On a bitterly cold windy day, Vandals and Dorking faced each other in a rescheduled League 3 match.
Almost a full first choice squad for Vandals seemed fully up for the challenge of playing a team who were in League 1 last year.
The match started with Vandals in good form, winning rucks and scrums to present good quick ball for James Gulliver to pick and go from the base of the scrum, running through the covering winger to go over unopposed for the first score after 5 minutes. The conversion was missed.
Dorking came back into the game, using their large players to good effect, although Vandals defended well with some good tackles being made. Eventually Dorking found a gap and went through for their first score, again the conversion was missed.
Vandals started to perform to the high standards we know they can play at and disrupted Dorking at every opportunity. Rory Burtenshaw very evident at breakdowns, stripping the ball or turning their player. A solid Vandals scrum on the halfway line gave James Gulliver the chance to run at the winger again and he burst through the tackle but was caught just 3 metres out and was able to pop the ball to James Shaw who was supporting and when he too was tackled the ball was popped up to Rory Burtenshaw in support, who went over for a try. The conversion was kicked by Harry Weatherall.
Pressure from Dorking after the restart saw them going for Vandals line only to lose the ball forward at the point of scoring. It was picked up by James Gulliver who went across the in goal area and then burst upfield, throught he Dorking defence which didn't put a finger on him. He managed to go the full length of the pitch to score under the post which was converted by Harry Weatherall. Dorking managed to find another gap in the defence as Vandals were slow to close them down and score an unconverted try. Following the restart Vandals put great pressure on Dorking who eventually were penalised. The rsultant penalty being handed to Max McArdle who charged into the defence and managed to force his way over for an unconverted try. Half time was blown and the score was Vandals 24 Dorking 10.
Injuries, replacements and shuffling of players to Vandals meant that they were disorganised for a period at the start of the second half which Dorking took full advantage of, scoring 5 tries, 2 which were converted, mainly through not closing the player down quickly enough.
Vandals fought well throughout the second half with Elliot Lewis forcing over for an unconverted try. Eventually, after great pressure from Vandals, Dorking were penalised in their 22 and after some comment were moved closer to their line. The resultant penalty was driven over by Max McArdle and the kick from the 5 metre line was successful from Harry Weatherall.

The final score was Vandals 36 and Dorking 39 with 13 tries scored.

This was a game, there to be won but there is certainly no disgrace in losing to such a strong side. The game was closely fought and Vandals passion and determination was great to see. There were plenty of great examples to build on - fantastic game to watch.

Man of the match was a difficult choice but went to Max McArdle for his passion and determination around the pitch, leading by example. Max was closely followed by James Gulliver and Rory Burtenshaw for their individual performances.