This was one game where Wimbledon actually started the game well and dominated from the outset. The offloading, in the first half in particular, was as good as we have seen them play. An early move initiated by some good work between Jack Blyth and Matt Shaw was rewarded as we passed out to the wing for Oli Moulton to go over in the first 2 or 3 minutes. This was rapidly followed up when Angus Bonner stole the ball to release Charlie McKibben for a great break, scoring under the posts for Louis Hogan to convert the try and take us to 12-0 up with barely 5 minutes gone. Louis was the beneficiary soon afterwards of a great break from Cameron Wilkinson, allowing Louis to score himself this time.

A complete rout seemed to be on the cards, but Dorking came back when their wing broke through several tackles to score on our left for a converted try under the posts. This stirred Wimbledon back into action, another good passing move to our left this time put James Waghorn over in the corner. Some good work in the forwards from Alex Browning and Fraser Wilson who both put in storming runs set up another try from Charlie. Another score under the posts, converted by Louis to take us to 29-7. Soon afterwards a quickly taken penalty saw Angus - having a great game - run most of the length of the pitch and he was unlucky not to score. At this point Dorking once more came back at us, forcing a try-saving tap tackle from Oli and another great tackle from Rob Davies, forcing his man back 5 yards. We then held up Dorking on our line with some great counter-rucking. When our clearing kick came back at us, we were able to turn over the ball, Cameron releasing Rob once more to score under the posts. 36-7 up at half time.

The second half started with some more good moves, but when Dorking got possession we were again guilty of several missed tackles as their wing again broke through to score under the posts. We came back strongly however, with Charlie making a good run again, Lucas making an amazing catch over his shoulder, and Louis unlucky not to score a second try. However the pressure told in the end in the form of a good team move and the ball reached Lucas Strauss on the right wing to go over in the corner. Some more excellent play between Cameron and Lucas resulted in a try for Cameron towards the right touch line - which Louis converted via bounces off the crossbar and left post. 48 -14 up. The game was wrapped up as Charlie went over for his third of the day, and Lucas finished off the scoring with his second of the day. Final score 60-14 and a convincing victory to finish 2010 with.

End-of-year teambuilding in the changing room (limericks attached for those interested) was followed by the youth Christmas Lunch. Many thanks to all those who helped out; Linda and Kitty for providing turkeys, Deborah Pam and Kate for helping with the serving and particularly the Jenkinsons who were carving for over an hour. The Jason Leonard award was made to George and the boys then sportingly came back into the clubhouse to applaud the U18s recieving 10-year-tie awards.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and see you all on the 9th. I will of course be sending more mails out but I'll give you a break for a couple of days. Maybe :)

Regards
Martin