Combe cling on for last minute win

For several seasons now the Combe and Barnes fixtures bookend the league programme, and it has also become the custom for the visitors to claim the spoils. It looked that way in the first half as Combe went into the interval 0-17 ahead, with the hosts barely featuring. But into the last ten minutes Barnes had clawed their way back to be on even terms and for a while it seemed that all the previous good work by Combe would unravel, to the consternation of the travelling fans, let alone the management.

With only a minute on the clock, Combe had a penalty shot from the centre which Iain Gordon put over to start up the scoreboard. The new scrum laws were enforced early on and were a proper contest. Indeed, with ten minutes gone, Combe pinched one, Iain Gordon set off to the left hand corner, and from this position and in the follow up Tim Kavanagh went over for the first try. Iain Gordon added the extras ( 0-10 ). Combe stayed keen to attack with rolling mauls from line-outs, runs from Bryan Young, and Matt Poole with Graham Purdy in support, Omar Dixon picking up from a Barnes error near half way and scampering down the touchline, only for his chip ahead to go dead. A penalty shot from Iain Gordon drifted wide. Tom Gray went straight through from the drop out, with Hamish Barton in support brought up just short. Coming to the end of the half Combe needed another score to show for their efforts. At last it came. Hamish Barton collected at the back of a line out on Barnes 10 yard line, set off towards the try line, and off-loaded to Dylan Flashman in support who was over by the posts. Iain Gordon obliged with the conversion. 0-17 at half time. The sun was shining , and all seemed well with the world, although old , nervous Combe hands on the touchline were not entirely re-assured.

The wind was up for the restart, but it was mostly across the pitch. Almost immediately Barnes were on the scoreboard picking up loose ball, and finding space for left winger James Adams to touch down in the corner. The conversion attempt was short (5-17 ). Barnes then failed to secure the kick-off. Tom Clarke gathered, made ground and found Bryan Young at full pelt with an inside pass to go over and round towards the posts. No conversion , but the differential restored , 5-22. Five minutes later from a scrum and second phase near the Barnes 22 , Omar Dixon picked up a pass off his toes and set off at speed on a zig-zag run to the line for Combe’s fourth try, and bonus point. No conversion. With Combe 5-27 ahead, surely it was in the bag? But with thirty minutes yet to go, anything could still happen. And it did. Barnes were using rolling mauls to good effect, Combe stretched in defence conceded penalties and went one down with a visit to the sin bin. James McIntyre was over for a try which he converted himself, and shortly after, with the Combe line once more under siege, from a quick tap penalty, James Adams again was over in the corner. With the conversion over Barnes were back in the game at 19-27. Not for long. Adams yet again in the corner for Barnes fourth try and bonus point. 24-27. Ten minutes to go. Who would hold their nerve? The momentum now was decidedly with the home side. A penalty for Barnes in front of the Combe posts. James McIntyre now made it all square 27-27. Less than five minutes on the clock. Luke Giles had a long range shot at goal which fell short, Barnes in two minds failed to clear, the chip ahead instead run back by Combe who pounded the Barnes line seeking a gap or weakness for the decisive score. It did not come, but Barnes conceded the penalty which now was eminently kickable. Luke Giles held his nerve, the kick was over, and with it the final whistle. 27-30.

Next Saturday, perhaps with blood pressures back to normal, Combe are at home to Tonbridge-Juddians. Kick-off 3.00 pm.

Westcombe Park XV : T. Gray; O. Dixon, G. Purdy, B. Hough, B. Young; I. Gordon, R. Skilton; T. Kavanagh, H. Barton, M. Poole, T. Clarke, J. Wright, M. Nimmo, L. Bellinger, D. Flashman.
Sub.s : J. Snape, D. Watkins, L. Giles.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.