Combe clobber Clifton

Combe secured a thrilling win against visitors Clifton in a more convincing manner than the final scoreline might suggest. After a shaky start, once Combe got going there was no let up in commitment until perhaps the final minutes when they let the visitors in for two consolation scores ( and two bonus points ). Combe also gained a bonus point and for the first time this season are off the bottom of the league table. The conditions were good : dry, firm underfoot, and a cross breeze from the stand side.
Clifton opened the scoring after five minutes. A quick tap penalty took Combe by surprise, and full back William Pomphrey was in under the posts with barely a hand laid on him. Ben Roberts kicked the conversion. 0-7 already, and Clifton looked dangerous when soon after Pomphrey came close again but was tackled just short. Combe defended and made progress up the pitch with the help of penalty awards, and from one with a drive from the lineout and a pounding of the Clifton line it was Charlie Edwards who dived over to get one back for Combe. Joe Simpson converted , in off the upright.( 7-7 ). Combe came again with Hamish Barton leading the charge, and Kieren Leeper beaten by the bounce of the kick ahead. Combe camped on the Clifton line, who in desperate defence conceded numerous penalties, but the closest Combe came to a score was James Lindfield held up over the line. From further out Simpson chipped ahead into the dead ball area, Clifton looked to have gathered but missed it, and Leeper was in to pounce on the ball for Combe’s second try. The conversion attempt went under. (12-7 ). Fifteen minutes to go to the break. Barton has another charge up the middle, Clifton run but spill, Combe have a half break on the right but the pass does not go to hand. Combe deserve their lead going in at half time.
Indeed Combe upped the tempo from the re-start. Lindfield pinched Clifton’s scrum ball, and although stopped, it was Chris O’Neill on the counter with a diagonal run from his own half to put Graham Purdy, up in support, in at the left hand corner. Simpson’s conversion attempt was just shy. ( 17-7 ). Combe were on the attack again. Simpson found himself in space but ran out of back-up, Clifton fumbled and were turned over. Yet again it was Barton on the charge and he released Leeper for a clear run to the posts. A bonus point try converted by Simpson.( 24-7 ). Clifton were not finished yet. Combe conceded ground and penalties, and although they kept out the initial drives, their defence was eventually breached by Phil Schmidt from the back of the line out. Roberts added the extras ( 24-14 with twenty-five minutes to go ). Combe were keen to strike back, Leeper and Edwards both went close. Combe pressed the Clifton line time and again but were kept out by stubborn defence. Into the last ten minutes the Combe forwards combined in attack. Good hands and support : Jon Wright to Barton, to Dale Bellinger, and finally Lindfield over in the corner for a well worked try. Simpson pulled the conversion attempt, but at 29-14 Combe should have been in charge with the finishing line in sight. They lost concentration though and let the visitors in for two late scores to finish with something of a flourish, and, for them, a more flattering scoreline ( 29-28 ).
The campaign wagon rolls on and next week it sets off to Redruth. The final game is at home on 28th April, when Southend visit. It could be another photo finish…………….

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

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.