Dorking Reds Secure Gritty Win Over Rivals Warlingham
Final Score: Warlingham 7 - 21
Dorking Dorking Reds faced a familiar challenge on Sunday, travelling to rivals Warlingham for what is always a tough contest. On a heavy pitch marked with a confusing array of mini-rugby lines, and despite some late cry-offs that tested squad depth, the Reds produced a performance of grit and resilience to claim a 21-7 victory. The opening exchanges were as physical as expected, with Dorking asserting early dominance. Dorking steadily worked their way into the Warlingham 22.
A well-executed lineout drive and quick recycled ball allowed Spike Davis to break from the ruck and score the opening try. Jack Haines, who was perfect from the tee all day, added the conversion. (0-7) Warlingham responded, adopting a direct strategy of pick-and-gos around the ruck edge. Dorking’s aggressive defence began to attract the referee's whistle, conceding penalties for offsides and high tackles, which culminated in a yellow card for Miley Chatfield. With a man advantage, Warlingham capitalised.
From a lineout deep in Dorking's 22, they built pressure through quick rucks, allowing their scrum-half to snipe over for a converted try, levelling the scores at 7-7. Now a man down, Dorking showed real character. They managed the sin-bin period superbly, using smart kicking choices to maintain field position. Dorking pressure forced a scrum in front of the Warlingham posts. From the set-piece, the outstanding Ben Carloss made a powerful break, drawing in defenders before offloading to Toby Shepherd, who finished the move.
Haines's conversion gave Dorking a hard-earned 7-14 lead at half time. The half-time message was simple: maintain the physicality and control territory. Dorking delivered. The second half was defined by a formidable defensive display—a 'brick wall' that repelled wave after wave of Warlingham attack.
As you would expect from the home side, Warlingham chased the game hard and had several entries into the Dorking 22, but the Reds' defence held firm, and Warlingham's frustration became increasingly evident. Having weathered the storm, Dorking recaptured momentum and pinned Warlingham deep in their own half for the final quarter. The tireless work rate of players like Max Waldron kept the pressure on. Although a knock-on gave Warlingham a scrum, Dorking's hunger was undiminished.
In the game's decisive moment, POTM Spike Davis charged down a clearance kick, regathered the loose ball, and raced over for his second try. Haines slotted the conversion, sealing the impressive 7-21 victory.
This was an excellent result, built on defensive grit and clinical finishing, with the match played in great spirits despite the intense rivalry.
The Reds now look ahead to their next challenge: a National Cup Last 32 fixture at home against Winchester on Sunday, 16th November
