Rugby: Dorking pull away from Raiders with second half show

Guernsey Raiders slipped to defeat on the road after Dorking powered away from them in the second half.

Raiders trip to The Big Field should have happened in November, but was postponed because of Storm Bert.

Then on the morning of the match Guernsey were left kicking their heels at the airport as planes went tech, but eventually they arrived for a delayed start.

Henry Anscombe put Dorking in front with two early penalties before Raiders worked their way into the lead, first through the boot of Charlie Simmonds and then a converted Anthony Armstrong try.

Defences were on top for much of the rest of the half, before a Dorking break at the nadfs of Max Coyle fed Tom Howe who crossed for the try. That was converted and the home side went in 13-10 to the good.

The players in red and white started the second half at pace, with Howe grabbing his second try just two minutes in. Six minutes later Coyle grabbed another try and the game had a very different complexion at 27-10.

Dorking spurned a couple more chances but lost a player to the bin. Raiders made the extra man count when James Burger scored off a catch and drive. The conversion was missed.

Just five minutes later Raiders lost Bradley Webb to a red card after a clash of heads in the tackle.

Dorking took full advantage of having the extra man.

A rolling maul sent Callum Watson over to make it 32-15, then just three minutes later Coyle was sent through for his second try after Steve Howorth broke through Raiders midfield.

Raiders grabbed their third try as the match ticked into the last moments through Matthew Creber, while a Dorking penalty meant it finished 40-20.