Dorking RFC

WOMEN’S TOUCH RUGBY WEEKEND

Super Saturday lived up to its name. Dorking’s first fifteen won at home, England put New Zealand to the sword at Twickenham, and then came the main event for us – the evening trip to Reeds RFC, where 13 of our Women’s Touch group had been invited to play at their Girls Pitch Up and Play night.

Our squad included a good mix of newer players and a few with a bit more rugby under the belt, which gave us a lively blend of energy, curiosity and quiet know-how. After supporting our U14 girls play it was our turn with the girls watching their mums play.

Despite a rule check prior, a few “local variations” emerged in the first 10 needing us to adapt quickly but two tries from the dummy half were overruled at a break discussion making it 5-0. They had some strong runners and hit the line well, putting us under early pressure. Credit to our players though. They adapted fast, dug in, and the first spell finished fairly even, despite us spending much of it on the back foot.With the rules clarified and confidence rising, the game settled.

The play was more balanced and Dorking found some rhythm. There were a few lovely support lines and some cracking defensive sets that shifted the momentum our way. We edged this one and the mood lifted. Some lovely fast running sent us over twice, Esme and Molly scoring. Molly was in her first rugby match and she’s only played for a month. In the final ten minutes, now fully warmed up, Dorking were full of belief. Reeds, despite only having nine players, politely declined the offer of reinforcements. This last stretch felt like the decider. Both teams played with real intent, touches came thick and fast, and the defensive work on both sides was excellent. It ended scoreless, and deservedly so. 

At the final whistle 5-10 there were smiles and laughter everywhere, and the kind of post match sportsmanship that remind you what rugby is all about.. 

It was a great step forward for our Women’s Touch group and another sign of how quickly the squad is developing.

A big thank you to Reeds for hosting us. You put on a warm, welcoming evening, with plenty of families, supporters and players Best of luck with your goal of a women’s first fifteen by 2030 - on this showing, you are well on your way.