....coming up against a determined and motivated home side who kept it simple just playing to their own strengths. Combe’s mixture of familiar faces and new recruits were slow out of the blocks. Like the curate’s egg they may have been good in parts, but were always behind and left the final flourish too late. Everyone on the pitch was a little rusty after the summer lay-off. Mistakes, misunderstandings, penalties. But the underdogs had the appetite and in true Cup tradition got their reward.

It was still summer - bright sunshine, firm underfoot and a gentle breeze down the slope. Combe stated briskly enough showing a willingness and facility to run the ball, but found themselves behind after seven minutes when with a second shot at goal Charlton Park opened with a penalty kick (3 - 0). Combe struck back with a Luke Giles penalty after Graham Purdy had made inroads ( 3-3 ). From the kick-off Dylan Flashman burst through , and found Hamish Barton the front row on hand, but Charlton Park’s defence held firm. Bryan Young, having completed two big tackles on his opposite number, also came close but short of the line. Having relieved the siege, Charlton Park with a penalty , then line-out, then driving maul made significant yards up to the Combe 22, before their back-rower broke off clear for a try by the posts. It was converted for a 10-3 lead. On the half hour, Combe’s back three linked and countered, only for the home side to concede another kickable penalty for Luke Giles in front of the posts for 10-6. Approaching half time Charlton Park pressed again. They were enjoying scrum time, and having set up camp in the left hand corner their other back-rower went over on a short ball for their second try. (15-6).The conversion attempt hit the post. The nervous home supporter might have thought that a nine point lead was not quite enough to defend. The optimistic Combe supporter may have thought it could be turned around in the second half now with the elements in their favour, so long as they had a little more possession , cut out mistakes, and could get over the line…….

At the re-start Combe also set up camp in the left corner close to the Charlton Park line. Now Combe’s pack were getting the better of the tight exchanges, and after a series of conceded penalties Combe won a penalty try award, which Ian Gordon converted to bring the score back to 15-13. Plenty of time yet, or so it seemed. A hold up for an injury to Charlton Park’s scrum-half, a drinks break for everyone, and with both sides making errors and giving away penalties, time was slipping by. It was Charlton Park who had the next score, a penalty kick from another driving maul they had set up ( 18- 13 ). Combe pounded the Charlton Park line again in the left hand corner. Close on several occasions, but not over. The home side cleared upfield and won a penalty. The kick hit the upright and the two wingers following up combined, one to field the rebound and the other to claim the try. No conversion, but 23-13 ahead with only minutes remaining. Combe put in another effort this time in the right hand corner. They won penalties and line-outs and scrums but were eating up time as well. Charlton Park were determined to hold out, but eventually their line was breached when Combe worked Matt Poole over for a try, converted by Ian Gordon. 23-20, but that was the final whistle.

Next week the league season starts with an away game at Barnes. The first home game at Goddington Dene is against Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday 14 th September, kick-off 3.00 pm. This is preceded by a supporters’ lunch, for which there are still places available ( see the Combe web site for booking details).

Westcombe Park XV : B. Hough; O. Dixon, L. Maybank, G. Purdy, B. Young; L. Giles, G. Taylor; T. Kavanagh, R’ Lewis, M. Poole, J. Wright, T. Clarke, D. Flashman, H. Barton, L. Bellinger.
Sub.s : I. Gordon, B. Fourie, J. Taylor.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.