Falcons Academy victorious in the Battle of Dorking

Having lost their previous Surrey Waterfall Cup game to Sutton & Epsom, the Falcons Academy (FA) headed East to face another collaborative team Dorking & Cobham a.k.a. Dorkham - a win very much the order of the day. Speaking of 'orders', prior to kick-off it was revealed that Mimi had NOT visited the Golden Arches on route to order her pre-game meal . . . was this a sign of more troubling times to come?

The planned squad of 18 was further depleted with a couple of late call-offs through illness. Nevertheless, with nearby Box Hill shrouded in mist, the game got underway on a tacky playing surface. Both sides showed adventurous intent and a desire to exert a physical edge. The former, however, was being hampered by a number of knock-ons resulting in a steady stream of scrums - those hardworking forwards will no doubt have felt it for a day or two.

Four minutes in and Freya took a knock to her recently-recovered shoulder whilst in the act of blunting a promising Dorkham attack. Clearly feeling the after effects, she left the field to be replaced by Ilse. During her two spells on the field today, Ilse - playing in one of her first competitive games thus far this season - barely put a foot wrong. Both of those feet were resplendent in a pair of fabulous pink socks!

With six minutes on the clock the home side landed the first blow - a powering run blasted through a number of attempted tackles resulting in the first try. Extras added, battle lines had been drawn by the opposition - a squad filled with Surrey County and/or Quins Centre of Excellence players. However, this FA squad has similar quality right the way through it, but more importantly a growing sense of togetherness. The 10th minute was a prime example of this.

Whereas Dorkham's first score was a searing individual effort, FA roared back into the game with a fabulous 'team' try. Backs and forwards made real headway into oppo territory via slick handling and purposeful running - ending with Mimi adding another try to her season's haul in the right corner. Tegan's well-struck conversion fell short, but no matter - the FA clearly accepted Dorkham's challenge . . . game on!

Tails up, FA were very much on the front foot. None more so than the ever-progressive Ella. A 35 (possibly 40) metre run left a trail of destruction in her wake - not too shabby considering the dodgy ankle she was nursing. However, moments later FA were penalised for being offside. From the resultant quickly taken penalty the home side crossed the whitewash to re-establish a seven-point lead. Soon after Freya returned to the fray, but Ilse's time on the sidelines wrapped from the elements was short-lived . . . more on that later.

Within titanic struggles such as this, it is often easy to overlook what turns out to be a real game changing moment. However, on the 26th minute Dorkham were beginning to turn the screw and once again bore down on the visitor's line. In the ensuing melee the ball ended up over the line, but was expertly held up by the FA defence - nail-biting stuff.

Moments later Ilse reappeared to replace skipper Tegan. Dorkham made decent headway into the FA half and with the try-line looming Tegan stopped the oppo player in her tracks. Unfortunately in doing so she took a bang to the knee and was helped from the field. Undeterred, the FA started to string territory-gaining phases together; passes were sticking and the pressure finally told. Awarded a penalty deep in the Dorkham half, the girls opted for a quick tap. Further ground was gained from the first drive, quick ball was moved left and ended in the mitts of Ella who crossed under the posts. Extras added by Phoebe, the first half ended 12-12 . . . and breathe.

Half-time oranges (a.k.a. Haribo!?) scoffed, it took a mere three minutes for the FA to move ahead for the first time in the match. They took advantage of an attacking scrum - a set piece that the girls dominated throughout the game - working the ball out to Hattie who made no mistake. Rich reward for a strong all-round performance. Further riches were to come the way of the FA - although perhaps not in the manner that most expected. Outstanding ball retention, rapid recycling at the ruck and a fleet-footed break from Freya ended with the referee awarding the FA a penalty try for a reckless tackle.

After a wee bit of discussion the game resumed FA 24-12 to the good - bonus point secured. Game over surely? Not a chance as Dorkham regrouped and crossed for their third try following their own attacking scrum - despite it being marched back by the FA pack. Resolute stuff from the home side - nothing less than any on the touchlines would expect. There was a real sense of 'edge' to proceedings now with some bone-crunching tackles being made, but very much within the spirit of the game. The physicality and fitness on show can only be admired particularly when considering the relative lack of numbers on the bench.

Having moments earlier gone down with an ankle injury, Ella decided to run it off with the ball tucked under her arm and crossed for her second try of the game - inspiring stuff from the stand-in skipper. The cheers from the visiting parents could be heard by ramblers atop Box Hill! Phoebe plopped over another successful conversion; 31-17. Two converted tries ahead with 13 minutes to go - surely too much for Dorkham to haul back . . . nonsense. There was an increase in urgency to the home side's work; when they crossed for their bonus point-clinching try AND added the extras we were back to a seven-point game. Nuts!

Even the normally unflappable Sam was experiencing a 50p/20p moment - pacing up and down the touchline. Had the game ended a draw then, Dorkham would have taken the spoils courtesy of their scoring the first try. However, the girls were clearly oblivious to his fluttering heart as they pressed forward with the game moving towards its final moments. The pressure eventually told as Dorkham were pinged for an infringement about 18 metres out just to the left of the posts. Kick to the corner? Quick tap and go? Both were possibly considered, but the kicking tee was called for and Phoebe took her time - settling herself for a chance to seal the victory.

Cue scenes when the ball tumbled towards and through the posts! 34-24 and that was that. Player of the match? Nah, impossible to distinguish between the solidity in defence and progressiveness in attack of the front five; the mobility and "thou shalt not pass" nature of the back row; the dynamic, front-foot rugby delivered by the ever-changing halfbacks; the composed and industrious centres; the abrasive and creative balance delivered by the back three.

The group have a quick turnaround as they host Basingstoke in the their third and final National Cup group game on Sunday 10th December. Victory will secure a spot in the post-Christmas knockout phase - plenty to play for and all the more reason for those who may not always watch girls rugby to head along to Monkton Lane to cheer on this fabulous bunch.