.........visitors Hertford scored a dramatic try on the stroke of full time to claim the win, 32-36, in this mid-table tussle. Stunning start, stunning finish. Combe had worked hard in the second half to get back in the game and creep ahead, but were undone at the final whistle. Perhaps they should not have given the visitors a head start. Conditions were good although it was cold and gloomy. Coming into the game, both sides had similar records. It was always going to be close, but the supporters were treated to a thriller.

Hertford were straight into their stride when No. 8 John Corcoran found gaps in the home defence to score by the posts. Jack Mann added the conversion. A penalty by Iain Gordon was Combe’s immediate reply. With Hertford’s back three looking lively, full back Stuart Smart was over for another score by the posts, again converted by Jack Mann. A second penalty by Iain Gordon was the immediate reply. Slack tackling let in second -row Byron Odell for a third try, also converted by Jack Mann. Quarter of an hour gone and Hertford are 6-21 up already. Combe have hardly seen the ball, but they claimed the re-start kick and won another penalty again put over by Iain Gordon. Bryan Young had a run , and Trent Nattrass went close. Combe had woken up and were beginning to string it together. Hertford were still in a generous penalty-giving mode. Two more to Iain Gordon as the half edged to its close, but time enough for Combe to return the compliment and Mann knocked over a penalty to finish the first period at 15-24. Work to do.

Combe began the second half in earnest, attacking in waves into the Hertford 22. The forwards set up a series of drives, and with quick ball sent right Trent Nattrass was over in the corner. Iain Gordon added the conversion. Barely five minutes later Bryan Young was in for a score, when Hertford spilled under pressure and again quick ball through hands found him in space. No conversion but Combe now led 27-24, and were looking for more. Iain Gordon dummied his way up the middle, Omar Dixon came close in the corner, Ben Hough found room to run. But as soon as Hertford countered they scored in the corner. Stuart Smart claiming his second try, and Jack Mann converting. 27-31. Ten minutes to go. A penalty shot from Iain Gordon went wide. Omar Dixon raced away from his 22 to the visitors 22 supported by Alex Smith. Again quick ball through hands. Ben Hough was away, Trent Nattrass was almost in at the corner but found Ben Hough in support with an inside pass to cross. The conversion attempt drifted wide. Combe were back in front at 32-31. Five minutes to go. Hertford countered and almost made it but the final pass went forward. A penalty shot from Jack Mann was pushed left of the upright. Into the last minute. Hertford’s penalty. Kick to touch, line-out, drive and over. Try in the corner. Final whistle. Hertford did not care that the conversion failed. They had had the last say, and a bonus point win. Stunning stuff.

Next week Combe travel to Barking. The next home game is against Tring on 14 th December, kick-off 2.00 pm.

Westcombe Park XV : A. Smith; T. Nattrass, B. Hough, I. Gordon, B. Young; J. O’Hehir, B. Faurie; T. Kavanagh, R Conlon, M. Poole, T. Clarke, D. Watkins, C. Lewis, H. Barton, D. Flashman.
Sub.s : G. Purdy, O. Dixon, T. Calohard.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.