Barnes welcomed Dorking 2s to Barn Elms knowing full well this was never going to be a friendly reunion. Dorking arrived with long memories and a very sharp sense of revenge after the pre-Christmas league encounter, and they made their intentions clear before Barnes had quite finished lacing their boots.

A sluggish start saw Barnes concede twice early doors, the visitors racing into a 0–14 lead while Barnes searched for rhythm, shape, and possibly the snooze button. Credit where it’s due, though this Barnes side never folded, even when the tide was running strongly the wrong way.
The fightback began with a moment to remember as Ethan Hurst, on debut, announced himself in the best possible way: straight under the posts, no fuss, welcome to senior rugby. Shortly after, Jake Williams decided walking was overrated and flew down the wing to crash over in the corner, levelling the scores at 14–14 and briefly reminding everyone that Barnes do, in fact, know how to play rugby.

Unfortunately, Dorking didn’t read the script. They responded with a ruthless spell before the break, punishing missed tackles and loose edges to take a commanding 33–14 lead into half-time.

The second half followed a familiar pattern Barnes battling gamely, Dorking capitalising clinically. One highlight worth the admission fee came courtesy of Ian Leonard, who decided that turnovers are best followed by solo efforts, jackalling the ball before running in a superb try from 50 metres like a man late for last orders.

Despite flashes of quality and a refusal to throw in the towel, Dorking’s depth and cohesion told as they pulled away in the closing stages. The scoreboard grew uncomfortable, but the effort never dipped.

Final score aside, Barnes showed heart, welcomed a debutant onto the scoresheet, and were reminded that rugby has a cruel way of punishing slow starts. Lessons learned, bruises earned, and onto the next one because this group doesn’t stop turning up.
Man of the match Olly Cooke

Final score: Barnes 2s / Outriders 21 – 68 Dorking 2s