Dorking v Old Albanian RFC
Saturday 11 January | 2PM Kick Off
Nat 2 East | Round 15
Tom 50th Cap
B R I S T O W
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests and opponents, OA’s, to the Big Field today. This is the second return fixture of the season, and although we eventually prevailed in the first encounter, it was nip and tuck throughout the game. Ultimately, I believe our tight play made a very small difference. OA’s are long established at this level and have a reputation for playing an open and attractive style of rugby, making them a favourite side to play against as you’re always guaranteed a great game.
In our last game of the year, and the first return fixture, we took the honours with an extremely disciplined performance against Barnes. In contrast, Barnes played in a manner far from disciplined, receiving seven yellow cards and two reds. From the Barnes and Rugby Today match reports, it seems their journalist and hierarchy might share the same challenges.
Last week, I had the great pleasure of attending lunch before watching our Women’s 1st XV deliver a highly skilled performance, heavily defeating Worthing. Onwards and upwards!
As ever, none of this would be possible without the consistent backing of our loyal sponsors. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support and high-quality professional help, which plays a vital role in the club’s success.
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
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A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back to The Big Field, It’s just about acceptable to still wish you all a fantastic 2025 filled with rugby cheer!
A warm welcome to the players, supporters, and management of Old Albanian RFC. We thoroughly enjoyed our double-header at your place earlier in the season and hope to return the favor today. The only thing we can’t promise is the sunshine we were treated to last time!
The league is incredibly tight at the moment, making every point vital. Combine that with all the teams playing some cracking rugby, and it’s clear why this league is so fiercely competitive.
A special welcome back to Will Sanders, returning to play today after knee surgery in April following the Esher game. Well done on your tremendous dedication to rehab.
Let’s keep warm, cheer loudly, and make it a great day.
Let’s go!
Your DoR, Armand Roux
#WACOMB
Armand Roux
Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - OLD
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 fast-paced 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 mid-table but showing flashes of brilliance, they remain a dangerous proposition for any team.
We look forward to another thrilling clash and extend a warm welcome to all players, supporters, and officials from Old Albanian RFC.
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COCK FACTS - TOM BLOOMER
Tom, or Bloomer as he’s more commonly known, joined us from Rosslyn Park just over a year ago, halfway through last season. After a few months adventuring around Asia in the summer, Blooms has settled back into the number 7 shirt that he has claimed so frequently since joining. This week he answers our cock facts.
When did you join DRFC and why/ how?
Joined December 2023 from Rosslyn Park after chatting with Colonel who sold me on the Dorking dream.
Earliest DRFC Memory?
Esher at home last season or the faint memories of Surrey minis festivals at the Big Field as a kid.
Rugby Inspiration?
After having the 2003 RWC highlights on repeat in the Bloomer household as a kid, the first player I wanted to be was Carlos Spencer.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? Will Saunders, Craig Holland and Luke Baldwin.
Who would be the last person you’d choose?
POG or Charlie Connor.
Best moment from last season? Guernsey away last year because of
the great result and the huge traveling support. Felt special.
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
Probably how much my parents love coming down to watch, they love the atmosphere and the people at the club at a home game and I’d have to agree the club has a great family buzz.
COCK FACTS - DARAGH CHAMBERS
Mr Consistent and 2x consecutive winner of the Most Improved Award, much to his despair, Daragh is one of the many players in the senior squad who has been here since the youth grades. A man of few words, he is renowned for his on-pitch aggression and the infamous DRIs (Daragh Related Injuries). He is, however, one of the most loved characters in the changing room. He takes his turn to answer our Cock Facts.
When did you join DRFC and why/ how?
I joined because my mate went to school with Jasper. He left Old Cats, and I decided to go with him.
Earliest DRFC Memory?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific rugby player in mind, as I don’t watch a lot of rugby. Instead, my earliest memories are of watching my dad play when I was younger and growing up in a rugby environment.
rubbish the whole journey and have a laugh.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
Probably Jasper or Fin – we have
different music tastes, and I prefer my music with lyrics.
What was your best memory in a Dorking shirt?
Making 13 tackles in 40 minutes against Guernsey in my first team debut. I think I got player of the match, but you’d have to ask Armand about that one!
What do you like most about playing at DRFC?
The best thing about the club is the people – both the players and the supporters.
Rugby Inspiration?
My dad.
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Land’s End, who from the club would you want in the car with you? Tom Dobson – we’d just talk a load of
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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. 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. Last weekend was a historic weekend for Dorking for which of the following reasons?
First Women’s Double Header Armand Roux’s Birthday 20th Mini’s Festival
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. In round 14 of National 2 East against Barnes only 21 points were scored (7-14), on the flipside in which Nat 2 East game has Dorking scored the most points this season? Round 8 Colchester Away Round 6 Oxford Harlequins Home Round 10 Worthing Away
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
ANSWERS
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers.
PLAYERS
PLAYERS
WOMEN
PLAYERS
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
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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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:
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John Aarvold
Martin Ashford
Kevin Beal
Robert Bennett
Andrew Chitty
Mary Douglas
Derek Grieve
Shaun Hammond
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Ian Newcastle
Roger Parkin
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Andy Webb
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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.
DORKING
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.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 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. Last weekend was a historic weekend for Dorking for which of the following reasons?
It was due to be the club’s very first Women’s Double Header. The Women’s 1st XV beat Worthing convincingly 78-0, the 2nd XV unfortunately was cancelled due to frozen pitches.
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. In round 14 of National 2 East against Barnes only 21 points were scored (7-14), on the flipside in which Nat 2 East game has Dorking scored the most points this season?
Round 10 Worthing Away was the game in which we have scored the most points so far this season as we ran out winners 34-61.
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: Henry Smith
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