The score at the end flattered Combe and did little justice to A and C, who were left empty handed having come so close. It was an interception by Tom Gray that sealed it for Combe and at the same time brought another bonus point.

Combe fielded a couple of changes from the week before, but could still retain the look of a settled side. They played into the sun and wind for the first half. Joe Simpson opened the scoring with a penalty for Combe early on, and from the start Combe showed an eagerness to run with the ball, but it was the home side with the next score, when from broken play, near half way the A and C winger Sam Portland was clean away, inside pass to Dom Jones in support, try. Combe countered as Ben Hough was almost through, Tom Gray almost in at the corner, Trent Nattrass putting Kieran Leeper away and again almost in at the corner. The pressure told. Yellow cards for A and C, a line-out drive for Combe and at the second bite Dylan Flashman was driven over. No conversion. 5-11 to Combe. Combe were looking for another score but instead it was Dan Woods who stroked over a penalty for A and C. Combe pressed again. Casey Stone with his first touch in the game gets Combe close, a line-out then drive and from quick ball, with his second touch he puts Trent Nattrass in for a try by the posts. Conversion by Ben Hough, 8-18 to Combe right on half-time.
After the interval Combe have the wind at their backs, and within five minutes have increased the lead. Trent Nattrass stole the ball, again quick hands from Casey Stone and Tom Gray, Trent Nattrass again involved and at the second bite Joe Simpson is over in the corner. No conversion but at 8-23 ahead, it is looking a little ominous for the hosts. Another penalty from Joe Simpson, after approach work by the backs and the back row, stretches the lead to 8-26. Half an hour to go. A and C are not done for. Initially Combe keep out the attacking waves and the pounding of their line, but ultimately yield as Rhys Keith scores off the back of the scrum. Dan Woods converts, and the score is now 15-26. Barely five minutes later A and C are at it again, pounding Combe’s line. This time it is Garret Doman-Cann over from short range. No conversion, but the hosts have clawed it back to 20-26, with fifteen minutes to the finish. It is now a test of resolve, fitness and nerve. The hosts sense the game could still be theirs, but having pressed Combe back into their 22, a long relieving kick back to A and C’s own line sees Combe out of trouble. The hosts come again from the half way but Tom Gray sees an interception chance and showing a clean pair of heels is away to the posts. Joe Simpson converts for a 20-33 lead. A killer blow that sees off A and C’s challenge. Combe finish strongly with line-out drives to the line, led by Lee Covington and Reece Conlon, but the hosts are still playing determinedly to keep them out. Final whistle.

Back to winning ways but not without a scare. It is a rest week next week. The league campaign resumes on 15th November when Combe are at home to Bury St. Edmunds who are second to Combe in the table, only a point behind. 2.00pm kick-off, should be a cracker, and there is a supporters’ lunch beforehand.

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

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.