Combe hit CS for Six

The differences in this encounter were the weather ( at last some spring sunshine ), and the opponents who put in a better display and scored three tries in reply. Combe secured another bonus point win, but coming into the last games of the season it may not be enough to upset the league rankings. Still in contrast to last week, conditions were perfect for running rugby to entertain the free-travelling fans, who seemed to outnumber the home team’s supporters.
Combe had the better of the opening exchanges, and soon were camped close on the CS line. A short ball to Tom Clarke on a straight burst saw him over by the posts for the first try after seven minutes. Luke Giles added the extras. 0-7. CS gave away penalties. Luke Giles was unsuccessful with attempts at goal. It was stalemate for half an hour. The penalty count against CS was rising. Combe had a lineout in the right corner, and drove for the line. Dale Bellinger claimed the touchdown , and with Luke Giles‘ conversion, Combe eased 0-14 in front. More penalties to Combe and now with a two man advantage as CS had two in the bin, and a scrum ten yards out, a pushover try for Matt Foulds seemed a formality. Again Luke Giles kicked the conversion. 0-21 with half-time approaching, but also enough time for Combe to drop their guard and let in CS right winger after broken play for an unconverted try on the stroke of the half-time whistle. 5-21.
Combe began the second half at a brisk tempo. Charlie Edwards chipped ahead, Trent Nattrass gathered close to the line but was crowded out. Tyron Child took a great line and split the home defence, but was stopped short, and the support was kept out. CS kicked away but only for Ben Hough to field, chip, and score. Try converted by Luke Giles, 5-28. Combe drop their concentration again : inroads by the CS out half, sets up the right wing in at the corner. No conversion, 10-28. Half an hour yet to go. Time for more penalties against CS, and another yellow card, and another try in the corner. The winger again, from a counter attack down the right. Unconverted, the score is pegged back to 15-28. Combe, stung into reaction counter through Toby May and Niki Davies to put in Trent Nattrass at the right corner, but the try cannot be converted (15-33) .With fifteen minutes to full time Combe are on the attack with Graeme Carson on a run, Charlie Edwards taking it further and when the ball is re-cycled there is a queue out on the right. Toby May sees the overlap and gives the scoring pass to Gus Barton. No conversion 15-38. That remains the final score although Combe did keep trying - good hands, keeping the ball alive, good support. CS had one last foray only for Toby May to end their attack with a crunching tackle.
Next week is the last home game of the season for Combe, against Guernsey, kick-off 3.00 pm. Let’s hope the sun shines again. Then the following week, the last game of the league campaign, it is another away trip to Barnes, when those Boris cards can have another airing.

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

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.