Combe can’t break Herts

......but struggled to make headway at all in a scrappy game full of penalties and mistakes, both sides. With the wind blowing in from the lane end it looked as though this would be the telling factor, as the home side played with its benefit in the first half. As it transpired however neither side played it well, and the slight slope towards the lane proved a greater influence, with play in both halves seemingly stuck between the half way and downhill 22. Still it was dry and for a time the sun shone.

Combe began in what is becoming their traditional manner - letting the opposition in for some early scores. In the opening minute Hertford worked the ball into the Combe 22, and from one side to the other put full back Jack Mann in at the right hand corner for a try converted by Rob MacPherson-Smith. Five minutes later Combe conceded a penalty in front of their posts and the home out-half slotted the kick for a 10 -0 lead. Work to do. Indeed Combe did steady the ship, but any attacks came from far out and were swallowed up by the home defence. They in turn made little use of the wind and seemed content to wait for a mistake or a chance to counter. Which is what happened in the last minutes of the half. Hertford countered and brought play back for a rare visit to the Combe 22, and with a scrum close to Combe’s try line it was a straightforward No. 8 pick up and over for Torran MacDougal. The try was converted by Rob MacPherson-Smith, and Hertford could go into the break 17-0 up, but to face the wind in the second half.

Not an insurmountable challenge for Combe , who have put in some epic resurrections this season. To the optimistic travelling supporter it seemed that another comeback could be on the cards as Iain Gordon slotted two penalties within five minutes of the re-start to bring the score back to 17-6. But Combe had a lazy runner in the sinner’s enclosure, and when Hertford countered down the right although initially winger Ian Crompton was stopped shy in the corner, from a short line-out he had a second bite steaming up the tramline, over and round towards the posts. Rob MacPherson-Smith was not in missing mode. 24-6, but still twenty minutes to go. Although Combe’s scrum looked good, the backs could find no way through, try as they may, and any attack again was from too far out. Iain Gordon made a break, carried on by Ben Hennah and Graham Purdy, Dylan Flashman and Michael Adeniya combined, Trent Nattrass and Ben Hennah again, Reece Conlon up the middle but on his own. Time was slipping away. The likes of Lazarus were having a day off. It was the home side that finished the stronger close to the Combe line, and threatening to score again chasing a bonus point. But in keeping with the tenor of the whole game they were denied by their own mistakes and some gritty Combe defence.

Three more games to go and still to play for. The campaign is not yet over. Combe are at home next Saturday against Barking. The advertised kick-off time is 2.00 pm, but best check the website beforehand to be sure.

Westcombe Park XV : A. Smith; M. Adeniya, T. Nattrass, B. Hennah, J. Penney; I. Gordon, B. Faurie: R. Conlon, H. Barton, J. Sheppard, J. Wright, D. Watkins, C. Lewis, G. Purdy, R. Hackett.
Sub.s : D. Flashman, T. Kavanagh, N. Pace.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.