Dorking Colts v Old Rutlishians Colts match report 26/11/23
After last week’s exertions in the National Cup, Dorking welcomed Old Ruts to the Big Field on Sunday for a friendly. Ruts were in the opposite pool to Dorking in the Surrey Cup but had a few players missing, meaning Dorking were able to fully rotate the squad, giving game time to those who had missed out in recent games. With further Ruts drop outs on the day, Dorking loaned 3 players to Old Ruts, with Sam Whittaker, Ed Tyrell and Ryan Kelly all turning out for our opponents, two of whom ended up scoring against their usual teammates.
Dorking began brightly, playing uphill in cold but dry conditions. After multiple phases of play and some crisp handling in the backs, a miss-move created space out wide for full-back Toby de la Hoyde on the overlap to score in the left-hand corner. 5-0 Dorking
A much-changed Dorking pack, with Freddie Webb playing his first ever game at prop, were starting to make their mark on their opponents. From their favourite line-out move, flanker Nick Humphreys peeled round the front drew in the opposition hooker and fed captain Reuben Pilbeam for Dorking’s second try in the same corner. This time the extra points were good. 12-0 Dorking
Old Ruts, however, were starting to get a foothold in the game, using some powerful runners in the forwards to punch holes in the Dorking line. After a series of Dorking infringements, Ruts tapped a quick penalty and forced their way over between the Dorking posts. 12-7
Things got worse for Dorking just before half-time, when a missed tackle allowed Sam Whittaker to power over out wide to bring the scores level at the break.
Dorking knew they had the beating of their opponents out wide and had the benefit of the slope second half. They began strongly, with Freddie Webb now making an impression in the scrum. From a strong set-piece, Dorking moved the ball wide for winger Tom Ridgers to score out wide. 19-12
Some quick thinking then extended Dorking’s lead. From an Old Ruts penalty, fly-half Woody Aldridge shaped to kick for the corner, only to tap and go and feed Will Darbishire for a try between the Ruts posts. 26-12
It was then Dorking’s turn to infringe. After a string of penalties, prop Ollie Johnson took one for the team and was off to the naughty step for a breather. Ruts tapped the penalty, catching Dorking unaware and clawing a score back. 26-17
Dorking were, however, to have the final say. With time running out, Ruts tried to run the ball out of their own 22. They only succeeded in spilling the ball over their own line and scrum-half Jack Burke was quickest to react, dotting down for the five points. With the drop-kick conversion missed, Dorking had prevailed 31-17.
Credit to Old Ruts, and the three Dorking boys who helped them out, for making a real game of it, aided by some excellent refereeing. Dorking, however, were just too strong for their opponents. Special mention goes to man of the match Liam Paterson, who regularly turned over Old Ruts possession and carried strongly. He was closely followed by Nick Humphreys and Joe Simpson, who tackled well above their weight. In the backs, Jack Burke was a constant threat, rotating between wing and scrum half, and getting his reward at the end.
Dorking now face East Grinstead next Sunday before the Surrey Cup final the week after.
