Combe finished strongly to cement a bonus point win against locals Old Elthamians, who were making their first visit to Goddington Dene for some years. The sizable crowd had been entertained by the curtain raiser charity game beforehand, but were not accustomed to the cold wind, nor the rain and showers. The grandstand was understandably full.
Elthamians got the scoreboard started in the opening minutes with a penalty from the 10 metre line. Full back Tom White put the first of his five kicks over. Combe hit back, using their penalty award to gain position and drive from the lineout. Dale Bellinger was over for a try. Luke Giles’ conversion attempt drifted shy of the upright. 5-3 to Combe. Elthamians were winning ball at the set pieces but their distribution was slow and under pressure, from the Combe defenders, and they were playing most of their rugby in their own half. On twenty minutes Ben Hough made a half break from midway, support came from Niki Davies, and in a trice Trent Nattrass was in space to sprint for the line. His try was converted by Luke Giles , and Combe eased to 12-3 ahead. Elthamians tried to work the ball to the wing and release Renford Bennett and use his pace, but Combe were up to it , and able to crowd him out. However, out of the blue, they were undone by a chip over their line of defenders, and Bennett was through immediately to follow up and touch down. Tom White converted and Combe’s lead was now a slender one, 12-10. Into the last ten minutes of the half, plus the extra time, Combe’s pressure told. Two penalty kicks for Luke Giles, a yellow card for Elthamians’ prop, and breathing space at 18-10.
The second half started with a penalty apiece. Combe missed theirs, but Tom White put his over for 18-13. Five minutes later Combe failed to clear their lines, and gave away another penalty, which White again put over .18-16 and all the good work of the first half was in danger of unravelling. Elthamians were still struggling to get their back line moving, whilst Combe were exercising a little more patience. Their reward came with a lineout close to the visitor’s line, another drive, and Charlie Edwards claimed the try in the corner. Ben Hough’s kick hit the post. Still a lead of 23-16, and twenty-five minutes to go. Elthamians have one more penalty which keeps them in touch, but Combe’s aggressive defence disrupts any attempt to build an attack. Their own defence was also under pressure. Another yellow card for them and a penalty opportunity for Ben Hough. 26-19. Into the last ten minutes Combe are finishing strongly. From a lineout on the left Dale Bellinger charges towards the line, Tom Clarke is up in support to carry it further, Neil Coles makes more ground until Charlie Edwards picks up and darts over in the right hand for his second of the day. Ben Hough duly converts the bonus point try and Combe can play out the last few minutes 33-19 ahead. The lively crowd can seek shelter in the warm and dry of the clubhouse, and ponder over a job well done.

Westcombe Park XV : L. Giles; N. Davies, T. Child, B. Hough, G. Purdy; T. Nattrass, C. Edwards; R. Conlon, G. Carson, D. Bellinger, T. Clarke, D. Watkins, G. Marshall, L. Bellinger, H. Barton.
Sub.s : T. May, J. Snape, N. Coles.

Next week Combe travel to Hertford. The next home game is on October 27 th against Tring, kick-off 2.00 pm. This is preceded by a supporters lunch . See the web site for details. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.