FOR the second week running Dorking racked up a big score for the concession of just five points to maintain their lead at the top of National League Three London going into the Christmas break.
Dorking unusually lost the toss and had to play down the slope in the first half but it was pretty clear from the outset that despite some gritty defence from an injury-ravaged Guernsey side, the pace and execution of the phases by Dorking was going to prove a handful for the islanders to manage.
With a clear statement of intent Dorking put on a dazzling opening ten minutes with the ball moving quickly from phase to phase to create spaces and opportunities, resulting in two tries, first for Ryan Jeffery and then for Ian White, both out wide which made for difficult and unsuccessful conversions.
The set-piece functioned well, particularly the lineout, which Dorking varied well with quick ball off the top or well executed catch and drives which ensured good yards were gained.
Around the pitch there were good ball carrying contributions from Armand Roux, Fraser MacDonald and Ross Grimstone.
More time in the Guernsey 22 provided ample opportunities to keep up the pressure and eventually with Guernsey expecting the ball to be spun wide, the ever alert Steve Munford dummied at the base of a ruck and forced his way over under the posts. He got up to convert for 17-0 to increase his already impressive tally for the season.
Director of rugby Richie Andrews' decision to play Alrich Muller on the wing was then vindicated as, after some clever inter-play with Jeffery, Muller looped round to take the return pass and make good ground to score in the corner. Munford defied the conditions and converted from out wide to make the score 24-0 at half-time.
A key factor this season has been Dorking's improved defence – most importantly not just in their own 22, but in all areas of the pitch and again this proved to be a positive factor with an impressive rush defence causing the green and white backs to spill a ball on halfway which was kicked over the try line for the ever-present White to gather and score, converted by Munford for 31-0.
Ben Tyler at full-back was having probably his best game this term for Dorking.
He gave an all round demonstration of top quality skills ranging from tackling, line clearance, defensive organisation and most impressively his kick, chase and Aussie Rules style catching.
Equally, his attacking with ball in hand was exceptional, making ground and creating space for others.
The next score was down to a Tyler half break and he put the supporting Ben Lucas in to space on halfway and the leggy Lucas showed good pace to outstrip the defenders and score a converted try.
Tyler was next to benefit from a set move straight off the training pitch. Fly-half Cameron Pimlow fired out an excellent 20 metre pass to Tyler who took the ball at full pace leaving the scrambling defenders no chance as he crossed for the next converted try.
Fred Evans moved to hooker and was joined by his brother George in the front row -– a proud moment for father and club chairman Jim Evans.
Guernsey still looked for opportunities and a sustained period of pressure resulted in a try which was just reward for playing right to the end.
The home side had the last say though with the clock approaching the 80-minute mark and with the gloom descending there was just time for a glimpse of the talent that lies in this youthful Dorking squad.
Nineteen-year-old Tom Hunt came onto the wing for the last ten minutes and after a couple of phases from the restart Dorking turned over the ball which was quickly moved to Hunt on halfway.
Having made 20 metres Hunt cleverly spun out of a tackle and continued up the touchline. The covering defence looked certain to catch him, but dipping his shoulder and showing immense strength he crashed over for the try in the corner. The missed conversion bought the match to an end 50-5 in Dorking's favour.
Dorking: Tyler, R Lucas, MacDonald, Jeffery, Pimlow, Munford, White, Vermont, Higgins, Roux, Dobson, Knight, Grimstone, F Evans, Hunt, B Lucas, G Evans.
