Dorking after their victory over Maidenhead. PHOTO: John Watkins

Submitted for publication in Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser

Dorking recorded a 42-0 victory over Maidenhead as they continue to lead the standings of Premiers London and South East.

Rugby director Armand Roux said: “I am very happy to have won a great home victory in conditions that could have been a drag for us.

“I thought the field was exceptional today and to think we haven’t shot well yet is a scary thought.

“We’re taking it a week at a time and today was just a step towards that end goal.

“Hertford away next weekend will be a good test for us as they are going well.”

Dorking started uphill and after a slow start awarded a penalty, but Maidenhead’s kick went past the posts.

As the weather improved, the Red and Whites had the confidence to organize several phases of the game, bringing the ball back up.

A catch and drive in the lineout saw Jonny Ellis go through for the afternoon’s first down, with captain Matt Noble scoring the conversion for a 7-0 lead at Dorking.

From the kick-off, the ball stayed in midfield. The strong run of a fit Finn Osborne kept Dorking on the front foot, and the front row trio of Charlie Connor, Ellis and James Catton were wreaking havoc on the set piece.

After 30 minutes, Dorking’s pressure turned into points, with flanker Joel Grant diving for his team’s second try of the afternoon, duly transformed by Noble.

Receiving the ball from the kick-off, Dorking was quickly back on the Maidenhead try line and after a succession of scrimmages the referee awarded Dorking a penalty and the Maidenhead scrum-half received a card. yellow.

Opting to reset the scrum, Dorking moved forward to allow Osborne to choose his moment to drop the ball for the afternoon’s third try, again converted to bring the score at halftime to 21-0.

Dorking returned to the fray with a bang. Rookie cross Louis Flynn picked up the ball on kickoff and ran 30 yards before being brought back just before Maidenhead 22.

In perhaps the best game of the afternoon, the ball was swung first left and then right along the back line, with the Jasper King lock handy to receive the ball in mid-flight. before going for the bonus point test.

Maidenhead pushed back and when they had the ball their back line looked aggressive and dangerous. Their winger was and only prevented from scoring in the side by a nice cover tackle from Captain Noble.

Dorking’s peloton regained control and moved forward again, this time led by a run from Steve Howorth, which allowed Ellis to roll for his second try of the afternoon, again converted by Noble.

Soon after, Osborne was on hand to retrieve his second, picking up the base of a melee and bypassing the blind side to land. After the conversion was successful, Dorking led 42-0.

Coach Roux emptied the bench after 60 minutes with Max Sheldrake, Daragh Chambers and Henry Smith replacing Catton, Jasper King and George Jackson.

However, despite penetrating attacks from both sides, the tackle remained resolute and there was to be no more scoring.

As Maidenhead pushed for a consolation try, the ball was knocked down and from the scrum that followed, Noble kicked the ball into touch to end the game.

Dorking Advertiser covers areas including, but not limited to, Dorking, Leather head, Fetcham, Leigh, Betchworth, Buckland, Charlwood and Epsom in Surrey.

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