Both teams were heading in to this National League Two (South) contest with something to prove. Their campaigns had hit some turbulence as they were both on a four game losing streak going into this encounter; and with Shelford only winning three of their eight away matches, there was a sense of optimism amongst the Combe faithful.

However, if there were supposed to be any pre-match nerves it was not evident to the spectators. This was a very winnable game for both camps; but there were no signs of conservative rugby in the initial exchanges. Combe and Shelford were content to throw the ball wide, if need be, and try to stretch the opposing defences. Both fly-halves (Luke Giles of Combe and Harry Owens of Shelford) were comfortable enough to drop back into the pocket and put the ball behind the defence. Combe were close to scoring twice within the first ten minutes. Firstly from the scrum they went wide. From the first phase they shifted the ball to the left and Chris O’Neil put in a soft chip over the defensive line only to see Shelford wing James Grabowski recover and win a 22 drop-out. Moments after, from a lineout in Shelford’s half, Luke Giles tested Grabowski again. He proved though that he was up to the task and recovered, this time to stop Keiran Leeper from scoring. The relentless pressure resulted in Shelford making a crucial mistake which lead to the opening try. 13 minutes in, Owens threw a speculative miss pass only to see Combe centre Nikki Davis pluck it out of the air and run unopposed to place the ball under the posts. Luke Giles successfully added the extra two and Combe were off the mark 7-0. This, however, seemed to encourage Shelford more. Straight from the kick-off Combe were penalised for not rolling away. Determined to strike back immediately, Shelford put the ball into the corner. However, they could not keep their nerve as the lineout was not straight. Shelford were showing more signs of retaliation. Scrum-half Charlie Baker made a break from his own half. They tried to switch play and go out wide to the left but more unforced errors were starting to creep in and winger Taniela Bakoso knocked the ball on. Shelford eventually got something to show for all their efforts and a penalty for not rolling away was punished as Owens got the simple 3-points to make it 7-3 on the 27th minute. This proved to be the difference between the sides going into half-time break.

It may have been a low scoring first half, but it was enthralling viewing. This game was there for the taking and it seemed like the team that could keep their mistakes to a minimum would emerge victorious. Combe started the second half in the worst possible manner. With the second half barely under way, Charlie Baker, yet again, made a break to put Shelford deep in Combe’s half. Support arrived just in time for Shelford to play the ball before Combe could reorganise their defence. They went left and centre Pecell Nacanvuto threw a miss pass to put in replacement wing Steve Smith to run in the first of his two tries. A difficult angle for Owens saw him hook the conversion. Despite this Shelford took the lead for the first time by the smallest of margins, 7-8. Like with Shelford in the first half, Combe were suddenly spurred on. In the 56th Minute Combe had a penalty which they put out for a five-meter lineout. After securing the lineout they drove Shelford’s pack back with incredible force to drive the mall over the white-wash. Emerging from the crowd of players was James Linfield to claim the try. Giles continued his good kicking form to slot the conversion and put the home side back in front 14-8. The recurring theme of the match was both sides not being able to capitalise on their position. This score proved to be no different. Less than five minutes later Shelford’s Nacanvuto and Smith combined for the second time to score in the left corner yet gain. This time it was from a scrum and instead of Nacanvuto throwing the miss pass, he put in a little grubber to find his winger in the corner. With the arrears now reduced to a solitary point, it was vital that Owens got the conversion. However, like the previous conversion from the same spot, he hooked it left and Combe maintained the smallest of leads 14-13. With time running out, Combe were determined to put the game to rest. This is exactly what they did. 10 minutes from time, after successfully going through the phases, replacement John Wright took the ball from the base of the ruck to crash over the line. Giles, with a perfect 100% kicking display, slotted the extra two, 21-13. Shelford were desperate to get at least a point out of the game. Owens, after missing his previous three, made amends to get a penalty to put them back within seven and more importantly a bonus point, 21-16. Shelford desperately tried to pinch the lead back right at the end but were plagued by unforced errors. Combe, just managing to hold their lead, claimed an important victory while Shelford ensured they left with a bonus point.

Combe XV: Chris O’Neil, Tom Hockedy, Nikki Davis, Ben Hough, Keiran Leeper, Luke Giles, Charlie Edwards; Ben Mickinnell, Hamish Barton, Dale Bellinger, Tom Clarke, Nick Coles, James Lindfield, George Blomfeild, John West.
Subs: Jordan Mitchell, John Wright, Harry Fry, Daniel Toms, Ryan Fuller

Match Reporter: Jarryd McKenna