2pm Men's Group: Old Elthamians v Dorking RFC

Saturday 1st November 2014

Old Elthamians v Dorking RFC

2pm at Old Elthamians Foxbury Avenue/Perry Street, Chislehurst BR7 6HA
Men's Group will be supporting Old Elthamians at this classic rugby match.

Parking is at Chislehurst School for Girls on Beaverwood Road BR7 6HE

Old Elthamians is L B Bromley’s highest ranked rugby club, having been promoted to National 2 South (the 4th tier of English rugby) at the end of last season. Only Blackheath is ranked higher in Kent. It is also the highest ranked old boys club in the country although, whilst there still is a strong connection with Eltham College, it has been an open club since 1972. At the time of writing, OE’s are 6th in the table with 15 points (3 wins, 2 losses).

Dorking RFC is now regarded as something of a “local” rival. Last year’s home match was a tense affair, turning on a controversial red card (which was subsequently rescinded on appeal), with Dorking securing a draw with the last kick of the game. This was significant as Dorking went on to win the league on points difference leaving OE’s having to secure promotion through a playoff. The game is guaranteed to be exciting and with much banter with the away supporters anticipated. Dorking are currently in 3rd place.

OEs are in the process of moving grounds, so all home matches this season are being played at the Queen Mary University grounds in Perry Street, Chislehurst (access for pedestrians is equidistance between Foxbury Avenue and Beaverwood Road). Do not go to Foxbury which was the former ground.

There is a covered stand for those who prefer to sit and the bar in the pavilion is open before, during and after the match. Kick-off is scheduled for 14.00 and admission is by programme (£5) available on the gate.

I suggest that for those coming from Bromley we could meet at the bus stop at 12.45 outside the old police station in Widmore Road and catch the 269 which stops about 300 yards either side of the entrance.

If you are coming by car, there is a dedicated free car park on the northern side of Beaverwood Girls School, off Beaverwood Road. From there you can access the ground via a gateway between the school and the grounds without having to walk back to the Perry Street entrance. You will be prevented from using the car park off Perry Street as this is reserved for players and officials, so please do not attempt to do this as it is very difficult to back out on to the main road or turn around.

Whilst we don’t need to know definite numbers, it would help to have an indication, so please let Neil Thompson know if you will be coming along and whether you will be getting the 269.

This should be a really enjoyable afternoon. Look forward to hearing from you.

All are very welcome.