A try in the opening minute was an indication of more to come, but Combe were not completely clear at half-time. Yet again though Combe’s superior fitness brought the rewards as they piled on the scores in the last quarter, and as importantly kept a clean sheet.
The wind this week was across the pitch, so much of the play was along the downwind touchline. Underfoot it was soft going. Overhead it was cloudy but at least it was dry. Combe were quickly into their stride, re-cycling, and with quick ball Frankie Neale made the opening for Dave Bonner to go over for the first score with barely a minute gone. Not a day for kicking goals unless it was close to the posts. James Cameron added a penalty after Mark Davey had stormed upfield. Quick ball from the tail of a lineout and swift hands saw Ant Hitchcock over for his first. Josh Penney made a break for it but was brought up short. From a quick tap Combe caught Eton back-tracking and the centres found Shaun Dixon on hand to cross out on the left. 18-0 up at half-time. The hosts were holding on but not looking threatening or dangerous. A comeback was a very long shot.
From the re-start Combe dominated proceedings, position, and possession. Second bite from a scrum close to the posts saw second row Tom Clarke put Mark Davey in for the bonus point try, and James Cameron could slot his first conversion. Alex Weighton was again stealing the opposition line-out. Ant Hitchcock was over for his second after approach work by both the Bonners, and Mark Davey again. Into the last quarter, Tom Gray crosses in the corner twice in as many minutes. There are now uncontested scrums as Eton Manor lose their front rowers to injury, but Combe still make their dominance count, everyone is popping up and having a run at the opposition. Frankie Neale back hands an off-load again, Reece Conlon and Matt Poole are full of running, so is Logan Wendt and Mark Davey again. A collective effort sees Ant Hitchcock over by the posts for his hat-trick, James Cameron converts, Logan Wendt from a scrum makes an arcing run and scores, James Cameron converts, Alex Weighton is on hand for an inside pass and touches down by the posts, James Cameron converts. Full time. 63-0.
Next week is Combe’s last home game before the Christmas break, when Wimbledon visit. That will then be Combe having played all the sides in the league. The following week, 19th December, Combe start the return fixtures with another trip across the river, this time to Westcliff, who also are having their struggles at the moment.
Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, J. Penney; J. Cameron, R. Cattanach; R. Conlon, J. Bonner, J. Saunders, A. Weighton, T. Clarke, M. Davey, J. Lindfield, S. Dixon.
Subs: L. Wendt, M. Poole, T. Smith.
Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.