaford will face a hardfought match at The Big Field.
LEAGUE POSITIONS
RECENT FORM
Skip Hire
Recycling Rubbish Clearance Waste Management
Fast, flexible and responsive
A professional team with more than 25 years of experience
Services tailored to suite your needs
Building and construction site waste
Estate, factory and depot waste
Home and garden rubbish
Skip sizes from 2 yards to 40 yards
95% of waste is recycled and diverted from landfill
Prices start from £140
Services
Skip Hire
Bull Bags
Fly-tipping removal
Grab and collect
Man and Van Aggregates
We are one of the largest waste management and recycling specialists in the region. We operate an eco-efficient fleet of vehicles with directly-employed clearance teams.
We can usually clear your rubbish and waste on a day of your choice. We divert over 95% of the rubbish we collect away from landfill and offset the co2 from our vehicles.
Ron Smith Recycling Ltd
St. Albans Farm, Staines Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 OHH
E: sales@ronsmithrecycling.co.uk
T: 0208 570 3424
O’Halloran & O’Brien Ltd. evolved from a small groundworks company to a multi disciplined major contractor, encompassing the full spectrum of Civil Engineering and ground remediation.
We believe in WORKING TOGETHER, BUILDING NEW FUTURES, and that’s why we’re proud to be sponsoring Dorking Rugby Club Mini’s, helping them to get the best foundations for the future.
OUR SERVICES
CONCRETE FRAMES
The latest shu ering and concrete leveling systems.
HIGHWAY WORKS
Our Civil Engineering section can carry out highway works ranging from mains drainage through existing highways to complete construction and/or realignments of highways.
REMEDIATION AND REGENERATION
We maintain close links with specialist subcontractors for soil treatments and stabilisation to reduce the landfill impact of developments.
TRADE AND DOMESTIC HOUSING
Projects of varying size and complexity including all infrastructure work from a few units to multi-million pound schemes.
O’HALLORAN & O’BRIEN LTD
HEAD OFFICE: 020 8337 5527
KENT OFFICE: 01322 427000
EMAIL: INFO@OHOB.CO.UK
WEBSITE: www.ohob.com
Location, location, location
Situated in the heart of rural Surrey, we are ideally placed to cover a wide geographical area of the county’s most picturesque towns, villages and countryside.
Our senior partner has over 30 years of local experience and is well-supported by an excellent team with thorough knowledge of our market sector.
15% off standard 1.5% sales fees for Dorking RFC Members
279 High Street, Dorking, Surrey
RH4 1RL T: 01306 887560
14 Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey
RH2 7BE
T: 01737 222027 www.jackson-stops.co.uk
2024 A U G U S T
S
Men v Richmond | Pre-Season
Women v Belsize Park | Pre-Season
Men v Sutton & Epsom | Pre-Season
Women v Chobham | Pre-season
SEPTEMBER
S a t u r d a y 1 4 t h
Men v Barnes | Nat 2 E Round 2 Festival of Rugby Weekend
S a t u r d a y 2 8 t h
Men v Bury St Edmunds | Nat 2 Rd 4 N O V E M B E R
S
DECEMBER
MARCH
Day
2025 JANUARY
APRIL
REPAIR CENTRESeW t'nod tsuj riaper ;srac ew erotser ecaep fo .dnim ruO detacided maet fo strepxe sesu tra-eht-fo-etats
ygolonhcet dna muimerp slairetam ot erusne ruoy elcihev seviecer eht
tseb elbissop .erac eW reffo a sselmaes ecneirepxe
htiw tnerapsnart ,noitacinummoc ylemit ,setadpu dna a tnemtimmoc ot remotsuc .noitcafsitas CFRD srebmeM lliw teg a muminim fo 052£ ffo rieht ssecxe nehw yeht esoohc ot evah rieht rac deriaper ta .esseniF
D O R K I N G 7 S
K i c k i n g o f f t h e 7 s s e a s o n w i t h s t y l e S u n 4 M a y | 1 0 A M T h e B i g F i e l d , R H 3 7 L Z
COCK FACTS - ESME ARUNDELL
Have you played for any other clubs?
I have only ever played for Dorking, other than Surrey for a couple of seasons.
When did you join DRFC?
I joined Dorking when I was about 9, playing in the Surrey Youth Games coached by Pip Merritt.
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Playing my first game with a group of amazing girls, some of whom I still play with now.
Rugby Inspiration?
Marcus Smith—I love his dynamic style
of play.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you?
Lexie, as she’s my best friend, and Jonah and Wolfe Senior because they’re the funniest duo.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
I’d probably say Tash, as we would bicker like sisters.
What was your best memory from last season?
When I came back for my first game after being off for a year and scored a try on the first-team pitch.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
The second family that you gain.
COCK FACTS - ARCHIE CALDICOTT
When did you join DRFC?
Around the Under-8s, a few friends from school played, so my dad brought me down to the club.
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Sliding around in the mud at a tag rugby session on a Sunday morning. Soaking wet and freezing cold but loving every minute.
Rugby inspiration?
Ellis Genge for his ball-carrying. I like the way he views the game and the aggression he puts into carrying.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you?
Finn Rennles for his playlist, Max Sheldrake for a bit of rugby knowledge, and Smithy for his positive attitude to get us through the journey.
Archie playing for Loughborough University
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Matty Gwyther—he’d get us lost after claiming to know a shortcut.
What is your best memory in a Dorking shirt?
The Christmas Eve match last year. I’d missed out on previous matches due to injuries, so it was great to get a win against Reigatians in my final year.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
Definitely the people. Everyone’s looking to push each other to get better, and with a lot of knowledgeable boys in the squad, it’s a great place to learn and improve.
As experts in sending money abroad, Smart Currency Exchange can provide quick, easy and secure transfers in over 35 currencies. Our service is rated as “Excellent” on Trustpilot.
We help you to avoid losing money when:
l Buying property abroad
l Moving overseas
l Making one-off transfers
l Making regular overseas payments
Visit
to
COCK TRIVIA
How well do you know Dorking Rugby? Been paying attention this season? We’re putting your knowledge to the test at every home game!
1. Old Albanian have had two stints in National 1, what position was their best ever finish? 5th/10th/12th
2. Which event led to Old Albanian RFC being relegated from National League 1 in 2014/15? A five-point deduction / Losing a relegation play-off / League restructuring
3. In which game did Dorking Women score the most points this season?
Uckfield (Away) / Crawley (Away) / Worthing (Home)
4. In what year was the John Douglas Youth Development Fund started? 2014/2017/2020
5. Which of Dorking or Old Albanian RFC was founded first? Dorking / Old Albanian RFC
6. Today we welcome the Seaford Scarlets who are unbeaten so far this season. At international level
what is England longest winning streak? 18 / 23 / 30
7. When did the club move from Beech Bottom to Woollam’s, and how long were they at the old ground? 2000/ 2002 / 2005
8. In which year did Old Albanian RFC reach National League 1 for the first time? 1999 / 2003 / 2007
9. With which other rugby club do Old Albanians share their training ground?
Harlequins / Saracens / London Scottish
10. St Albans is known for its cathedral but which is the tallest cathedral in the UK ? Liverpool Cathedral / Salisbury Cathedral / St Paul’s Cathedral
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers.
PLAYERS
PLAYERS
PLAYERS
WOMEN
Maddie
Beth Dalgleish Back Row
PLAYERS
Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Available
Tatiana Dupont Backs Available to Sponsor
Rachel Harrison Prop Available to Sponsor
Carolina
Prop Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Back Row Available to Sponsor
Legless11
Available to Sponsor
Jessica
Prop Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Leah Garel Prop MVAM
Kate Harvey
Maddy Hemsley Back Row
Rachel Higgins Centre / Flyhalf Sawkings Architects
Yasmin Jones Backs
Carly Manning Winger
Tamzin Kerslake Hooker
Steph Le Hur Hooker
Lissy Merrett Scrum Half Tequila
Pip Merrett The Five Stooges
Brooke Frend Fly Half Chily
Jacinto
Grace MacKenzie Back
Freeman
Iva Hardwick Second Row
Jacqui Ide
to Sponsor
Laura Lopez Fly Half Useful Simple Trust
Natasha Merrett Full Back The Lab Pack
Mollie Moore Tighthead Prop Stuart Tracy Ben and David H S L T
Amber Miller Number 8 Downs Solicitors LLP
Hayley Murphy Outside Center Available to Sponsor
Lauren Parsons Back Row Jacques Construction S L T
Olivia Dentus Back Row
PLAYERS
Jas. Pitt-Payne Back Row
Surbiton Tackle & Bait
Imogen Sellings Number 8
Roxy - Applewood IT
Imogen Trigger Fly Half Kevin and Kay Shopland
Jemma Wood Winger Jo White
Lexie Potgieter Center Kevin and Kay Shopland
Bronwen Roberts Backs Available to Sponsor
Rowan Shiers Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
Lucie Warren Second Row The Derelicts Four
Amber Pressler Prop Available to Sponsor
Lucia Schifano Center Metricab Power Engineering Ltd
Emma Stephenson 2nd Row Available to Sponsor
Dara Wilson Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
Lily Puttick Hooker Roxy - Applewood IT
Sophia Schifano Prop Metricab Power Engineering Ltd
Erin Taylour Second Row Available to Sponsor
Charlotte Winslet Wing Available to Sponsor
Laveeza Raja Winger Available to Sponsor
Jessie Scully Backs Available to Sponsor
Lynn Tickner Back Row Red Engineering
Alysia Winzar Forward Available to Sponsor
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
Support Dorking Rugby by sponsoring a player! Your sponsorship not only helps the club grow but also celebrates the hard work of our players, management, and support staff.
For more info or to sponsor a player, email us at sponsorship@dorkingrfc.com.
STAFF
James Edmundson Head of YDP
to Sponsor
Ella Neary Physio Available to Sponsor
Lana Crouch Lead Youth Physio Available to Sponsor
Jack Bairstow Women’s Coach
to Sponsor
DRFC’S ‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’
Courtesy of Club Captain Henry Smith, we’re now testing how well you know the key personalities at Dorking Rugby. The concept is simple: a series of photo clues from which you, the reader, must deduce this week’s featured club personality (or personalities). You’ll find the answers at the end of the programme.
HIRE CLUB FACILITIES
Parties, anniversary dinners, christenings, birthday lunches, staff BBQs, seminars, product launches, corporate events, awards ceremonies and more... Our two storey multi-room venue offers flexible space with plenty of free onsite parking. Whatever the occasion, family functions, business or leisure our events team and in-house caterer can help.
Contact bar@dorkingrfc.com or call Gurdeep on 07540 723133.
1ST XV FIXTURES
HIRE CLUB FACILITIES
Parties, anniversary dinners, christenings, birthday lunches, staff BBQs, seminars, product launches, corporate events, awards ceremonies and more... Our two storey multi-room venue offers flexible space with plenty of free onsite parking. Whatever the occasion, family functions, business or leisure our events team and in-house caterer can help.
Contact bar@dorkingrfc.com or call Gurdeep on 07540 723133.
Our experienced physiotherapists provide a treatment and recovery plan that’s personalised to you, to relieve your symptoms and help you get back to your everyday self.
We have a large physiotherapy department which includes a fully equipped gym, an on site hydrotherapy pool and an anti-gravity running machine to aid return to running especially following sports injuries.
Services offered by our physiotherapy team:
Acupuncture
Hand and wrist physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
Hydrotherapy
Pilates
Post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation
Shockwave therapy
Sports Injury Clinic – rapid access assessment and imaging
Women’s health physiotherapy
Westcott Street, Westcott Dorking RH4 3NX
Bramley House is a residential home from home set in beautiful grounds nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills. We pride ourselves on tailoring to all levels of residential care needs from respite breaks and companionship reasons through to dementia and more complex requirements.
24 hour care and support
16 delightful rooms
Friendly caring staff
Freshly prepared meals
Permanent & respite stay
Varied activities and outings
Tel: 01306 740003 • Email: info@bramleyhouse.net
Web: www.bramleyhouse.net
JOHN DOUGLAS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND
This special initiative was launched in March 2017 with a primary aim to fund or part fund specific projects or initiatives in the support of obtaining the highest possible standard and engagement of rugby through DRFC, with particular emphasis on Youth Development.
We are extremely grateful to the following for their support of the Fund:
Patrons:
John Aarvold
Martin Ashford
Kevin Beal
Robert Bennett
Andrew Chitty
Mary Douglas
Derek Grieve
Shaun Hammond
Mark & Jo Harrison
David Hemmings
John Holder
Stewart Irvine
Alan King
Stuart & Tracey Mitchell
Ian Newcastle
Roger Parkin
Sir Michael Pickard
Michael Spicer
Colin Taylor
Andy Webb
Bob White
Benefactors:
Bramley House
Tracy Evans
EfficiencyIT
Paul & Gill Gardner
Nick & Sarah Gillett
Paul Instone
Mark Janaway
Jaques Construction
Jack May
Jamie & Pip Merrett
Chris Millar
O’Halloran & O’Brien
Jim Regan
Armand Roux
Nick Smith
Colin Troughton
Michael & Carolyne Walter
Harry Watts
Jonathon Watts
Chris Webb
Dominic Wright
A big ‘THANK YOU’ to all of our contributors
For more information of how to contribute and to request a standing order or donation form, please contact: treasurer@dorkingrfc.com.
LEAGUE TABLE & RESULTS
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Dorking continues to thrive, chasing another record finish in the National Leagues. There’s never been a better time to get involved, with sponsorship opportunities for our record-setting men’s team, promotion-winning ladies’ side, National Cupwinning colts, and various age groups—not to mention our fantastic events yearround.
Contact Andy Webb on andyjwebb@btinternet.com to find out how you can be a part of the DRFC Sponsorship Group for the season to come.
TODAY’S TEAMS
LEAGUE TABLE & RESULTS
NC 2 South East
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Dorking continues to thrive, chasing another record finish in the National Leagues. There’s never been a better time to get involved, with sponsorship opportunities for our record-setting men’s team, promotion-winning ladies’ side, National Cupwinning colts, and various age groups—not to mention our fantastic events yearround.
Contact Andy Webb on andyjwebb@btinternet.com to find out how you can be a part of the DRFC Sponsorship Group for the season to come.
TODAY’S TEAMS
Jonny
The Optical Studio Dorking
Professional Eyecare for Everyone 10% off * new spectacles
As a new client, when you book an eye examination with us and mention this programme.
The Optical Studio was established in 2006 as an independent family run practice.
We aim to offer an alternative to the high street opticians where clients have often felt rushed.
By investing in the latest hospital grade technologies and offering longer, more thorough appointments, we are able to provide the highest standard of eyecare for you and your family. Our primary focus has and always will be patient care. We stock brands to suit most budgets.
TRIVIA & KEYHOLE ANSWERS
COCK TRIVIA ANSWERS
1. Old Albanian have had two stints in National 1, what position was their best ever finish?
OAs finished an outstanding 5th in the 2012/2013 season.
2. Which event led to Old Albanian RFC being relegated from National League 1 in 2014/15?
A five-point deduction due to an administrative error.
3. In which game did Dorking Women score the most points this season? This season, the Women’s team’s biggest win came against Worthing at home at the Big Field in a 93-0 win.
4. In what year was the John Douglas Youth Development Fund started? The JDYDF was launched in 2017, since it has been supporting projects or initiatives that help the ongoing development of our youth players.
5. Which of Dorking or Old Albanian RFC was founded first? DRFC was founded in 1921, a slim 3 years prior to Old Albanian RFC, in 1924. OAs are indeed in their centenary year, congratulations to all on reaching this significant milestone.
6. Today we welcome the Seaford Scarlets who are unbeaten so far this season. At international level what is England longest winning streak? England’s longest winning streak is 30 consecutive wins, this came from the Red Roses and ended against New Zealand in 2022, in the world cup final. England’s men’s longest winning streak is 18 and took place under Eddie Jones’ tenure.
7. When did the club move from Beech Bottom to Woollam’s, and how long were they at the old ground? 2002, after 78 years.
8. In which year did Old Albanian RFC reach National League 1 for the first time?
2003
9.With which other rugby club do Old Albanians share their training ground? Saracens
10. St Albans is known for its cathedral but which is the tallest cathedral in the UK ?
Salisbury Cathdral with a height of 123m(404ft).
‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’ ANSWERS
This week’s mistery personality is: Tom Chave
WELCOME TO VELOCE
Our brands span from high -tech elec tric of f- road racing , to lifest yle apparel, mobile gaming , sim - racing and more. Born from a passion around racing and motorspor ts, we’ve evolved into a full -fledge media company in spor ts and gaming.