Dorking returned to action on Saturday, picking up a 26-5 victory over East Grinstead at The Big Field. Despite coming off the back of a long break with no games since beating Worthing at the start of January, Dorking entered this encounter full of confidence, albeit with no prior experience of facing East Grinstead this season.
Right from kick off, Dorking showed intent to play, with one phase then a barnstorming run from Lauren Parsons (one of many from her for the day!) taking play down to just outside of East Grinsteads 22m line. A knock on broke down play this time, but following on from the scrum and a number of phases later, Dorking turned the ball over at the breakdown and a speedy transition started by Charlotte Andrews, found Lexie Potgeiter who did excellently to draw the remaining defender, giving the ball to Laura Lopez who was able to beat two defenders and score. An awesome conversion from Rachel Higgins from just inside the 5m line added the extras – 7-0 to Dorking.
The home side generally controlled territory and possession throughout the game, with East Grinstead picking up possession from a number of uncharacteristic handling errors from the Dorking side.
The second score of the game came with just under 20 minutes gone. A strong scrum gave the platform for the backs to attack, Laura unfortunate not to go in again. From the ruck, Charlotte sniped down the blindside being tackled just short of the line. The ball was recycled quickly, allowing Lexie to find some space and dot down for the second score. In a similar position to the first kick, this one was unsuccessful – 12-0.
It could have been another score minutes later; Dorking found themselves back in the East Grinstead 22. A neat lineout move found Lily Puttick breaking the line and being brought down just short. The Dorking team had good speed of ball allowing Lucia Schifano to gather and score only for play to be pulled back for a forward pass.
Play settled in the East Grinstead 22, with the visitors trying to exit and the hosts constantly returning play. The forwards got in on the action for the third score after some thundering carries from the forwards resulting in Lucia Schifano getting over the line. Kicking duties changed here with Esme Arundell taking over and being successful in the kick – 19-0
Although three scores down, East Grinstead were not without their moments. The visitors showed resilience and managed to break through Dorking’s defence late in the first half, getting over the line for a solitary try that brought the score to 19-5.
The second half was a tighter affair, which saw East Grinstead press for a way back into the game, but Dorking’s defence stood firm. East Grinstead couldn’t find the same rhythm they had briefly shown earlier, and Dorking’s dominance grew. A turnover again gave the team the opportunity to play, with Lexie stepping inside the Grinstead defence and being brought down just short of the line Charlotte was able to snipe once again and get over the line – Esme added the extras, 26-5.
Dorking's win maintains their impressive form, and they now look ahead to the rest of the season with renewed confidence. East Grinstead, while beaten, showed moments of promise and we’re sure will be excited for the return fixture in March.
Head Coach Jack Bairstow commented:
Thanks to East Grinstead for such a physical game – they really challenged us in some areas of the match but credit to the group on another great win. You can really feel the buzz around the squad at the moment and momentums building nicely into our next game against Guernsey.
Final Score: Dorking 26 – 5 East Grinstead
Player of the Match – Rachel Higgins
Forward to the Match – Lauren Parsons
Back of the Match: Lexie Potgieter
Next up for Dorking:
Sunday 09 February,
Guernsey,
The Big Field
