Dorking v Canterbury RFC Saturday 14 December | 2PM Kick Off National 2 East | Round 13
Henry Vice-Captain A N S C O M B E
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A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
It feels like a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to welcome visitors to the Big Field, with only four of our eleven games played at home so far this season. So, it’s my pleasure to welcome our guests from Canterbury RFC to Dorking for our final home game before Christmas.
For those who haven’t travelled to Canterbury for an away game, they have an excellent setup, including the best TV/video coverage of games outside of the Premiership. This is matched by a competitive squad playing enterprising rugby under the guidance of my old foe, Taff.
As for our part, we finally produced some real quality rugby last week— albeit after 70 minutes had elapsed. While it was very impressive, I’d certainly appreciate a little less stress as we approach the final whistle today! A downside to last week’s victory, however, was the serious injury to prop Charlie Connor, which has required surgery. We all wish Charlie the very best in his recovery.
To everyone who attended our first City Lunch (held the day after Canterbury’s) in London, thank you! Please spread the word about the fun we had with John Smit and Justin Marshall. A huge thanks to board member Fraser MacDonald and Rob Fee from Ignite for the seamless organisation and for helping raise much-needed funds. The date for next year’s event will be announced soon.
I anticipate an exciting and closely fought contest today, and I hope we all enjoy the match while supporting the players and officials with enthusiasm and respect.
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
TACKLING YOUR MOVE WITH EASE
A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome to Dorking!
I hope you’re all set for an exciting day of rugby, with three of our teams playing at home and ready to give it their all.
The 3s are back in action after a weekend off, while the 2s come into today fresh from a solid home win in challenging conditions. The 1s came close to falling short away from home against a strong Havant team that pushed our resilience to the limit, but they managed to secure the win in the final minutes.
A warm welcome to all Canterbury players, management, and supporters joining us today. Canterbury has been in fine form since the start of this league campaign, and we’re expecting a fantastic contest between both sides.
It feels like ages since we last played at home, and I know the players are eager to get stuck in this afternoon.
Enjoy your day with us, soak up the festive atmosphere, and get ready for some great rugby.
Your Director of Rugby, Armand Roux
#WACOMB
Armand Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
4TH JAN 2PM
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TODAY’S OPPONENTS - CANTERBURY
Today, we’re delighted to welcome Canterbury RFC to The Big Field. As one of the longest-established clubs at this level, who even had a stint in National 1 during the 2019/2020 season, they’ve been a consistent presence in the top half of National 2 East in recent seasons. With a thriving minis section and youth system, Canterbury firmly holds its place as the dominant rugby club in East Kent.
Boasting five senior men’s teams, a strong women’s side, and even a wheelchair rugby team, the club continues to flourish under the leadership of chairman Giles Hilton. After finishing 7th last season, they’ve hit the ground running this term, establishing themselves as one of the league’s top-scoring sides. Remarkably, they’ve racked up 280 points at home - the highest in the league.
Guided by head coach Matt Corker, the “City Men” are known for their attractive, expansive style of rugby, which blends a solid set piece with a layered attacking approach. Standout players like captain Jamie Stephens, number 8 Tyler “Brick” Oliver, and versatile winger/full-back Aiden Moss exemplify this blend of physicality and skill, driving Canterbury’s ambitious attacking plans.
Today again, we look forward to another thrilling contest today and extend a warm welcome to all Canterbury players, supporters, and management.
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2024/25 SEASON EVENTS CALENDAR
2024 AUGUST
Saturday 17th
Men v Richmond | Pre-Season
Saturday 24th
Women v Belsize Park | Pre-Season
Saturday 31st
Men v Sutton & Epsom | Pre-Season
Women v Chobham | Pre-season
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 14th
Men v Barnes | Nat 2 E Round 2 Festival of Rugby Weekend
Saturday 28th
Men v Bury St Edmunds | Nat 2 Rd 4
OCTOBER
Saturday 12th
Men v Oxford H. | Nat 2 Rd 6 Oktoberfest Club Social
NOVEMBER
Saturday 2nd
Bonfire Canapes
Saturday 9th
Men v Sevenoaks | Nat 2 Rd 9
Saturday 23rd
Men v Guernsey | Nat 2 Rd 11
Christmas Lunch
DECEMBER
Saturday 7th
Women v East Grinstead | NC 2 Rd 7
Saturday 14th
Men v Canterbury | Nat 2 Rd 13 Annual Christmas Ball
Tuesday 24th
U22s v Old Reigatians Ben Regan Memorial
2025 JANUARY
Saturday 4th
Women v Worthing | NC 2 Rd 8
Saturday 11th
Men v Old Albanians | Nat 2 Rd 15 JDYDF Lunch
Saturday 25th
Men v Henley | Nat 2 Rd 17 Burnes Lunch
FEBRUARY
Sunday 9th
Women v Guernsey | NC 2 Rd 10
Saturday 15th
Men v Westcombe P. | Nat 2 Rd 19 Valentines Lunch
Saturday 22nd
Women v Seaford | NC 2 Rd 11
MARCH
Saturday 1st
Men v Colchester | Nat 2 Rd 20 Past Players Lunch
Sunday 9th
Women v Crawley | NC 2 Rd 12
International Women’s Day
Saturday 15th
Men v Worthing | Nat 2 Rd 22 Saint Patrick’s Day
APRIL
Saturday 5th
Men v Havant | Nat 2 Rd 24
Retired Coaches Lunch
Sunday 6th
Women v Uckfield | NC 2 Rd 14
Saturday 26th
Men v Tonbridge J. | Nat 2 Rd 26
Season Finale - Family Day
Sunday 27th Annual Minis Festival
MAY
Saturday 3rd Dorking DorKamp
Sunday 4th Dorking 7's
Friday 9th End Of Season Awards
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COCK FACTS - MATTY GWYTHER
Fresh from their mid-season trip to Poland (we trust Smithy has noted and enforced the appropriate fines), we’re delighted to hear from Matty Gwyther and Callum Watson.
Kicking things off is Matty, one of our silkiest lineout operators and a true club stalwart, having been with us since the age of six. Here’s what he had to say.
When did you join DRFC ?
I started at DRFC at the age of 6. My dad brought me down as he used to play when he was younger and wanted to keep me away from football!
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Having Wayne Barnes as my referee at a tournament at Farnham rugby club. Sadly Jack Parkinson and I ran into each other, resulting in his broken nose and me getting knocked out. But it was a good game from what I can remember!
Rugby Inspiration?
a good laugh to be fair to him.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Tom Miers - I can already hear the complaints about my driving!
What was your best memory from last season?
Winning the Christmas Eve game against old reigations is always a special day, especially with mates I haven’t played with for a couple of years. Bring on this year!
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
There is a great group of lads who are always up for a laugh but can also play some unbelievable rugby.
When I was younger, I played at fly half so I’d have to say Jonny Wilkinson. Just a legend of the game.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? It would have to be Archie Coldicott and Finn Rennels, awful chat but great blokes. I’d also add Olly Rawlinson, he’s
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? Would have to be Jonny Ellis, he’s a fellow Lord of the Rings fan so the audiobook choice would be top notch.
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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!
Check how you stack up by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page to find the answers on our website.
1. Canterbury has been one of the longest-standing teams in the National Leagues in our division, but when did they first reach this level? 2003/2004 / 2005/2006 / 2011/2012
2. Who is the youngest player to have taken the field in a 1st XV game for Dorking this season?
Zak Stephenson / Bryan Karimanzira / Olly Rawlinson
3. Canterbur y is famous for its Cathedral, but in what century was it built?
6th century / 10th century / 13th centur y
4. According to RFU records, Dorking and Canterbury have faced each other 12 times. Which club has won the most fixtures?
Dorking / Canterbur y
5. Canterbury’s Head Coach, Matt Corker, had a successful professional career with Wasps, London Welsh, and Richmond. Along the way, which current Dorking player did he play with?
Charlie Connor / Craig Holland / Tom Bristow
6. After 12 rounds of National 2 East, Canterbury’s fly-half and goal kicker Frank Reynolds and Dorking’s Henry Anscombe are among the league’s top three point scorers. But who leads the standings with 148 points, and who is in third place with 110 points?
Frank Reynolds / Henry Anscombe
7. Following our win away at Havant in round 12, we’ve now won 10 games in a row. When was the last time the club managed a longer winning streak? 2009/2010 / 2014/2015 / 2017/18
8. In light of Storm Darragh hitting our shores last week, how many National League caps does our Daragh (Chambers) have?
33 / 41 / 57
9. Where does Canterbury RFC’s nickname, the “City Men,” originate? Proximity to London / The city’s Roman heritage / A link with their Cathedral
10. One member of the current DRFC coaching team has previously worked as a coach for Canterbury RFC. Who is it?
Patrick O’Grady / Jack Bairstow / Daniel Mackenzie
ANSWERS
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers, or scan the QR code below.
PLAYERS
PLAYERS
PLAYERS
WOMEN
Esme Arundell
Nicolle Chambers
Maddie Conway
Row
Caroline Court Scrum Half
Beth Dalgleish
Row
Olivia Dentus Back Row
PLAYERS
Tatiana Dupont Backs Available to Sponsor
Harvey Back Row Available to Sponsor
Yasmin Jones Backs Legless11
Manning Winger Available to Sponsor
Maddy Hemsley Back Row Available to Sponsor
Tamzin Kerslake Hooker Available to Sponsor
Available
Steph Le Hur Hooker Available to Sponsor
Leah Garel Prop MVAM
Available to Sponsor
Laura Lopez Fly Half Useful Simple Trust
Iva Hardwick Second Row Available to Sponsor
Available to Sponsor
Grace MacKenzie Back Available to Sponsor
Tighthead Prop Stuart Tracy Ben and David H
Kate
Rachel Higgins Centre / Flyhalf Sawkings Architects
Jacqui Ide
Carolina Jacinto Prop
Carly
Mollie Moore
Lissy Merrett Scrum Half Tequila
Pip Merrett The Five Stooges
Brooke Frend Fly Half Chily
Natasha Merrett Full Back The Lab Pack S L T
Amber Miller Number 8 Downs Solicitors LLP
Hayley Murphy Outside Center Available to Sponsor
Pip Parrot Back Row Available to Sponsor
Lauren Parsons Back Row Jacques Construction
Jessica Freeman Prop
to Sponsor
Jas. Pitt-Payne Back Row Surbiton Tackle & Bait
PLAYERS
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 Available to Sponsor
Emma Stephenson 2nd Row Available to Sponsor
Dara Wilson Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
Lily Puttick Hooker Roxy - Applewood IT
Sophia Schifano Prop Available to Sponsor
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
Ellie Richardson Prop Sawkings Architects
Imogen Sellings Number 8 Roxy - Applewood IT
Imogen Trigger Fly Half Kevin and Kay Shopland
Jemma Wood Winger Jo White
Marcie Wood Back Row Sawkings Architects
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.
James Edmundson Head of YDP
to Sponsor
Ella Neary Physio Available to Sponsor
Lana Crouch Lead Youth Physio Available 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).
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
DRFC CHRISTMAS BALL
Join us for the 2024 Christmas Ball, once again at the beautiful Tithe Barn, Burford Bridge Hotel. The evening kicks off with a Prosecco or bottled beer reception, followed by a three-course dinner paired with half a bottle of wine per guest. Enjoy a raffle and auction before hitting the dance floor with a DJ until late.
Reception begins at 18:45, dinner is served at 19:45, and the party continues until 01:00, with carriages from 00:30. Preferential overnight rates are available for those wishing to stay. Menu selections will be collected closer to the event.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
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.
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.
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Varied activities and outings
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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
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
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
TRIVIA & KEYHOLE ANSWERS
COCK TRIVIA ANSWERS
1. Canterbury has been one of the longest-standing teams in the National Leagues in our division, but when did they first reach this level? 2005/2006. They achieved this milestone by becoming champions of the London and South East Division One that season.
2. Who is the youngest player to have taken the field in a 1st XV game for Dorking this season?
Zak Stephenson. While Bryan and Olly recently turned 20, Zak is still 19, which makes his performances all the more impressive given the physical demands of his position.
3. Canterbury is famous for its Cathedral, but in what century was it built?
Canterbury Cathedral was originally founded in the 6th century (597 AD).
4. According to RFU records, Dorking and Canterbury have faced each other 12 times. Which club has won the most fixtures?
Dorking! We edge it with 6 wins to Canterbury’s 5, with an average of 26 points scored compared to 24 for our opponents.
5. Canterbury’s Head Coach, Matt Corker, had a successful professional career with Wasps, London Welsh, and Richmond. Along the way, which current Dorking player did he play with?
Tom Bristow. Both Matt and Tom were teammates at London Welsh during the 2012/2013 season.
6. After 12 rounds of National 2 East, Canterbury’s fly-half and goal kicker Frank Reynolds and Dorking’s Henry Anscombe are among the league’s top three point scorers. But who leads the standings with 148 points, and who is in third place with 110 points?
Frank Reynolds leads the standings with 148 points, while Henry sits in third place, just behind Guernsey’s Ciaran McGann.
7. Following our win away at Havant in round 12, we’ve now won 10 games in a row. When was the last time the club managed a longer winning streak?
The 2014/2015 season, when the 1st XV enjoyed an incredible 14 consecutive wins.
8. In light of Storm Darragh hitting our shores last week, how many National League caps does our Daragh (Chambers) have? Daragh has 41 National League appearances, bringing his total to 124 for the club.
9. Where does Canterbury RFC’s nickname, the “City Men,” originate?
The nickname comes from Canterbury’s status as a historic cathedral city.
10. One member of the current DRFC coaching team has previously worked as a coach for Canterbury RFC. Who is it?
Jack Bairstow. Jack coached at Canterbury before joining Dorking two seasons ago.
‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’ ANSWERS
This week’s mistery personaliy is: Tom Nairn
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