This was no holiday, they were made to work for it, but they saw off the home challenge to finish ahead and on top, inspired by the cheers from the fans in the grandstand, who had travelled in large numbers. The strong winds of the day before had died down , but it was still overcast and gloomy at the start. The lights were on, and it was heavy going underfoot. Combe scored in the opening minute. Guernsey fumbled on the half way line, Charlie Edwards chipped ahead, and Trent Nattrass was onto it and over. Luke Giles converted. 7-0 to Combe. Another handling error by the home defence put them under pressure. Luke Giles put over the penalty 10-0 to Combe with five minutes gone. Guernsey were back in the game at the first scrum. They too had a penalty chance. 10-3. Combe were without good ball from the set pieces, they picked up scraps at the breakdown, and made good use on the counter, but the home defence had tightened up. Guernsey edged closer with another penalty kick to make it 10-6, but with half an hour gone Combe struck back with one more for Luke Giles after Dale Bellinger had gone on the charge. 13-6. Guernsey’s tight-head went off for a rest, a penalty chance for them hit the post, Combe had one more effort but spilled the ball. Half time.
You did not want to be still in the bar as the second half started. Tom Clarke went on a burst, Guernsey made a breakaway half the length of the field and was close before being stopped by a great tackle back by Luke Giles. Combe had some serious defending duties to perform. They kept Guernsey out, but did concede another penalty. 13-9. Combe on the counter with a quick tap by Charlie Edwards and Toby May eating up the ground forced Guernsey to give away another penalty chance for Luke Giles and earn themselves a yellow card. 16-9. With the numbers advantage Combe attacked in waves with everyone involved until from the last phase Graeme Carson gave the scoring pass to Ben Hough out on the left. Luke Giles was not missing his kicks 23-9. Twenty minutes to go. Reece Conlon broke away for a charge but it was a long way to go with little support. Guernsey were doing their best to get back in the game and on the scoreboard but a mean and uncompromising Combe defence were equal to the challenge. Into the last five minutes, Combe kicked long to the left corner to set up good position. With a drive from the lineout which went close, Combe re-cycled and worked Chris Lewis over for a try out on the right. Luke Giles was still not missing. 30-9. With barely five minutes left Combe had a bonus point in mind but try as they might Guernsey were just as determined to keep them out.
It had been a tough game at the coal face front. Combe did not always enjoy good ball from the set pieces, but they stuck at it and were lively in the loose. Their defence was also sound and solid. With the Extra 1st XV also victorious in their earlier game it was time to celebrate, which Combe seem to enjoy, and can also do well. They and the supporters left the clubhouse late, but with time still left for more ‘R and R’ , and ‘M and M‘.

Next Saturday Combe are at home for the last game before the Christmas break. They have played all the sides in the league now , and start with the second phase of fixtures against locals Tonbridge Juddians. It is a 2.00 pm kick-off. There is a supporters’ lunch beforehand, but this is a sell-out, and unfortunately there are no places left. The bar should be able to take any unspent pound notes.

Combe XV : T. May; T. Nattrass, T. Child, B. Hough, N. Davies; L. Giles, C. Edwards; R. Conlon, G. Carson, D. Bellinger, T. Clarke, D. Watkins, G. Barton, H. Barton, M. Foulds.
Sub.s : C. Lewis, J. Snape, R. Fuller.

Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie