Combe dumped by Dorking

Combe leaked six tries, conceded four kickable penalties, and could only manage two tries and four penalties in reply. In a game of ebb and flow, and all played at pace the truth was Dorking were ruthless in exploiting Combe errors and weaknesses.
Combe started the delayed kick-off clearly showing their intention to get the ball to the wings, but with five minutes gone, having worked their way into the visitors 22 Combe conceded a penalty which brought play back to allow Dorking’s Andy Frost his first shot at goal to start up the scoreboard.(0-3). Combe immediately went back on the attack and with quick ball from the right, via Hamish Barton and Tom Gray, Bryan Young was over in the left corner for a try. No conversion but Combe were on the scoreboard. The back row were making some impression with the ball in hand. Dorking conceded a penalty for Iain Gordon to add to the score (8-3). Ten minutes gone. But in short succession Dorking kicked two more to take back the lead (8-9). Not for long. Iain Gordon had a shot over for 11-9. Luke Bellinger claimed the re-start, but the attack broke down when the off-load did not go to hand. Another penalty for Combe, and another over from Iain Gordon.(14-9). Coming to the end of the first half, the pace has picked up. Combe fail to find a way through, strong defence keeps Dorking out, players on both sides are down, Sam Davis goes on a burst but cannot set Omar Dixon away, Dorking counter, and Dylan Flashman saves the day for Combe. In the last minute Dorking have a penalty on Combe’s 22. Quick thinking by scrum-half Will Crow, he taps and puts in Harry Watts in the corner to tie the score on the stroke of half-time.(14-14).
Combe’s efforts from the re-start were frustrated as they began to lose the ball at the breakdown. Within five minutes they also lost a line-out on their 22, which Dorking drove to the line for a forwards’ try in the corner, converted by Andy Frost (14-19). A brief flurry by Combe in response, but it then began to unravel. Harry Watts picked up from a midfield scrum, was allowed to make yards to set up position for Will Crow to go in at the left corner and round to the posts for an easy conversion for Andy Frost (14-26). With the score creeping up Combe might be losing touch, but with twenty minutes gone Iain Gordon puts over another penalty kick from the centre spot (17-26), only for Andy Frost to reply almost immediately with another successful kick (17-29). Combe attacked from the re-start but Will Crow intercepted on the halfway line and showed a clean pair of heels to the posts. Andy Frost could add the extras (17-36). Hamish Barton claimed the kick-off and made it into the visitors’ 22, but the possession was turned over. Dorking countered and from broken play sub Nick Haigh got on the score sheet, with a try in the corner. The conversion attempt hit the upright (17-41). Still a good ten minutes to go, and time for Dorking again to force a turnover and counter, this time Matt Noble chipping ahead, fielding the ball as it sat up kindly and in for his try, converted by Andy Frost. Into the final minutes Dorking are looking for more scores but a breakout from near their own line sees Ben Hough in space and charging down the left touchline. He was not allowed to collect his chip ahead , being tackled without the ball, but had done enough to earn Combe a penalty try, converted by Iain Gordon That was the final whistle. 24-48. Not surprisingly Dorking stay at the top of the table.

Next week Combe face another tough one away at Old Elthamians who are also near the top of the table.

Westcombe Park XV : T. Gray; O. Dixon, B. Hough, T. Nattrass, B. Young; I. Gordon, R. Skilton; T. Kavanagh, S.Davis, M. Poole, L. Bellinger, T. Clarke, D. Flashman, H. Barton, T. Calohard.
Sub.s : R. Conlon, J. Wright, A. Smith.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.