The visitors were in touch going into half time, but the hosts turned up the heat in the second half and rattled up the points. The pitch was luscious green, the skies overcast and leaden, but the rain held off.

Combe played up the slope in the first half, and opened the scoring in the first minutes as OE’s failed to clear the kick-off and conceded the first of many penalties in the game. Iain Gordon slotted over for 3-0. Stung into action OE’s were swiftly down in the Combe half and 22, attacking in waves. A series of scrums close to the Combe line had them under pressure, but for a while Combe were standing fast. They conceded a penalty and yellow card and from the follow up line out and drive weight of numbers saw OE’s over for a forwards’ try, in the right corner. Full back Tom White added the conversion for 3-7. OE’s kept up the tempo. Combe were still secure, indeed confident as Omar Dixon countered from his five yard line with a trademark run up to the hosts’ 22 almost. On the half hour OE’s put over a penalty to make it 3-10, but themselves conceded in front of the posts allowing Iain Gordon to restore the difference 6-10. Thibaud Calohard made a break up the right touchline from a lineout but otherwise Combe were finding it difficult to make inroads. Coming into the closing minutes of the half Combe were also defying the hosts, until a thrust up the middle and quick second phase spun right had the winger in at the corner. No conversion, 6-15, half time whistle.

At the re-start Combe made life awkward for themselves, conceding a penalty to go further behind 6-18. Not for long as Combe gathered the kick-off, and forced a penalty. Again Iain Gordon restored the difference 9-18. OE’s went up a gear, involving the wingers more. Hamish Barton covered back to save the day, OE’s were caught crossing, a forward pass, something might give soon. Indeed it did. With twenty minutes of the half gone, and OE’s in the Combe 22, recycled ball close to the line, and with a cut back, the centre was in for a try converted by Tom White. 9-25. Combe’s possession was drying up, especially at the breakdown, although a turnover in defence was turned into an attack down the left by Thibaud Calohard again with Alex Smith in support. But with OE’s back in the Combe 22, a lineout, drive and ruck the winger was in again from short range in the corner. Another conversion 9-32, and ten more minutes to go. Time for Tom White to cross and convert his own try for 9-39. One last flurry for Combe, running out of defence and chip ahead for Omar Dixon down the left touchline. A kindly bounce was gathered but OE’s cover closed him down on the 22. OE’s were keen to add to their score. They went over from a quick tap penalty in front of the posts, but were held up. Final whistle 9-39. It was enough.

Now Combe have played four of the top five in the league. There is no respite nor any easy game, but they will be looking forward to a change of fortune. Next Saturday, 12th October, Combe are at home to Thurrock, kick-off 3.00 pm.

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

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.