A fierce, bitter wind made life uncomfortable for players and supporters alike at Westcliff for this re-scheduled clash in National Three (London & S.E.). They had come to Goddington Dene earlier in the season and upset what we thought was an emerging Combe side in a high scoring game that never seemed lost to either side.
Not so on Saturday, after Charlie Edwards had broken through twice from the 22 in the opening fifteen minutes and got behind the posts for one, Combe looked to be in total control for most of the game.
Westcliff had plenty of possession, probably the most, but were virtually unable to further the game-line even when they strung together phase after phase against a Combe defence that was as mean as Scrooge and hard as granite. Only fly-half Ben Jones looked like he would get things going for Westcliff, in contrast Combe anyone from full-back to the front five and even then not at all predictable.
Just four minutes had elapsed when Charlie Edwards ghosted through from behind the scrum wide on the right flank for Combe's first try; ten minutes later he accelerated like a Tornado jet on afterburners past a static defence from much the same area and this time was able to close on the posts for Luke Giles to convert.
That twelve points was all that separated the sides at the break but in these conditions that seemed a gulf.
It still seemed comfortable enough when twelve minutes into the second half Westcliff back-row Gus Martyn caught a ricocheting ball and twisted free enough to cross the line. Ben McKeith's conversion was magnificent, the only really decent kick of the game.
The five point gap stood for a full fifteen minutes but then following two telling breaks from deep in their own half Combe's forwards established a position close to the Westcliff line and there was a certain inevitableness in the move that saw Dale Bellinger at the bottom of the heap that crossed the line for his third try in as many games.
Three minutes later a great solo effort from Trent Nattrass getting behind the posts secured the bonus point for Combe and the conversion gave them a 24—7 point lead.
As the game drew to a close substitute Tim Healy secured another try for Westcliff but it was too late and too little and it still gave enough time for Tyron Child to add Combe's fifth try.
Another comprehensive and comfortable win for Combe that keeps them in the mix.

Combe's Team: Toby May; Trent Natrass, Ben Hough, Tyron Child, Niki Davies; Luke Giles, Charlie Edwards; Reece Conlon, Harry Fry, Dale Bellinger; Tom Clarke, Mark Davey; Gus Barton, Hamish Barton, Matt Foulds. Graeme Carson, Nick Porter, Joe Simpson.

Match Reporter: Mike Attewell. (With invaluable help from Peter Ribbons).