Written by Amber Waitimas
Dorking 17- 24 Canterbury Women 1st XV
Canterbury Women delivered a composed and physical performance on the road to secure a 24–17 victory over Dorking, with a dominant first half laying the platform for a hard-fought win.
Canterbury started with real intent, controlling territory and building pressure through their forward pack. Early carries from Lizzie Deverson, Rosie Payne and Ellie Rowe set the tone, while second-row partnership Amber Waitimas and Emma Alleyne brought physicality in the tight exchanges. However, an early setback saw Waitimas forced off through injury, with Mary Trimmer introduced earlier than expected and quickly making her presence felt around the park.
That disruption did little to slow Canterbury’s momentum. Sustained pressure close to the line, built through a series of pick and go phases, saw Hannah Sandeman crash over for the opening try. Robyn Gulley added the conversion to give Canterbury a deserved lead.
The forwards continued to dominate, with Lucy Relf and El Crowe carrying hard and consistently getting over the gain line. Following another sustained period of pressure and repeated infringements from Dorking during a pick and go sequence on the try line, the referee awarded a penalty try after a series of high tackles.
With Ella Jenkins providing quick, accurate service from the base, Canterbury maintained a high tempo. Strong support play from Layla Little and Lola Yuille-Clough ensured continuity in midfield, while Alice Hayward and Teagan Febrey posed threats out wide. The third try came through Gulley, who controlled proceedings expertly, spotting space, she broke the line to score before converting her own try, sending Canterbury into the break with a commanding 21–0 lead.
Dorking came out strongly in the second half, applying pressure and finding more rhythm in attack. However, Canterbury’s defence stood firm. Emily Moriarty, alongside her back three unit, provided a composed and reliable final line, dealing well with Dorking’s attempts to stretch play wide.
The second half was a physical contest, with both sides engaging in strong maul play. Canterbury turned defence into attack at a key moment, creating a maul from a high Dorking carry and earning a penalty advantage. Quick ball from Jenkins kept Dorking on the back foot, with direct carries repeatedly breaking the gain line and forcing offside penalties.
Gulley added a crucial penalty to extend Canterbury’s lead as Dorking began to build momentum. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Canterbury’s defensive structure held strong. Their aggressive line speed and well organised drift defence shut down attacking opportunities, with Sandeman once again outstanding in defence.
El Crowe’s powerful ball carrying continued to draw in multiple defenders, creating space for others, while Relf led from the front. As fatigue set in during the closing stages, her energy and physicality lifted the side, helping to disrupt Dorking’s attacking phases and regain control.
The bench made a significant impact, with Alexia Scarpulla, Claire Bernthal and Monique Beaumont adding fresh energy to the pack, while Lucy Spencer, Ellie Desborough and Mimi Jupe brought intensity and composure to see out the game.
Forward of the match was awarded to El Crowe for her relentless carrying and presence across the pitch, while back of the match went to Ella Jenkins for her control of both forwards and backs, and her excellent work at the base of the ruck to manage the game. A special mention goes to skipper Lucy Relf, whose leadership and determination helped lift the team at key moments, driving standards and energy when it mattered most.
Ultimately, it was a complete squad performance. From the first whistle to the last, Canterbury showed determination, resilience and togetherness to secure a well earned away victory, a result built on discipline, physicality and collective effort.
