Final Warm up shows lots of work still to do

On this last Saturday of August we started the game in very bright but breezy conditions which made play a bit of a challenge and then a sharp shower drove all but the most hardy supporters to seek cover - rugby is back.
With a much changed looking black and ambers, missing a number of players due to retirement, Hoff, sabbaticals, Voighty and transfers, Mac, Woody and Hasty this was always going to be an interesting game as the new look side began to learn about each other's game and also for the new boys understanding the 'play book'.
Despite the initial scrum looking good and some first touches from Sam and Jaid we saw another newcomer, flanker Matt almost through only to be pulled back for a forward pass and soon the black and ambers were behind when they failed to react quickly enough to a quick tap penalty by the opposition which resulted in a try.
We then saw Hughsey on the charge into the Dorking 22 but again final passes were not accurate enough however on this occasion Cam took advantage of their field position when quick ball saw Smarty glide through a gaping hole in the Dorking defence to dot down under the posts.
Dorking soon got their noses in front however from a maul on the Cam 22 the ball seemed to fly out into the hands of the Dorking 9 who strolled over under the posts and this was followed by another Dorking try when poor defence by the black and ambers was punished by the pacey visitors.
Just before half time Jaid charged deep into the Dorking 22 but the support could not capitalise on this opportunity.
The second half started briskly for Cam and some great attacking play saw Baggers, on as a replacement at half time, cross in the corner.
Dorking replied almost immediately when they set up camp in the Cam 22 and eventually dotted down out wide for their 4th try.
Again Cam showed what they were capable of when another break by Baggers took play deep into the Dorking 22 and when it was quickly recycled we saw Jaid crash over in the corner.
Dorking added another try in the closing minutes but by now with so many changes both sides had begun to lose their shape in what had been a pretty good hit out for both sides.
As with the 2s there was some pretty good stuff from the black and ambers with a number of the new players looking sharp - Dom and Ryan in the row worked hard all afternoon and with Hughsey, Cam clearly shaded the lineout. Young Matt at flanker in his first game at adult level looks a great addition to the squad and young props Harry and Ricky, who both had a half, will have gained immeasurably from the experience while Sam and Jaid in the backs showed plenty of pace and skill despite the threequarters in general lacking their normal sharpness in attack and defence.
So overall a satisfying Saturday for the coaches and seemingly injury free although Bazza our young man mountain prop who, when the rain came, ran to the touchline to change his white and pink boots for a green and blue pair (who ever heard of props even having 2 pairs of boots let alone coloured ones!!) did complain about being injured after the game.

Plenty of workons and also lots of positives for the coaches who no doubt are already planning Tuesday and Thursday's drills.

So our first league game is next week away at HAC - check the website later in the week to confirm details of where the game will be played while the 2s travel to Cornish for a friendly which will ko at 2.00

And Finally - well not too much to report from Castle Grim - at last the rest of the rugby world has had a chance to see how good a scrum half 57 is and seemingly with 2 other players off to Japan with Italy and one with the guys who wear skirts its probably a blessing for the C&W faithful that EJ sees no place for Cips who of course will be joined this season by Joe Simpson (keeping the place warm for 57?).