If last week’s challenge in the heat wasn’t hard enough, Combe’s first home game was against demoted Esher RFC on one of the hottest September days in memory.

Westcombe Park met Esher for the teams’ first encounter since the early 1990s. Newly promoted Combe knew this would be a serious challenge and this proved to be the case after only 4 minutes when Esher finished off a rolling maul by number 8 Harvey Scott.

Combe hit back quickly when Raf Dutta scored a try which stand-off Alex Cahill converted.

The home side’s cause wasn’t helped by two yellow cards in quick succession and the visitors scored twice through Charlie Crawley and James Botterill. With all tries converted by Sam Morley, Esher had a commanding lead which was extended to 28-7 with a Henry Benson score 5 minutes before the end of the half.

After last week’s stirring second half against TJs the Goddington Dene faithful had their fingers crossed for a repeat performance.

Combe had an explosive start to the second period when flanker Harry Hudson scored from a sweet inside pass almost immediately from the restart. The home team closed the gap further when Sam Rhodes crossed and it narrowed again with Dutta’s second of the match following a number of off-loading attacking moves down the left. Successful kicks from Cahill meant it was a one point game at 27-28.

However Esher’s greater experience at this level proved too much as scores from converted tries by Dan Rowland and Jack Rowse made Esher comfortable winners at 27-42.

Another bonus point for Combe and next week the side are on the road again to face fellow promotes Wimbledon. Let’s hope for cooler conditions and a Combe win.

Match reporter - John Vallely
Photographer - David Barnes