Dorking RFC

In May 2022, the inaugural 7s tournament took place as part of the Centenary celebrations at Dorking RFC and the aim was always for the 7s to become the legacy event and so on Sunday 30^th April 2023 saw the return of the Dorking 7s at The Big Field. And what a day it was!

The tournament now featured 12 teams and with the promise of warm weather there was an air of expectation for a 7s spectacle, though there were also some weary looking minis and parents who had clearly enjoyed themselves during DorKamp the previous day (and evening!).

The group stages comprised 4 groups of 3 teams, with 3 knockout tiers to follow which gave all the sides a chance at some silverware and once again Dorking featured despite the lure of End of Season Tour. When the returning players stagged into the car park around midday it was clear that the parents of the campers weren’t the only people to have over-indulged this Bank Holiday.

And so, the action, Dorking featured in Group A and the overall standings finsihed as follows:

Advancing to the Main Cup semi-finals were reigning champions Akuma Beavers vs Eggchaser 7s and Samurai Bulldogs vs Stunts.

The Plate featured Esher 7s vs Fiji Spoons 7s and NZ Baddies vs White Horse 7s, with the Bowl of DRFC Invitationals vs SW London Crabbitohs and finally Here for the Beers 7s vs Mo Bros 7s.  

The knockouts games proved to be close affairs with the finals across the 3 cups ending as:

                                Cup: Akuma Beavers vs Samurai Bulldogs

                                Plate: Fiji Spoons (Wooden Spoon) vs NZ Baddies

                                Bowl: SW London Crabbitohs vs Mo Bros 7s

The Plate final provided too close to call during normal time finishing 24 – 24, which gave the enthusiastic crowd extra-time with Golden Point first to win and take the glory, which fell to the men from NZ who scored in the first period of Golden Point to take victory and glory 29 – 24.

Many thought the drama could not be topped but the Cup final topped the lot, in a game that swung back and forth for 14 min breath-taking minutes with the lead chopping between the Akuma Beavers and Samurai Bulldogs and some fantastic scores putting on a real show for the crows. But it was the reigning champions who managed to get their noses (and buck teeth) in front and hold on for a win that meant they successfully retained the title for a 2^nd year, final score 22 – 17.

Special thanks to the referees from Surrey Rugby and to all the teams who took part and stuck around to enjoy a few cold ones in the sun after the rugby had finished. Once again, the 7s was a well-oiled machine with numerous volunteers who helped organise, set-up pitches, manage registration/scoring and clear up after play had finished, thank you to all those who gave up time to support in the build up and on the day.

With that another season draws to a close, let’s hope the 3^rd edition of Dorking 7s can live up to the drama of the second. See you next year!

Tickets for next years tournament now available on this link and its open to both Men and Women

Full selection of photo's courtesy of John Watkins can be found here