Waterfall Cup Game:
Chobham u16 Girls vs Dorking u16vGirls
Chobham, 05/02/23
It would be fair to say that it’s not been the easiest of seasons for the under16 Girls’ team. There have been some injuries, some weather-related cancellations and our first Waterfall Cup Game, against local rivals (and former national champs) Old Reigatians, resulted in a hard fought, but heavy loss for the Dorking team.
So, on Sunday the 5th, the team made their way to a bright, sunny Chobham to visit the lovely folk at Chobham RFC for round two. The D’s squad was nearly at full strength, with 19 of our 20 regulars making the trip. The girls were, as always, in fantastic spirits, but with a big task in front of them. Chobham have a similar number of players, but we were, without doubt, up against that old Rugby problem: they were bigger than us.
The game kicked off, and with perhaps still a little sleep in the Dorking team’s eyes, that Chobham power came on too strong and an early score went to Chobham. Chobham then came straight back at us after the restart, and Chobham try number 2 was on the board. At this point, many of us wondered if we were in for a very hard day at the office.
However, the D’s girls had other ideas. Captain and No.8 Immy did what captains are supposed to do. Lead from the front. A number 8 break on the Dorking 22 lead to some physical and determined running and Immy battered all the way to the Chobham try line. Try scored, and the team confidence was lifted palpably.
Chobham regrouped and tried to assert their physicality again only to be held up by D’s pack on our try line twice. We knew then that this game was on.
It was only a matter of time before our fly half and speed-machine Laura found a gap in Chobham’s defence and was through for try 2. Scores level. Full back Bethan converted, putting D’s in front.
The Dorking pack of Pip, Lily, Sophia, Keira, Mia G, Daisy, Eva and Immy put in the shift of their lives to edge Chobham in the set piece and the loose, and the backs, all eleven of them(!) ran their socks off all game, with slick passing and great running lines.
More tries followed for Immy (4 in total), Laura (2 in total), Robyn and Sophia. Conversions from both Bethan and Yas. Chobham crossed the whitewash only once more in reply.
For the grand finale, the team worked what was possibly their try of the season so far. 9 Harriet provided quick ball (as she had all game) from the back of a ruck, out to utility forward Daisy (who’d actually played front, second and back row all in this game!) who offloaded to Laura, who used her pace to find some space on the outside. The Chobham wing finally brought her down, but an offload to fellow-speedster Bethan meant Chobham’s defence was beaten, with Bethan hitting the gas and scoring between the posts. To illustrate the teamwork, 6 of the 7 Dorking backs were up with her at the score. Fantastic support running. Conversion slotted by Yas, and at that point the game was called a Dorking win, in accordance with Waterfall Cup guidelines. Final Score Chobham 17 Dorking 53
The two teams, who’ve been friends for a few years, congratulated each other warmly, and then retired to the clubhouse. From the comfort of the bar, we could hear loud music and much cheer coming from the dressing rooms. From what we are told, there was a Chobham-Dorking dance-off taking place! That’s Girls’ rugby in a nutshell!
A huge thank you to Chobham for looking after us so well and providing their no.1 pitch for the afternoon.
If this sort of thing sounds like it might appeal to your granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece or friend, then please get them to come and give girls’ rugby a try. The details are on the DRFC website.
