Not so, this season. Combe in a dazzling first half ran in four quality tries which with three conversions put the result beyond doubt. Just the score line to be settled. The sun was out after days of showers, and Combe were on a roll. Match six. Maximum points so far…..

Combe opened the scoring after five minutes. No lingering in the bar for any spectators or you would miss it. From half way quick ball, quick hands, Gideon Roux to Kieron Leeper, Richard Paddick to Chris Lewis down the right, then inside, Casey Stone over. Joe Simpson converted for a 7-0 start. Tom Gray made a break, then a chip only for Trent Nattrass to be beaten by the bounce. Combe were buzzing. On ten minutes Tom Gray collects, up to the left corner, inside to Gideon Roux. Over for try number two. Barnes had a penalty shot for Tom Hupfield to claw back to 12-3.They also had their time in open space, but were kept at bay by solid Combe tackling. Second quarter, purple patch. Gideon Roux was in for his second. Again from halfway, Trent Nattrass breaks, off loads, support up the right, back inside, recycled, over in the left corner. No conversion, but the lead was now extended to 17-3. Within three minutes another score but only after Tom Gray had come close again. It started in Combe’s 22 with Ben Hough, through hands, to Casey Stone up the left, inside to Dylan Flashman, patient, finds Tom Gray steaming up on his inside, who clears what remains of the visitors’ defence and is round to the posts. Quality. Conversion for Joe Simpson sees Combe in 26-3 ahead at the break. Result decided. What’s the final score to be?

The challenge for Combe would be could they maintain this momentum? Barnes at the close of the first half had the line at their mercy only to spill it. Perhaps only their right wing posed a threat. And it was the visitors who got the first score after the restart. After sustained pressure in the left corner Barnes took their lineout, drove for the line and Simon Givens claimed the try. Tom Hupfield converted to take the score to 26-10. Combe replied with another try for man-of-the-match Casey Stone. With Combe’s pack now dominating, Chris Lewis went close, and with quick re-cycled ball, Casey Stone was over by the posts with a hop, skip, jump, and forward roll. Joe Simpson could add the conversion for a 33-10 score with still half an hour to go. Barnes were not giving up. Combe’s outsides also had to perform their defensive duties, as now and again Barnes threatened. The last ten minutes were fraught, with both sides giving it a final push. It came right for Combe when from a quickly taken tap penalty Gideon Roux completed his hat-trick, bursting over in the right corner.

Final score 38-10. Not quite like it used to be. The home support are being treated to some quality rugby. The team are enjoying their rugby. It all helps. Another week at the top of the league table.

Next week Combe travel to local rivals Gravesend, recently promoted after a season’s absence away.

Westcombe Park XV: C. Stone; K. Leeper, T. Nattrass, B. Hough, T. Gray; J. Simpson, G. Roux; M. Poole, H. Barton, J. Sheppard, D. Flashman, K. Coulter, C. Lewis, L. Covington, R. Paddick.
Subs: D. Weston, J. Wilkes, M. Arvier.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.