This was a bit of a points-fest and could have been more so, but for all the wrong reasons, and Combe's first ten-pointer of the season.
Six tries to four and better kicking was enough to see off a spirited Gravesend at Goddington Dene on Saturday in this local derby in National League Three (Lon. & S.E.).
Gravesend started in a rush, before Combe settled to the job in hand, and a pick and drive following a couple of line-outs was enough to give prop Charlie Cutting the first try. The least said about the conversion attempt the better, but it did highlight one of the visitors reasons for not staying in touch longer.
It took Combe another ten minutes to respond but before the end of the first quarter they had 14 points on the board.
First back-row Mark Nimmo and then wing Niki Davies made decisive breaks in mid-field in cross field moves that stretched Gravesend's drift defence and Luke Giles, sound as ever, added the points.
Combe's solid defence and running in the remaining time in the half was entertaining to the Combe camp but was often too flamboyant for their own good. Both sides had a penalty chance but Combe's attempt fell Right at the end of the half a determined effort to keep the ball in play gave Combe the chance that they had threatened and prop Graeme Carson got the try and Luke Giles the conversion that gave them a comfortable 21—5 lead at the interval.
The second-half had barely started before Toby May started a move with a kick over the top on the left flank and then was on hand to take the pass to complete probably Combe's best try. The kick was missed in a half where all the kicks went astray.
Gravesend were in danger of going down heavily at this stage but took no time at all for centre Stuart Douglas to cross for their second try.
It took sometime for Combe to respond but a hugely determined Niki Davies twisted and turned and powered for the line for his second and Combe's fifth try.
At 31—10 the game looked over with more than 27 minutes left. But following a time when both sides looked like they had settled for that option Gravesend sprang into life and made the last quarter very uncomfortable for the Combe camp.
In pretty short order first flanker Ziggy Stevens and then replacement Nathan Lines crossed for tries following powerful work from the Gravesend forwards not dissimilar to their opening try. Suddenly it was if Gravesend were the home side supported by a big vocal following that could now see light at the end of the tunnel and if their attack had been less predictable and a few kicks had been successful the gap could well have been closed, certainly enough to earn a bonus point to add to their try bonus, in their position, invaluable.
It took a little time for Combe to stabilise but when they did eleven points looked a gulf and as the game came towards its end Trent Nattrass hacked forward and a rampant Dale Bellinger was not going to be stopped by anything on his short charge for the line between the posts. Luke Giles's conversion was a formality and the only successful kick of the half.
Combe were not at their best in this game but it speaks volumes for the squad, management, coaching and players alike that they had enough to see off most of the oppositions in this League and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since we beat Gravesend one week and then went down to Westcliff the next, see you there next week!

Combe's Team: Toby May; Trent Nattrass, Ben Hough, Tyron Child, Niki Davis; Charlie Edwards, Luke Giles; Graeme Carson, Harry Fry, Dale Bellinger; Tom Clarke, Dave Watkins; Mark Nimmo, Hamish Barton, Gus Barton. Reece Conlon, Neil Coles, Ryan Fuller.

Match Reporter: Mike Attewell.