Dorking v Sevenoaks Saturday 9 November | 2 30PM Kick Off National 2 East | Round 9
Finn O S B O R N E
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
Firstly, a warm welcome to the Big Field to our friends and rivals, Sevenoaks RFC.
We’ve had many close battles over the past few years, and I expect today’s encounter will be no different. Armand and the team have performed well after a slightly undercooked opening day loss, going on to record seven consecutive bonus-point wins, although not without some last-minute excitement along the way! Sevenoaks, on the other hand, have had a tougher start to the season with several close games but enjoyed a solid win in their last outing. With a full-sized pitch in excellent condition, I’m sure both sides will bring the kind of open, attacking rugby that spectators love.
Secondly, I’d like to welcome and thank our principal sponsor, Veloce, for their continued incredible support. It’s fantastic to see Veloce’s growth and success in racing, gaming, and e-sports. Hopefully, we can mirror that success on the rugby field! Without Veloce’s backing, many of the initiatives that drive our club forward simply wouldn’t be possible, so a big thank you to Veloce and all our sponsors.
Finally, we say a temporary goodbye to last year’s world top try scorer in competitive rugby, Toby, who scored 43 tries in 2023. Toby is taking a career break to tour Australia for a few months. Barnes must feel like Christmas has come early! Good luck, Toby, we look forward to your return.
Please enjoy the game, and let’s all support and respect the players and officials as they take on the task of entertaining us.
Shaun Hammond Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
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A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back to the Big Field! It feels like it’s been a long time since we played at home, with two back-to-back away games followed by a free weekend.
A warm welcome to the Sevenoaks players, supporters, and management. We’ve had some fierce battles over the years, and we know today will be no different.
I’d also like to welcome Dunottar School and the England Under-18 Girls EPG groups, who are both using our facilities today and staying for some rugby.
Our very own Under-13s and Under-9s will be showcasing their skills pregame and during halftime, so please get behind them—they really love being part of match days.
Our senior men have been enjoying their season so far. We know that the first block of games is always tough, but the team is still smiling and loving it. This is a huge testament to the players and the management staff for their hard work so far this season.
I’m personally looking forward to today’s game after falling just short at Sevenoaks last season, when we thought we had the game in the bag. Sevenoaks simply did not give up, showing real character and resilience.
Let’s get behind the teams today and show respect to the players and officials, I know they have a tough job every week.
Enjoy your day!
Your DoR
#WACOMB
Armand Roux Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
TODAY’S OPPONENTS - SEVENOAKS
Today, we’re delighted to welcome Sevenoaks RFC to The Big Field. Based in the heart of Kent, Sevenoaks RFC has established itself as a prominent club in the southeast, consistently competing at a high level and showcasing the strength of community rugby.
Founded in 1967, Sevenoaks has grown from modest beginnings to become one of the leading rugby clubs in the region. In the 2021-22 season, the club earned its first-ever promotion to the National Leagues, the same season Dorking also returned to the National Leagues, after finishing behind Sevenoaks in the London & South East Premier. Notably, that season Seveneoaks featured a certain Pat Pellegrini, who went onto represent Tonga at the 2023 World Cup and now plays for Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika.
Under the leadership of Director of Rugby Adam Bowman, Sevenoaks has developed a distinctive playing style centered on an aggressive, dominant forward pack and a willingness to play expansive, attacking rugby. With standout players like captain Scott Sedgwick, who celebrated his 200th club appearance in round 8, and centre Barney Stone, who earned a spot in the Nat 2 East Team of the Season last year, Sevenoaks boasts threats across the park.
We look forward to another thrilling contest today and extend a warm welcome to all Sevenoaks players, supporters, and management.
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COCK FACTS - TOM BRISTOW
London Welsh, Leicester Tigers, Wasps, RC Narbonne, Sale Sharks, and Dorking… his CV speaks for itself, yet it barely captures the legend that is Tom Bristow. Often found in a corner reminiscing about the glory days of double-contact Tuesdays or debating ‘The hardest player you ever faced?’ with Charlie Connor, Bristow is one of the few remaining who experienced the raw, early days of professional rugby with all its intensity and quirks.
Now a recent father of two (Congratulations!), Tom is leading our scrum from the front and is an invaluable source of knowledge for our young front-row players and a definite contributor to the recent successes of players like Bryan and Zak.
When did you join DRFC?
I first joined Dorking in the 2010/11 season. I met James Catton at Surrey and South East level who recommended me to come to Dorking RFC as the rugby and people were superb, he wasn’t wrong. The best decision I ever made.
Young Tom Bristow & Charlie Connor playing together for Surrey
If you had to drive from the Big Field to Lands End who from the club would you want in the car with you? Charlie Connor for snacks, Orc leader Jonny Ellis as navigator and Daragh to spit bars, innit.
Who would be the last person you’d take?
The Gen Z crowd. I can’t relate to Tik Tok and the Huel obsession.
What was your best memory from last season?
Winning away at Guernsey, always a tough place to go and perform. It was a great squad effort.
What do you like most about coaching/playing at DRFC?
The supporters, staff and volunteers. They are the backbone of the club who tirelessly support the players on and off the pitch, a very special community. It also, currently, gets me out of changing nappies on Saturdays!
Earliest DRFC memory?
Scoring my first Dorking try, shout out to Ted Watts for putting me through!
Rugby Inspiration?
Carl Hayman in my younger years. More recently; Ben Puttick aka ‘Wolfie’.
Earliest DRFC memory?
Going back to trying to keep the younger versions of past & present players in check when they were mischievous in my or other pubs around town, the likes of the Evans and boys who have grown up somewhat since (hopefully).
What do you like most about working at DRFC?
Loads of great reasons, but I’d say chief among them is the great community spirit and camaraderie across the club, I have made some good friends along the way!
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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 what year did Sevenoaks gain promotion to the National Leagues for the first time in their history? 2018/2020/2022
2. In what year was Sevenoaks RFC founded? 1925/1931/1954
3. Which Dorking 1st XV player, so far this season, has conceded the most penalties?
Daragh Chambers/Tom Bloomer/Tom Howe
4. To which team did our Women’s 1st XV recently concede their first loss of the season? Guernsey/Worthing/Camberley
7. In what year did ex-Dorking youth player George Kruis make his England debut? 2012/2013/2014
8. Which current England player, originated from Sevenoaks RFC? Jamie George/Finn Baxter/Ben Earl
9. For which club did ex-Dorking player, Austin Emens, recently make his premiership debut?
Northampton Saints/Leicester Tigers/ Bath
10. Which 1st XV player has played the most minutes so far this season? Toby McRae/Tom Howe/Jasper King
ANSWERS
5. How many National League tries has Toby McRae scored for Dorking at senior men’s level? 65/77/82
6. Who was the top try scorer for the Women’s team last season? Rachel Higgins/Lexi Potgieter/Jemma Wood
Flip over to the end of the programme for answers, or scan the QR code below.
PLAYERS
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.
Marcie Wood Back Row
Rowan Shiers
Natasha Merrett
Nicolle Chambers
Olivia Dentus Back Row
Five Stooges
Sophia Schifano
Mollie Moore Tighthead Prop
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). You’ll find the answers at the end of the programme.
This week’s answer is a double feature: they come as a pair and even live together.
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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.
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
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assessment and imaging
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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.
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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:
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.
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 what year did Sevenoaks gain promotion to the National Leagues?
Sevenoaks were promoted to Nat 2 East in 2022 after winning the London & South East Premier during the 2021-22 season.
2. In what year was Sevenoaks RFC founded?
The club was founded in 1925, as they played their first match in October 1925 against Lensbury.
3. Which Dorking 1st XV player, so far this season, has conceded the most penalties?
The unfortunate culprit is Tom Bloomer, having conceded 9 penalties so far this season and 2 yellow cards.
4. To which team did our Women’s 1st XV recently concede their first loss of the season?
The Women’s recently lost 31-33 to Guernsey on their first tip away to the island.
5. How many National League tries has Toby McRae scored for Dorking at senior men’s level?
77 is the correct and outstanding number of tries that Toby has scored for the club.
6. Who was the top try scorer for the Women’s team last season?
Rachel Higgins scored the most with 30 tries to her name.
7. In what year did ex-Dorking youth player George Kruis make his England debut?
George Kruis made his England debut during the 2014 Autumn Internationals against New Zealand, on November 6, 2014, a game which was lost 21-24.
8. Which current England player, originated from Sevenoaks RFC?
Ben Earl started his playing career at Sevenoaks, before joining the Saracens Academy.
9. For which club did ex-Dorking player, Austin Emens, recently make his premiership debut?
Austin recently made his Premiership debut for Bath, having joined their professional squad during the summer.
10. Which 1st XV player has played the most minutes so far this season?
Toby McRae has played the most minutes with 560 mins played, followed by Tom How on 530mins and Jasper in 3rd place with 475mins.
‘THROUGH THE KEYHOLE’ ANSWERS
This week’s mistery personalities are: Max Coyle & Gareth Stephens
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