.........but for periods in the second half looked as if they might contrive to throw it away. Combe raced to a 29-9 half time lead, but in the third quarter it was all Thurrock, as they scored two tries and a penalty to keep in touch. Combe’s nerve held though closing the game out in the last ten minutes.

The weather broke kindly for the match. Torrential rain the night and day beforehand could have left a saturated and soggy pitch, but the day dawned dry, the rain held off, and the elements and conditions were good enough not to influence proceedings. Indeed Combe were quickly into their stride forcing a penalty chance at goal for Iain Gordon , which fell short, but with Combe still on the attack, and with quick re-cycled ball Ben Hough burst through the Thurrock defence to score to the right of the posts. Iain Gordon added the conversion for an early 7-0 lead. Soon after he added a penalty, as Combe kept the opposition on the back foot. Another diagonal kick to the wing, this time for Tom Gray to collect out on the right, on the half way, an inside pass to Alex Smith and a gallop to the corner for try number two and a second conversion .17-0 inside the first fifteen minutes. Thurrock perhaps in shock had barely ventured into the Combe half let alone the 22, but after twenty minutes did so and forced a penalty which Frankie Neale put over for 17-3. Normal service from Combe was resumed. Robbie Skilton chipped to the left corner, Tom Clarke collected the line out and with a drive to the try line Thibaud Calohard claimed the touchdown. Iain Gordon slotted the conversion. 24-3. Thurrock’s wingers had a go after a poor kick out by Combe’s defence, coming close in the corners, but Combe held firm and a chip and a run for Omar Dixon , they were away from danger. Combe with another line out and quick ball off the top, set up Ben Hough to go clean through the visitor’s defence for his second try, Combe’s fourth and the bonus point. No conversion, but Combe looking comfortable at 29-3 up with half time looming. But enough time for Thurrock to knock over two penalties, presaging perhaps the start of Thurrock’s own purple patch. Half time 29-9.

Thurrock started the third quarter on a mission. They set up camp in Combe’s 22, winning scrums and penalties. From a line out close to the left corner they drove and forced over for a forwards’ try. 29-14. They were back for more, and following more pressure on the Combe line went for a pushover try for No. 8 Brad Retigan. Frankie Neale added the extras. Within fifteen minutes Thurrock were back in the game. 29-21. Combe held their nerve, and patiently won back territory. They also began at last to get Omar Dixon in space to run. Attacking down the right Combe forced a penalty for Iain Gordon to put over and calm any anxious Combe supporters. 32-21, ten minutes to go. Thurrock have not given up at all. Combe fail to clear their lines and Thurrock are close with a scrum and a lineout on Combe’s five yard line, but the defence holds and Combe claw their way back into the visitor’s half. A lineout on the right, quick ball, simple delivery through Graham Purdy, Omar Dixon , and Alex Smith sets up Mark Nimmo to go over in the left corner. Not an easy conversion for Iain Gordon, but the miss is not critical. Now into injury time Combe can breathe easy 37-21, and the Combe supporters can relax a bit, although they will have plenty to mull over into another long night.

Next week is a week off. The league programme resumes on Saturday 26th October away at Basingstoke. The next home game is on 2nd November when Combe entertain Guernsey.

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

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.