MATCH REPORT: COLTS' BRILLIANT CUP RUN ENDS AT DORKING

RAMS Colts superb National Cup run was halted at the semi-final stage as they went down 56-12 at dazzling Dorking.

The visitors started strongly and enjoyed the majority of possession and territory in the opening 10 minutes, but the Surrey side’s three-quarters gave a glimpse of what was to come as a slick move sent Will Simpson over in the right-hand corner for the opening try.

A second followed quickly afterwards as the hosts won a scrum against the head, more quick handling sending the same player into the same corner.

On this occasion outstanding full-back Charlie Nichol knocked over the extras, but Rams hit back well with Josh Jones riding a maul over the line before Matt Cox converted for 12-7.

Dorking, however, took a firm grip on proceedings before the break, powerful centre Will Darbishire firstly breaking through a tackle to dot down under the posts.

Nichol slotted the kick and then finished off a slick move on the left, and some beautiful, controlled footwork then landed a dagger through the visitors’ hearts on the stroke of half-time.

Dealing with a kick ahead just outside his own 22, he sent a teammate down the left before a boot forward forced a five-metre scrum to the hosts, Darbishire crashing over for his second and a 29-7 advantage.

Any hope of a second-half comeback down the hill were halted early on with firstly a yellow card for a dangerous clear-out, then a sixth Dorking try, man-of-the-match Darbishire running in from 40 metres out to complete his hat-trick.

Nichol could not add the conversion, but a penalty soon after gave his side a 30-point advantage.

Things got worse for the visitors as Cian Tappan was harshly sin-binned for a knock-on on his own line, and that man Darbishire collected his fourth for Nichol to add to for 44-7.

Rams, though, continued to stick to the task, and grabbed a second try of their own via another powerful maul, Obi Nwachuku the man to get the ball down.

Dorking replied ruthlessly, however, fly-half Woody Aldridge gliding under the posts before Nichol brought up the half-century.

A yellow card for back-chat showed Rams’ frustration, and the hosts set the seal on a fabulous performance as yet more marvellous work in the three-quarters sent replacement wing Charlie Aldridge over on the right, full-time called after the conversion attempt missed to the left.