But Dorking , who have been at the top for much of the time, kept their nerve, and held out for their away win in a tight, uncompromising game that had everything except Easter festival rugby. Dorking have the meanest defence in the league. Combe’s is hardly more generous. The earlier fixture before Christmas had been close. The return at Goddington Dene in the springtime might favour the home side, given, perhaps their more free-scoring style of play, but General Winter wanted a final say. The pitch at the start looked trim, the sun was out at intervals, but there were leaden skies in the north-east. Baltic. It was raw.
Combe started with intent, intent to run the ball and make inroads. Dale Bellinger in the Dorking 22 made ground to the left, Harry Fry was almost through on a burst, but the final pass went astray, Charlie Edwards found a gap. First flurry of snow. Combe on the attack in front of the Dorking posts give away a penalty, and the visitors could claim relief. Both sides are playing with pace and speed. Dorking, into the Combe half have a penalty shot at goal which is a low scudder. With twenty minutes gone they have another chance which Steve Munford puts over to open the visitors account 0-3. Dorking run close into the left corner but Combe’s defence denies them. They come again with the right winger in space and room to move. He is also held out, but when the ball is recycled, Combe again offend and it is another penalty for Munford in front of the posts. 0-6. Immediately after Combe have their first shot at goal after an attack down the left breaks down. Luke Giles slots it over and Combe are on the scoreboard 3-6. The first half is drawing to a close. Combe are still on the attack. A chip ahead, Dorking hesitate in defence, Dale Bellinger makes good ground left, the ball comes back, Hamish Barton straightens up, quick ball from Harry Fry to Tyron Child who is down the right into the corner and over. The sun comes out. Luke Giles conversion attempt is left and short, but Combe have reached the turn round 8-6 ahead.
Tom Clarke collected the re-start kick and surprised the visitors as he charged towards the 22. A penalty to Combe drifts right of the posts. Combe come again with interplay and interpassing between the forwards. They make ground but are up against the miserly Dorking defence, who are quick to break out and turn the tables. Dorking have a penalty shot that falls short, and an attack that is turned over much to the relief of the home crowd. Combe pounce on a loose ball, and win the follow-up ruck, old-fashion style. It’s tough up front for Combe still, but Combe’s defence presses the visitors into mistakes. Combe win a penalty, kick for the line and ten metres out win their line-out, work a line-out move but are penalised for crossing. Relief for Dorking who are straight up the other end of the pitch. Leaden skies now upon us. Combe concede another penalty. The kick is scuffed. Into the last quarter slack tackling by Combe allows centre Ryan Jeffrey to wriggle free and in a trice is away into the left corner for a try. No conversion but Dorking are now back in front 8-11. Not for long as from the re-start Dorking fail to clear their lines, and Luke Giles puts over the penalty 11-11. It was looking gloomy but now it’s a snow-storm. Each side exchanges unsuccessful penalty shots. Luke Giles kicks through, but Dorking recover and clear. Ten minutes to go. Still snowing. Combe cannot break down the resolute Dorking defence. Indeed in their frustration, Combe give away yet more penalties, arresting their own momentum, and allowing the visitors to take more shots at goal as well as eat up precious time. Munford puts two more over for a 11-17 lead, which is sufficient for them to close out the game. At the last and final whistle Dorking, pushed all the way, have their four league points, Combe, for all their efforts, just one bonus point. And it has stopped snowing.
Next week Combe visit CS Rugby. Their next home game,13th April, is the return fixture against Guernsey. Let’s hope they bring some sunshine with them.

Westcombe Park XV : T. Nattrass; N. Davies, B. Hough, T. Child, G. Purdy; L. Giles, C. Edwards; N. Porter, H. Fry, D. Bellinger, T. Clarke,. J. Wright, A. Barton, H. Barton, M. Foulds.
Sub.s : G. Carson, C. Lewis, K. Leeper.

Match Reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.