Dorking v Guernsey
Saturday 1 February | 2PM Kick Off
National 2 East | Round 11
Will S A N D E R S
TACKLING YOUR MOVE WITH EASE
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
A belated and warm welcome to today’s guests and opponents, Guernsey RFC. As ever, everyone’s fingers are crossed for a safe and successful journey across the Channel.
Our opponents have had even more games rescheduled than us, with a combination of canceled planes, frozen pitches, and, last week, a waterlogged pitch (not at TJ’s!!!) causing a postponement. So we expect fresh and keen opponents today who, with games in hand, will be sure to progress up the league over what remains of the season.
I think last week’s game vs. Henley could be summed up as being “hoisted by our own petard!” Hopefully, some of the unwell players are on parade today, but I fear a few more collected injuries last week, stretching the squad further.
Today, as a club and personally, we would like to thank and acknowledge the playing career of Jonny Ellis, a mainstay at No. 2 in the 1st team for so many years and key to the numerous improvements the club has experienced. With the demands of this level of rugby and a demanding work environment, Jonny has decided to hang up his boots. Well done, Jonny, on a playing career to be proud of.
Kind regards, Shaun
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back to the Big Field today!
A special welcome to Guernsey, who have made the trip over for this rearranged fixture.
Guernsey didn’t play last week, while we fell just short against Henley at home—so there’s plenty at stake this afternoon.
I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Jonny and his wife, Claire, who are joining us for lunch today. It’s a great opportunity to thank our recently retired captain for his contributions to the club.
With Dorking looking to get their season back on track and Guernsey entering a long run of league games leading up to Easter, there’s everything to play for.
Let’s get behind the players and enjoy a cracking game of rugby!
Your DoR, Armand Roux
#WACOMB
Armand Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - GUERNSEY
Today, we’re delighted to welcome Guernsey Raiders to The Big Field for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Currently sitting in third place, just four points behind us, the Raiders have had a strong start to the season and will undoubtedly be looking to close that gap today. While we came away with a 59-14 victory in this fixture last season, their impressive form this year suggests a much closer contest is on the cards.
Founded in 1928, Guernsey RFC has a proud history and is a cornerstone of rugby on the Channel Islands. Rebranded as the Guernsey Raiders in 2016 to reflect the evolution of their men’s and women’s sections, the club has continued to grow in stature both on and off the pitch. The Raiders made their National Leagues debut in 2018, marking a significant achievement for an island-based team competing regularly against mainland opposition.
The club has kept a core squad together for several seasons now, which, combined with some astute new signings, appears to be paying dividends. This stability has allowed them to build cohesion and confidence, making them a contender in National 2 East this season, whilst they sit 8th in the league they have 3 games in had on some teams due to postponements.
We extend a warm welcome to the Guernsey Raiders players, staff, and supporters and look forward to what should be a fantastic game of rugby.
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COCK FACTS - JOE ANDRESEN
Joe, or “Guernsey Joe” as he’s often affectionately dubbed by his teammates, joined the club ahead of the 2023/24 season and is now in his second season with us. After a two-year spell in Guernsey. Fittingly he’s up next to answer this week’s cock facts.
Joe playing for Guernsey Raiders
Earliest DRFC Memory?
I actually made my debut for Guernsey at the big field in 2019! (We won that day sorry!!) or my earliest memory can be when I came to watch the last game of the 22/23 season against Blackheath and that was a great day in the sun and I knew then I wanted to join!
Rugby Inspiration?
My Dad - got me into rugby as a youngster and a great role model to have growing up.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you?
Henry Smith, Scotty Richardson & Bryan Hotson.
Spend a lot of time in the car with them already and it’s always a good gig.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Callum Powell, after witnessing his poor
bus admin a few weekends ago.
What was your best memory from last season?
Coming from behind at half time to beat TJ’s at home toward the end of last season to take the title race down to the wire.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
It has the perfect balance between taking its rugby seriously and upholding high standards on the pitch whilst also really driving the social, family club environment off the pitch - really happy to have decided to play here when moving back to the UK.
Joe ball in hand against Sevenoaks
COCK FACTS - TOM DOBSON
Next up to tackle our Cock Facts is Tom Dobson aka Dobbo Junior. A true club stalwart, Tom has been around since he was just five years old, making him practically part of the furniture. Alongside his brother Jake, they form quite the double actespecially when the jungle juice starts flowing...
When did you join DRFC and why/ how?
Back in ‘98 at the age of 5. My Dad and brother were already a part of the club so it was a no brainer.
Earliest
DRFC Memory?
During Mini’s rugby we went up to the stoop to play a curtain raiser for the Quins v Wasps game. However we spent the whole afternoon hiding from Trevor Leota because someone broke
Rugby inspiration?
Michael Dobson aka The Dobfather.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? Lauren, Nim (Naomi) and Lucia.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Max Sheldrake, Cal Watson and Olly Rawlinson - for obvious reasons...
What was your best memory in a Dorking shirt?
Being part of the Bomb Squad for Rochford away.... Good game, great win and excellent minibus journey back.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
It gives me an excuse to wear my Lederhosen!
Tom Dobson & Jake Dobson
A young Tom Dobson, already in a Dorking Shirt!
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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 round 10 of Nat 2 East, the 1st XV came away comfortable winners against local rivals Worthing Raiders. How many current Dorking players have played for the Raiders? 5/7/9
2. What is the name of the cup for which Guernsey competes against Jersey annually, which also happens to be the second oldest rugby trophy in the world?
Manly/Liam/Siam
3. Out of Dorking RFC and Guernsey Raiders, which club was founded first?
Guernsey/Dorking
4. Which Dorking player averages the highest number of tackles per game at 14+ tackles/game?
Harry Elbrow/Bryan Hotston/Daragh Chambers
5. To the nearest hundred how many miles separate the Big Field with Guernsey’s grounds at Footes Lane?
200/300/400
6. How many Years was Alan Clatworthy President of DRFC? 41/45/49
7. Which famous author lived in exile
on Guernsey and wrote Les Misérables there?
Victor Hugo/Jane Austen/Alexandre Dumas
8. Against which Opposition did Dorking have to play with their shirts inside out?
Clifton/Southend/Redruth
9.What unique and rare type of animal can you find in Guernsey?
White Fox/Blonde Hedgehog/Black Squirrel
10. Which two letters do all Guernsey postcodes begin with?
JE / GY / CI
ANSWERS
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers.
PLAYERS
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WOMEN
Maddie
PLAYERS
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Jessica
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Leah Garel Prop MVAM
Kate Harvey
Maddy Hemsley Back Row
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Lissy Merrett Scrum Half Tequila
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Brooke Frend Fly Half Chily
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Grace MacKenzie Back
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Iva Hardwick Second Row
Jacqui Ide
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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
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Bronwen Roberts Backs Available to Sponsor
Rowan Shiers Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
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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
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Ella Neary Physio Available to Sponsor
Lana Crouch Lead Youth Physio Available to Sponsor
Jack Bairstow Women’s Coach
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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.
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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.
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Pilates
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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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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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
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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.
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TRIVIA & KEYHOLE ANSWERS
COCK TRIVIA ANSWERS
1. In round 10 of Nat 2 East, the 1st XV came away comfortable winners against local rivals Worthing Raiders. How many current Dorking players have played for the Raiders?
The answer is 7! Will Scholes, Ryan Maguire, Zak Stephenson, Max Coyle, Henry Anscombe, Tom Golder & Craig Holland have all had stints with our south coast neighbours.
2. What is the name of the cup for which Guernsey competes against Jersey annually, which also happens to be the second oldest rugby trophy in the world? Guernsey and Jersey play the Siam Cup every year and it was first contested in 1920.
3. Out of Dorking RFC and Guernsey Raiders, which club was founded first? Guernsey was founded first in 1913 whereas Dorking RFC was in 1921.
4. To the nearest hundred how many miles separate the Big Field with Guernsey’s grounds at Footes Lane?
200 was the correct answer as there are 158 miles separating the Big Field & Footes Lane.
5. How many Years was Alan Clatworthy President of DRFC?
Alan Clatworthy was president of DRFC for a remarkable 45 years.
6. Which Dorking player averages the highest number of tackles per game at 14+ tackles/game?
Before he got injured, Harry Elbrow was averaging 14.36 tackles per game, the highest amongst the squad.
7. Which famous author lived in exile on Guernsey and wrote Les Misérables there?
Victor Hugo, exiled to Guernsey for 15 years, found inspiration on the island, where he wrote Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea.
8. Against which Opposition did Dorking have to play with their shirts inside out?
The correct answer was Redruth, following an oversight in the lead up to the game the only solution to avoid a kit clash was for Dorking to reverse their shirts.
9. What unique and rare type of animal can you find in Guernsey?
Blonde Hedgehogs! They are unique to the channel islands and Guernsey in particular. Apparently due to a genetic variation that is thought to have developed due to the islands’ isolated ecosystems.
10. Which two letters do all Guernsey postcodes begin with?
Guernsey postcodes start with GY. Unlike mainland UK, Guernsey uses a unique postal code system tailored to the island, with GY codes identifying specific areas or properties..
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