Dorking v Guernsey
Saturday 23 November | 2PM Kick Off
National 2 East | Round 11
Jonny E L L I S
1st XV Captain
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I often joke about how I think we have feminism all wrong. We should get our heads together and find a way to trick the patriarchy in to believing it was “right all along” so that we don’t have to work and can stay at home practising the pianoforte and catching up on our handicrafts. This is actually a joke about being e hausted. No matter how hard we work, we are still faced with a barrage of headlines on gender inequality, particularly around the gender pay gap.
Last year, for the first time ever, the Government calculated and published the true scale of the gender pensions gap. It concluded that women’s private pensions were worth 35% less than men’s in 2023. While this is currently true for women of retirement age (and proof that there is still much to be done to help women gain confidence in making financial decisions), what the headlines fail to bring to light is that women under the age of 30 are already
ahead of their male counterparts when it comes to private pensions.
If, much like in sport, the headlines highlighted the positive shift in women’s future financial prospects, maybe more women –of all ages – would feel inspired to seek advice for financial planning. Our daughters are seeing the England women’s teams being celebrated across the media and are desperate to have a go. No wonder then, we have been less inspired when it comes to our retirement planning.
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A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
With fingers firmly crossed due to the forecasted high winds in Guernsey, I’m hopeful to extend a warm welcome to all from Guernsey RFC to the Big Field this afternoon.
With both teams sitting in 2nd and 3rd positions in the league, it’s clear this is a crucial game for both sides to maintain their strong start to the season and keep the pressure on TJ’s! Both teams are known for their attractive style of play, and while the conditions may pose a challenge, I’m confident we’re in for an entertaining match.
Armand and the team secured a solid win last week, with several broader squad members delivering impressive performances. The growing depth in the squad has made selection increasingly competitive. It’s a testament to the players’ character that those not selected take the feedback from coaches on board, continue to work hard, and fully support the team—a mature and encouraging approach that bodes well for the season.
I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our spotlight sponsor today, Craig and Mole Valley Asset Management (MVAM). Their longstanding support of the entire club—especially the women’s section—has been instrumental in kickstarting the success our women’s teams are now enjoying. Thank you, MVAM, and all our sponsors for enabling our players to achieve their potential.
Weather and flights permitting, I hope you enjoy the game and respectfully support the players and officials from both sides.
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
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A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back to The Big Field!
For the first time this season, we have all three teams playing at home, which is fantastic to see.
A special welcome to all our visitors today, particularly the players, management, and supporters from Guernsey who’ve made the trip to join us.
We’ve had some memorable encounters over the years, and I’m sure today will be no different.
This weekend, we’re also celebrating our One Club Weekend. Many of our senior players will be down on Sunday to support the youth section, making it a truly rewarding few days for the club.
Enjoy your time with us, and let’s get behind the players today to help push them over the line.
Your Director of Rugby, Armand Roux
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Armand
Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
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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 serious contender in National 2 East this season.
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, he’s been putting his aerial skills and sharp backfield vision to good use from the number 15 shirt, steadily making it his own. Fittingly he’s up next to answer this week’s cock facts.
Joe running a try in during his time in Guernsey
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.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Callum Powell, after witnessing his poor bus admin last weekend
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.
COCK FACTS - AMBER MILLER
After starting out in the club’s youth teams at 13, following a few years of tag rugby, Amber is now a key member of the women’s team’s Senior Leadership Team.
After a stint away when she spent time away at the University of Portsmouth, where she captained their women’s side and honed her leadership skills, before returning to the red and white hoops. Now back at DRFC, she’s bringing her ball-carrying power and steady leadership as the team tackles NC2 for the first time.
Amber during her time at the University of Porstmouth
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Playing my first tournament at Worthing when we were clustered with Old Reigations and Chipstead. We were known as the Reikingchips!
Rugby inspiration?
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.
A young Joe Andresen
Shaunagh Brown - I’ll never forget when she came down to Dorking for a training session and offered us £1 if we could tackle her.
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 Jemma, she’d definitely bring a great playlist and make sure we’ve got snacks for the journey.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
At the moment I’d have to say Jas as we’d probably have to go in an ambulance with the amount of injuries she’s had this season.
What was your best memory from last season?
Weymouth Beach Rugby Festival- we absolutely smashed the other teams and definitely had the most fun out of everyone there.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
We don’t take things too seriously so we always have a laugh and they’re also such a welcoming group of people who immediately made me like part of the team again after I came back from university.
16 year-old Amber in the 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!
Check how you stack up by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page to find the answers on our website.
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?
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
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
ANSWERS
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers, or scan the QR code below.
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ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRES
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).
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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.
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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.
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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:
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EfficiencyIT
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O’Halloran & O’Brien
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Nick Smith
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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.
DORKING
LEAGUE TABLE & RESULTS
National 2 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.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. How many Years was Alan Clatworthy President of DRFC?
Alan Clatworthy was president of DRFC for a remarkable 45 years.
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.
‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’ ANSWERS
This week’s mistery personaliy is: Tom Nairn
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