On Saturday 9th April 2022 Matt Noble played his last 1st team game for Dorking RFC in what has been the most immense journey spanning 28 years of representing DRFC.
Starting as a Dorking Mini's player in the 90's Matt got his first taste of 1st team rugby in 2006 as he was a part of the Dorking's famous Twickenham run alongside helping the team gain promotion in his first year of senior rugby.
Since then, Matt has been a part of every promotion, a famous Surrey Cup victory over Richmond at Imber court alongside racking up the tries, conversions, penalties and accolades along the way. He also managed to represent Dorking playing for London Irish in the A-League and in the Surrey Mens campaigns who have lifted numerous County Championship trophies.
Matt has been 1st team Captain for the last 7 years and in that time has helped the club rebuild to where it is today. In Matt's last season he managed to be the top point scorer with 277 points as he positions Dorking who needs 2 league points to guarantee promotion when they face Tunbridge wells away from home on the 23rd April 2022.
President Jon Watts:
"Matt has given the entire club such pleasure watching him play for the First XV over the last 16 years. The word sublime doesn’t do his play justice. Exceptionally sharp around the field, his ability to dart through a gap or exploit the space and drop others into them kept defences always guessing. Coupled with his astute and measured reading of the game and regular metronomic goal kicking meant he was at the core of this very successful side.
Chariman Shaun Hammond:
Director of Rugby Armand Roux:
"Matt has been a absolute gem of a player who has always remained humble alongside putting in a massive amount of hours to make sure he stays in the best physical shape he can be, which is testament in his long career. Its not just about the amount of matches, its more in his ability to score points or put players in better positions into space and this made Matt such a great player for DRFC. He is a selfless team player who has always given 100%. His calm and composed approach will be missed tremendously and I know he has helped those leaders around him to be the flag bearers of the future"
Matt Noble, take a bow. Enjoy the rest from senior rugby commitments. Now the real challenge awaits, Derelicts rugby!
We would like to wish you, Ali and Charlie all the best as you enjoy some more family time. You all deserve it.
The Dorking Rugby Family.
