Dorking RFC

Four Dorking RFC players; Jasper King, Finn Osborne, Henry Anscombe and Toby McRae, have been named on the National League Rugby’s (NLR) National 2 East Team of the Season.

As part of the NLR’s yearly Team of the Season feature, Dorking has scored the highest number of players in the team on record, last year only 2 players, Toby and Fred Dalton at 14 and 7, were named in the team. Following a record finish for the club at 3rd with more points than last season, Dorking is the most represented club in the Team of the Season with 4 players, Esher coming second to us with 3.

5 - Jasper King

27 Appearances - 1973 Minutes Played - 9 Tries - 45 Points Scored

Having been injury-free for the majority of the year for the first time in 3 seasons, Jasper was at his dominant and physical best this season stepping up as one of the key leaders within the team. With some impressive statistics to show for it, notably, 27 appearances all of which were starts, a remarkable 1973 minutes played and 9 tries scored. This is made all the more impressive given his position in the second row, the physicality required in his role and his injury history over the past few seasons.

8 - Finn Osborne

24 Appearances - 1797 Minutes Played - 11 Tries - 55 Points Scored

As always, abrasive and dominant ball in hand, Finn this season again was a key to the teams’ on field success. Constant in his ability to provide us with front-foot ball, Finn in 24 appearances scored 11 tries this season, several of which came at crucial moments to secure results for the team, such as at Tonbridge Juddians away.

12 - Henry Anscombe

26 Appearances - 1943 Minutes Played - 1 Try - 222 Points Scored

A constant presence in the backline, Henry’s kicking ability speaks for itself with 217 points kicked this season, beyond that though he has also cemented himself at inside centre proving pivotal both in attack and defence.

14 - Toby McRae

24 Appearances - 1798 Minutes Played - 31 Tries - 155 Points Scored

This season again ‘Tank’ has maintained his outstanding scoring record. Although he didn't match last season’s 36-try record—a standard he likely holds himself to—Toby's performance earned him this year again a spot in the Team of the Season. With an incomparable ability to unlock situations, Toby despite being marked closely by many defences, has been an outstanding performer for the club this season again.

Full National 2 East Team of the Season 2023/24

1. Alex Wood (Barnes)
2. Will Holling (Tonbridge Juddians)
3. Theo Skoumbourdis (Esher)
4. Marcus Lowe (Henley Hawks)
5. Jasper King (Dorking)
6. Will Benning (Henley Hawks)
7. Tom Nicoll (Tonbridge Juddians)
8. Finn Osborne (Dorking)
9. Josh Davies (Barnes)
10. Sam Morley (Esher)
11. James Botterill (Esher)
12. Henry Anscombe (Dorking)
13. Barney Stone (Sevenoaks)
14. Toby McRae (Dorking)
15. Toby Wallace (Westcombe Park)

Most represented teams:

• Dorking - 4 Players
• Esher - 3 Players
• Barnes - 2 Players
• Tonbridge Juddians - 2 Players
• Henley Hawks - 2 Players
• Sevenoaks - 1 Player
• Westcombe Park - 1 Player

Director of Rugby, Armand Roux commented the following:

“It’s great to see Jasper, Finn, Henry and Toby all recognised in the Team of the Season, they’ve been outstanding performers for us throughout the season so it is very well deserved. I am also delighted to see Dorking be the most represented club, despite not clinching the top 2 spots in the league it shows we are progressing in the right direction and doing things right in terms of player development and pathway.

Three of these players - Jasper, Finn and Toby - are Dorking through and through, having come through the club from the minis section. Jasper and Finn notably benefited from the John Douglas Youth Development Fund when they transitioned from Colts to Seniors by going abroad for development. Combining that with our National Cup Winning Colts generation and the clubs continuous efforts into our youth & minis and I am very excited to see some of the young talents come through.”