Combe re-write the form book at Old Albanians

Combe, belying their league placing, turned in a titanic performance at table toppers Old Albanians, and although ultimately undone came away with considerable credit and a well-earned bonus point. The final score 24-18 was Albanians’ narrowest victory since early January in a winning sequence that now extends to the beginning of November, and five more league points that keep them ahead in the title race. They were made to earn them, and in a thrilling finish the fat lady was kept waiting before she could start singing…….
After a week of spring sunshine the weather had turned. A chill wind blew across the pitch into the clubhouse, it was overcast, but otherwise conditions were good. Albanians received the kick-off and confidently began their business - ball retention, swift handling, sharp running lines, support play in plenty. However it was Combe with first points on the scoreboard after four minutes and a first visit to the Albanians’ half. Joe Simpson slotted over his penalty kick for 0-3 lead. Combe conceded a penalty and ground, but the home side were turned over at the line out. When they did get their hands on the ball they again looked to run it, but Combe’s defence was holding out. Until after twenty minutes one missed tackle saw Albanians’ centre James Spiers make a break, and with an inside pass winger Chris May was in under the posts for the hosts first try. Kieron Davies made the conversion for 7-3. Within minutes they had scored again, with winger May once more over but in the corner, which Davies could not convert 12-3. Albanians came back for more, but the tackles went in and Combe held firm. Charlie Edwards and Joe Simpson cleared the lines. Into the last minutes of the half, although Combe were a man down, Niki Davies pinched an interception, and whilst he was held, he off-loaded to Edwards who scampered through to the try line. Simpson converted, and Combe could go in at half time 12-10, very much still in the game.
Albanians kicked-off the second half with the ball going dead, and a scrum back on half way, but the home side won it and were quickly back in the Combe 22, and loose head Charlie Hughes had a straight run to the line, through tackles for his side’s third try, which Davies converted for a 17-10 lead and the best part of forty minutes to go. The tempo was picking up. It looked a bit ominous. When Combe did have the ball, they were pinned in their own 22. They could not kick out or over, nor break through a solid Albanians defence. But it was not all going the home side’s way. They began to make mistakes in attack, Combe were forcing turnovers, and also pinching the odd line-out. The tackling was tighter. Twenty minutes gone, Jon West picked up and burst through the centre of a ruck on half way, taking the defence by surprise. He was almost to the line, but Combe support was on hand and it was Edwards over for a second try. Simpson missed the conversion, but Combe had pegged the score back to 19-15. Combe did not let up. They may not have had all the possession, but they could harry and hustle the hosts into errors. Perhaps Albanians were too anxious chasing their fourth try, but at the end it came. They ran left then right and put in Johannes Lombaard in at the corner for an unconverted try. 24-15, and only two minutes left on the clock. Combe had come close but with this scoreline there would be nothing to show for all their efforts. Albanians had a penalty shot at the posts which they probably thought would be the last kick of the game, until…….the kick drifts wide, Chris O’Neill catches, and from behind the try line begins a slippery run straight up the middle, past the 22 , past the ten metre, past the half way line, finds support, the ball is re-cycled, Combe are into the opposite 22, and win a penalty, ten yards in on the right hand side. The game is in overtime, but Joe Simpson coolly slots it over, and Combe secure their bonus point, 24-18 at the final whistle.
It had been a bruising and brutal encounter, and probably the hardest won bonus point, but it brought the most satisfaction to the team as well as the travelling support. The Gumbos, on an away day, were in overdrive.

Next week is a break for Easter. Combe play next at home to Clifton on 14th April, kick-off 3.00pm.

Combe XV : O’Neill; Lewis, Purdy, Hough, Davies; Simpson, Edwards; McKinnell, Barton, Bellinger, Clarke, Wright, Tidd, Lindfield, West.
Sub.s : Conlon, Brierley, Watkins, McDonough, Fuller.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.