CS Let it slip in Autumn sun

After a blistering start the Stags held a 24-3 advantage but they were unable to press home that advantage when in the second half they played into the low autumn sun. Ultimately, they allowed Dorking a late converted try for the visitors to snatch victory and all 5 points.

CS kicked off and started well with the sun on their backs. On 4 minutes the CS backs broke wide and with the line approaching managed to find No 8 Tom Williams who scored 5 – 0. On 8 minutes centre Tom Hodgson kicked his first penalty and in reply Dorking took on a penalty from the half way line which they also converted 8 -3. Hodgson kicked 2 more penalties and then on 30 minutes full back Houstoun broke and when he kicked ahead was brought down by a late tackle. The Dorking tackler was yellow carded and the penalty, from where the ball landed was converted by Hodgson 17-3. Whilst a man up Stags had a promising break, moved the ball wide left for Zac Stamp to score in the corner with Hodgson converting. 24-3. Before Stags got to the half time break, Dorking attacked down the right and scored a converted try to leave the score 24-10 at the break. The half time rest and intelligence proved to be of greater benefit to Dorking, who scored within a minute of the restart 24-17. However, the Stags showed some fighting spirit and prop James Buncle crossed for Hodgson to convert,31-17. With less than 10minutes on the clock Stags from a penalty were looking for touch. However touch was missed and the Dorking right wing ran it straight back and broke through the centre and despite the tackle, momentum was sufficient to bag the try 31-24,. Hodgson then converted two further penalty attempts 37-24, and Stags were still very much in the match. With about ten minutes left prop Craig Bellringer was yellow carded and instead of going for goal Dorking took a quick tap and scored 37-31. Dorking with a man advantage were looking for a fourth try and all 5 points on offer. They succeeded in scoring, 37-38. The Stags then had a short while to look for the score to deny Dorking victory, but came up a bit short. Next week Stags hope to get back to winning ways away to Sidcup.