Combe have not yet hit their straps. Their first three games in the league this season have been against the top three league leaders so far. This fixture against Bishop’s Stortford, on their first visit to Goddington Dene was another disappointment. Combe outscored the visitors three tries to two, but finished six points adrift, losing at the final whistle 23-29. It may add a precious bonus point to the league table, but it confirms that this league and season will be a seriously tough struggle.
Tom Coleman , for the visitors at out-half, had a golden boot day with five penalties over, and one conversion. A missed drop goal attempt may be over-looked. He also controlled his outsides, who pounced and scored at crucial moments. With him ticking the scoreboard over Combe were playing catch-up from the off. It should not have been so. The weather was warm and bright again. The breeze from the clubhouse end no more than gentle. The grass was trim , the going firm.
Early on Coleman booted his first penalty. Twelve minutes later, Bishop’s Stortford’s winger Wayne Childs was is in at the corner for his first of the day. Slack tackling. Again Bishop’s Stortford looked dangerous on the break. Another penalty. 0-13. Combe’s second rows went on the charge. Penalty. Joe Simpson gets the scoreboard going. 3-13. The visitor’s defence is tight. Batter, pound. There is nowhere through. But close to half-time, Combe have a line-out near the visitors. There are drives, from almost everyone, until Tyron Child pinches , comes through the middle, and dots down through the melee for Combe’s first try. Good timing. Half time 8-13, and Combe will have the breeze for the second half……..
The second half starts with no less intensity. The visitors swarm all over the Combe line, but the home side holds firm. With strong running from No. 8 Gus Barton - Combe’s pressure allows a penalty pot at goal for Joe Simpson .11-13. But visitors’ Coleman strikes again. 13 -16. On the counter, Tyron Child breaks left, Luke Bellinger steals a line-out, but no real ground is made. Bishop’s Stortford remain resolute in defence, until after a break by Angus Barton sets up Chris Lewis (Combe’s man of the match ) to go over the line twice only to be denied for not grounding. The position and possession was not unrewarded. After countless penalty awards and scrums close to the visitors line, Combe worked the ball through Gus Barton and Charlie Edwards, for Ryan Fuller to dot down in the corner. Joe Simpson’s conversion attempt is close. 16-16.Back in the game, but Coleman slots another for the visitors. 16-19. Half-way through the second half, from half way, the visitors make a break from mid-field, and again it is winger Childs who gets the score. Constant Coleman converts.16-26. Well, within the ten minutes, Coleman puts over another penalty. 16- 29.With little time remaining, Combe have one last thrust - Toby May and Tyron Child inter-swap off-loads to put in Ryan Fuller for his second in the corner. Luke Giles, with his conversion secures the bonus point. Tough. A struggle.

Next week Combe are away to Gravesend. The next home game for Combe will be against Westcliff, on 29th Sept . This is the first ‘Lunch ‘ at Combe, so if you have not already booked , do so now. Details on the website.

Combe XV: Nattrass; Fuller, Hough, Child, May; Simpson, Edwards; Carson,, H. Barton, D.Bellinger , Coles, Clarke, Marshall, Lewis, A. Barton,
Subs. Conlon, L. Bellinger, Giles.

Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie