Combe comeback buries Bury

Visitors Bury St Edmunds admit that this happens to them too often - racing away to a commanding lead only to be overhauled at the finish. Either way it makes for a great game. There had been rain in the week, but the pitch held up, if a little sticky on top, the sun ventured out, it stayed dry, and there was little wind to worry. Combe could do with some league points, but with injuries in the squad they were fielding some changes in the side.
In the opening minutes Iain Gordon slotted a penalty from far out on the right side to start up the scoreboard on what was going to be a busy day for the operators. Straightaway Bury replied with a try in the left corner for wing Chris Snelling from quick ball spun left. No conversion. Combe had penalty chances and chose to take the line-out and drive options. Reece Conlon and Chris Lewis just short. Bury survived to have their own chances with similar choices in the left corner. Combe kept them out for a while albeit sacrificing penalties, until Bury won a heel against the head . No 8 pick-up and Ben Radmill was over for a try converted by Jesse Rush. (3-12 ). Combe came back on the attack, but Bury right wing Dan Garrard pinched an interception on his ten yard line and was away for a try under the posts. Conversion by Jesse Rush ( 3-19 ). Half an hour gone. Tim Kavanagh won a turnover from the re-start, and Bury were under pressure and pinned back on their try line. A Combe line-out and drive this time worked and Tim Kavanagh was over to claim the score. No conversion. Bury’s immediate response was to call a set move: the full back was in the line and punctured the defence, short inside ball to centre Tanino Samoa into space and over. No conversion. (8-24 ). With little of the half left, Combe attacked. Niki Davies came close as did skipper Hamish Barton, but it was from the ruck on the left that Iain Gordon with a cross kick picked out Ben Hennah on the right wing to dot down in the corner. No conversion and Combe were behind at 13-24 going into the break. Work to do.
Come the re-start Combe were lively. They pinched the first two opposition line-outs and were stronger in the set piece, but it was Bury who started up the scoreboard again. Combe were pressed back in the left corner and could not clear their lines. Sam Bixby went over from short range. No conversion, but Bury were now sixteen points ahead with half an hour to go. It would take a monumental effort for Combe to stay in the game let alone close the gap. Then from broken play near the half way Niki Davies countered and burst through tackles, handing on to Chris Lewis down the left touch line, roared on by the stand and the Gumbo mound. He was caught shy of the try line, but Ben Hennah up in support was on hand to take the scoring pass. Iain Gordon converted for 20-29. Into the last quarter. Combe have upped the pace, and are now getting the rub of the green at the breakdown. Indiscipline from the visitors sees them playing a man short. A penalty close to the Bury line. Ben Faurie takes a quick tap and from the ensuing ruck Sam Davis touches down by the posts. Iain Gordon converts. (27-29 ). Time is running out. James Catlin is felled. Combe have the penalty in front of the posts, and Bury are another man short. Iain Gordon slots his kick over and Combe are in the lead 30-29, with only minutes to go. They hold out, just, as Bury launch attack after attack and creep up into Combe territory - but no Duncan Weir moment for the visitors. Much to the delight and relief of the home support Combe’s comeback can be celebrated as second only to Lazarus’s effort. Visitors Bury do not go away empty-handed. They have two bonus points for their part in an epic struggle.

Next week Combe are at home again and entertain CS Rugby at Goddington Dene. Advertised kick-off 2.00 pm.

Westcombe Park XV : A. Smith; N. Davies, T. Nattrass, B. Hennah, J. Penny; I. Gordon, B. Faurie; T. Kavanagh, R. Conlon, J. Sheppard, J. Wright, C. Lewis, G. Purdy, H. Barton, R. Hackett.

Sub.s : J. Catlin, S. Davis, N. Pace.

Match Reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.