Dorking v Colchester RFC
Saturday 1 March | 3PM Kick Off
National 2 East | Round 20
Craig H O L L A N D
TACKLING YOUR MOVE WITH EASE
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
I’m very pleased, after quite a few years, to welcome our friends from Colchester RFC to the Big Field for today’s game. Earlier this season, we were treated to fantastic hospitality at Colchester’s incredible new facilities—by far the best at Level 4/3—truly impressive. We also had a tight, enjoyable game, which we were fortunate to come out on top of.
However, we come into today’s match on the back of contrasting results last weekend—Colchester full of confidence after an impressive, highscoring win away at Guernsey, while we look to bounce back from a disappointing performance and loss against OA’s. So, there’s plenty to play for today, on real grass (if any is left after last week’s mud-fest!).
With the sun set to shine all weekend, why not come down on Sunday to see the future of the club in action? We’ll be fielding two Colts teams at the Big Field, both kicking off at 2:00 pm.
As ever, please support both sets of players and officials with enthusiasm and respect.
Enjoy the game!
Shaun
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome Back to the Big Field,
Special welcome to Colchester players, management and supporters for making the journey down to Dorking. We had a good day out at yours and hope we can repay the hospitality today.
We had a slight hiccup last week against a real spirited OA’s team while Colchester had a good win over Guernsey.
Today, however, it will be all to play for as I know what is at stake for Colchester and of course we will be looking to put a few things back in place.
We welcome back a few players this week who were otherwise occupied last week with a certain Cam Osborne’s stag do. We know the golden rule, however, never get married in season and I’m sure the players’ dinner will be a great opportunity to discuss this.
I hope you all have a great day here with us today and if you are around tomorrow, come down and support the Colts in a National Cup qualifying game at home on Sunday lunchtime.
Your
DoR, Armand #wacomb
Armand Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - COLCHESTER
This weekend, we welcome Colchester RFC to The Big Field, a club with a rich history that dates back to 1875, though the current club was founded in 1925. The club’s symbol, the Raven, draws inspiration from the birds perched on top of Colchester’s town hall, a fitting tribute to the town’s heritage.
Colchester’s rise through the leagues began in the 1980s, with a league and cup double in 1994/95 marking a key milestone. Despite setbacks in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, they bounced back with consecutive unbeaten seasons in 2001/02 and 2002/03. More recently, they were promoted to National 2 East last season, continuing their progress through the leagues. Colchester has also made significant investments in their infrastructure, including the addition of a synthetic pitch, which, combined with their recent promotion, positions them well for further development in the future.
Currently sitting 13th, Colchester secured a notable away win against Guernsey, demonstrating their quality and resilience. A special mention goes to Danny Whiteman, who recently celebrated 300 caps with the club—a remarkable milestone. We look forward to a competitive clash this weekend as Colchester brings their determination and ambition to The Big Field.
A warm welcome to all players, supporters, and officials from Colchester RFC.
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2024
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COCK FACTS - HARRY ELBROW
When did you join DRFC?
I joined in the 2015/16 season, originally on loan from Esher.
Harry in action for Old Elthamians, can you guess who the player behind him is?
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Playing against Dorking in the Surrey Cup. I was about 19 and met Armand Roux at the bottom of a ruck—that’s something I’ll never forget.
Rugby Inspiration?
My brothers, Alex and Edward, watching them play at Chipstead RFC. They were quite different as players—I like to think I took the best parts of both, but maybe not!
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? First would have to be Scotty—just repaying some of those Sunday morning lifts back to the club.
Second is Steve Howorth—reminiscing about the glory days of the Mercenaries would help pass the time.
Charlie Connor would be third. He’s always the last person people pick in this question, and I’m keen to be in that front row food club.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Henry Smith—he’d probably take a wrong turn, and I’d end up getting fined for it.
What was your best memory in a Dorking shirt?
Launceston away in the old National 2 South days. The support travelling down and the journey back home— nothing can top that.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
It’s got to be Wingnut’s “DORKINGGG!”
COCK FACTS - BRYAN HOTSTON
When did you join DRFC?
I joined after Christmas last season. Jacko had been in my ear for a couple of seasons about coming down and how good the club is. When I finally did, I got it. I wasn’t enjoying my rugby at my last club, but since joining, I haven’t looked back.
Bryan in action earlier this season.
Earliest DRFC Memory?
The warm welcome when I arrived. Everyone introduced themselves, and I felt at ease immediately.
Rugby inspiration?
Josh Lewsey—an absolute killer..
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? Joe Andersen - I drive him home most nights, so the conversation would be easy.
Luke Baldwin - if the vibe dipped, he’d give one of his famous motivational speeches!
Max Sheldrake - he’s got more stories than Roald Dahl.
A young Bryan stepping his way around the pitch.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Finn Osborne—terrible music taste.
What was your best memory in a Dorking shirt?
Both wins away at Bury are right up there, but the away win at Guernsey last season was special. It was my first game for the club, and we put on a great performance.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
Has to be the fans. Rain, sun, or snow, they’re always there supporting us!
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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. In what season did Colchester get promoted into Nat 2 East? 2019/20 / 2021/22 / 2023/24
2. Colchester’s head coach Mike Haywood used to be a professional player but for which Premiership club did he use to play?
Saracens / Northampton Saints / Bath
3.After 19 rounds of Nat 2 east who is the current top try scorer for Dorking?
Toby McRae / Tom Howe / Max Coyle
4. Similarly, which forward has scored the most tries this season?
Tom Bloomer / Finn Osborne / Will Scholes
5. What is the name of Colchester RFC’s home ground?
Raven Park / Layer Road / Cuckoo Farm Way
6. Which of the following is a key historical fact about Colchester?
a ) It is the oldest recorded town in Britain.
b) It was the site of the signing of the Magna Carta.
c) It was the first capital of England.
7. In which county is Colchester located?
Suffolk / Essex / Norfolk
8. Last week, Cam Osborne held his stag do (in season... terrible admin). Two seasons ago, Steve Howorth did the same leading to half the squad missing being away for a famous away win. Which team did we beat that day?
Guernsey / Canterbury / Rochford
9. Last weekend our Women’s team ended Seaford’s season long unbeaten run, how many games have our ladies now won in a row?
3 / 5 / 8
10. Who is the leading try scorer for our Women’s team so far this season?
Lily Puttick / Esme Arundell / Jemma Wood
ANSWERS
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
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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
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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
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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
Warren Second Row Red Engineering
Amber Pressler Prop Available to Sponsor
Lucia Schifano Center Metricab Power Engineering Ltd
Emma Stephenson 2nd Row Available to Sponsor
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 The Derelicts Four
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.
Lucie
Dara
STAFF
James Edmundson Head of YDP
to Sponsor
Ella Neary Physio
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.
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
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
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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
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
Andy Webb
Bob White
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
be a part of the DRFC Sponsorship Group for the season to come.
TODAY’S TEAMS
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TRIVIA & KEYHOLE ANSWERS
COCK TRIVIA ANSWERS
1. In what season did Colchester get promoted into Nat 2 East? 2023/24 - Colchester gained promotion to the league at the end of last season.
2. Colchester’s head coach Mike Haywood used to be a professional player but for which Premiership club did he use to play? Mike Haywood played hooker for Northampton Saints, making an impressive amount of 236 appearances.
3.After 19 rounds of Nat 2 east who is the current top try scorer for Dorking? All 3 players, Toby McRae, Tom Howe & Max Coyle sit on the same number of tries with 13 scored!
4. Similarly, which forward has scored the most tries this season? Equally here all 3 forwards: Tom Bloomer, Finn Osborne & Will Scholes sit on 6 tries scored!
5. What is the name of Colchester RFC’s home ground? Colchester’s ground is called Raven Park.
6. Which of the following is a key historical fact about Colchester? It is the oldest recorded town in Britain.
7. In which county is Colchester located? Colchester is in the county of Essex.
8. Last week, Cam Osborne held his stag do (in season... terrible admin). Two seasons ago, Steve Howorth did the same leading to half the squad missing being away for a famous away win. Which team did we beat that day? The famous win on the road was against Rochford away and led to a memorable bus trip home with numerous pub stops!
9. Last weekend our Women’s team ended Seaford’s season long unbeaten run, how many games have our ladies now won in a row? Our women have now won 5 consecutive games placing them in contention for promotion!
10. Who is the leading try scorer for our Women’s team so far this season? Jemma Wood leasd the way with 6 tries scored in 9 games.
‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’ ANSWERS
This week’s mistery personality is: Will Scholes
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