Heartbreak as Rams Colts make National Cup exit

RAMS Colts coach Dave Cox paid tribute to Dorking’s phenomenal defence after his side exited the National Cup at the last 16 stage for the second consecutive year, the Berkshire boys edged out 13-8.

In a game of ferocious physicality played out in front of a vociferous crowd, the visitors missed an early penalty before a key couple of minutes.

Having already powered a couple of driving mauls hurtling forward, the hosts looked set to open the scoring from a five-metre line-out, only for an overthrow to let Dorking off the hook.

And the visitors then went down the field, scoring from a set-piece of their own which also led to Rams being temporarily reduced to 14 men.

Sam Rodger was then unable to get the home side off the mark with a penalty attempt, Dorking up 5-0 at the interval.

Another opportunity came and went early in the second period as Jordan Navetta’s

A simple Dorking penalty made it a two-score game before their opponents missed for a third time from the tee.

But hope arrived in front of Clubhouse Corner, Ollie Preston riding a maul over to reduce the arrears.

And Rams were then so near to taking the lead as wave after wave of attack eventually ended with them held up over the line. The momentum was well and truly with the home side as Navetta levelled matters with a penalty eight minutes from time, but Dorking regrouped well.

And despite missing a three-pointer of their own, the Surrey side sealed the deal with a close-range score with the final play to reach the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on a brutal battle, Cox said: “You could say it’s one that got away, but you also have to give credit to Dorking.

“We know how difficult playing away in the National Cup is, and fair play to them for getting over the line. Their defence was outstanding — we had a lot of territory but came up against an absolute brick wall.

“They had two opportunities in our 22 and took them. It’s small margins in high-pressure games and we wish them well.

“We said before the game about executing under pressure because it’s so important, especially in cup games, and we were a little bit off.

“As a collective at half-time we were a bit frustrated both as players and coaches, but the second-half response was outstanding.”

And while disappointed to fall four wins from glory, the coach, involved with the club for 28 years, immediately set his sights on a strong finish to the campaign.

He ended: “Rugby is about creating memories and while this won’t be a positive one, it’s something which can help them become better players.

“It’s a bit of a cliché but you do sometimes learn more in defeat than winning — the guys will gain a layer of resilience from the disappointment, and everyone should still walk away with their heads held high.

“We’ve still got a third of the season to go, we’re chasing a league opportunity, and we have to move on.”