The bonus point may have been secured by half time, but it was not until the last quarter that Combe put the finishing touches to the scoreline and a gloss on the result. Conditions were fine, dry and with barely a breath of wind. The pitch though was soft underfoot.

Hertford, assisted by an early penalty award were soon in Combe’s half, passing the ball side to side and showing good intentions to run, but with little penetration. A chip ahead was marked and Combe could clear their lines. Combe showed running form too, and once in the Hertford 22 got the first score with a Luke Giles penalty. A Hertford attack was bundled into touch close to Combe’s line, but the defence held out, and Combe countered. Trent Nattrass started with a kick and chase, down the right hand touch and through hands and phases Nick Porter was over for a try out on the left, converted by Luke Giles. 10-0. Shortly after, Trent Nattrass in centre field with a burst of speed found space and delivered the scoring pass to Tyron Child who went over in the right hand corner. No conversion, but Combe were back on the attack. This time Jon Wright was in open space and Trent Nattrass was on hand for the pass to score, again out on the right. This time Luke Giles slotted the conversion, and in less than ten minutes Combe had raced away to a 22-0 lead. They might have lost concentration as Hertford with a line out in the Combe 22 won it and drove for the line with Chris Joannou claiming the score. Robert MacPherson-Smith got the conversion over off the upright for 22-7, and Hertford were not out of it. However, into the closing minutes of the half, and with Combe pressing the Hertford line, Matt Foulds with a No. 8 pick up from a Combe scrum went close, and the next phase found Nick Porter on hand to go over for his second of the day. Close to the posts Luke Giles comfortably converted for a half time score of 29-7, and a bonus point in the bag.

The scoreboard was inactive for much of the second half. Either Hertford’s defence had tightened up, or Combe were forcing it and making mistakes and choosing the wrong options. At the same time Hertford in attack were perhaps too lateral. Stalemate. Combe were having the better of the exchanges at the set piece, winning balls against the head, and scummaging strongly when need be in defence. Charlie Edwards saved the day a second time when Hertford threatened. With ten minutes to go Combe were working their way into the Hertford half. Reece Conlon made good ground and with quick recycled ball Trent Nattrass was in the clear for a run down the right hand touch to score his second try in the corner. Hertford threw in one last effort. The drive from the lineout had worked beforehand but this time was held out. Combe’s defence was solid and although they conceded penalties and earned a yellow card, the scrum held up and a big relieving kick by Joe Simpson lifted the siege. Indeed from half way Combe made further inroads into Hertford territory and using the line out and drive ploy themselves it was Dale Bellinger who forced his way over to touch down in the corner. Joe Simpson added the extras to take the score to 41-0 at the close.

The ‘Gumbos ’, match sponsors and JWT fans for the day, seemed happy enough. Indeed, most spectators were, as Combe were back in business. Next Saturday, 23rd Feb., is the re-scheduled home fixture against Thurrock, kick-off at Goddington Dene 2.00 pm.

Westcombe Park XV : T. May; N. Davies, B. Hough, T. Child, T. Nattrass; L. Giles, C. Edwards; R. Conlon, H. Fry, N. Porter, T. Clarke, J. Wright, A. Barton. H. Barton, M. Foulds.
Sub.s : D. Bellinger, M. Davey, J. Simpson.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.