04 Feb 2026
Old Albanians 45-38 Dorking
Match report by Gary Wiles-Rourke, photos by Neil Baldwin
OAs edged a very tight contest in a game for the ages last Saturday as they had to be at their best to beat a determined Dorking.
A late venue change due to the weather took the game to Harpenden RFC and their all-weather surface. Dorking started the game the brighter of the two sides, and yet it was OAs that struck first through Charlie Fleckney. The visitors hit back almost straight away scoring two quick tries through George Head and Bryan Hotston to rock OAs back on their heels.
Once ahead, Dorking looked to consolidate their lead and after a good spell of pressure they crossed the whitewash again through Steve Howorth, after further pressure Tom Hardwick kicked a penalty to put Dorking in control. However the game turned again as Head was sent to the sin bin for Dorking and it was OAs’ turn to respond with two fine tries before the half time whistle. Alex Noot was first to cross followed by a fine run and determined finish by Josh Skelcey, 17-24 at the break.
After the break, OAs approached the game with renewed vigor and after Hotston was sent to the bin Charlie Fleckney added his second try of the game to level the scores before Alex Ricci finished a great move to put OAs ahead, and then the game turned on its head yet again!
Elliot McPhun was penalised after an accumulation of misdemeanours and sent to the sin bin for going offside. Dorking then pushed on and tries by Caleb Falloon and a great try by Calum Barrett put the visitors back ahead.
But OAs responded like potential champions, rolling their sleeves up and playing some great rugby, with Archie Radanovic sprinting half the length of the field to score.
With time ticking down and the scores level, Elliot McPhun made up for his yellow card with a superb break and scored under the posts to clinch a very important five points for the hosts.
Important indeed it was with Oundle winning 21-3 at home to Henley Hawks, but failing to register a bonus point which pushed OAs lead to three points at the top of National League 2 East.
OAs do not have another home rubber in the League this month, however they travel to Oundle on February 21, via a trip to Canterbury on the 14th!
The game at Oundle looks to be ‘the’ pivotal game in the run in to the end of the season as to who may eventually claim the championship and promotion to National League 1. It’s all to play for!
