The predicted close encounter of the third kind when first and second in National League Three (London and S.E.) meet, certainly came about at Goddington Dene on Saturday. It was certainly a close encounter when three-quarters through the game there was only nine points on the board, two penalties and a dropped goal.

The outcome of the match, and with Wild Geese securing a convincing win at Guensey, has seen Combe sink from top to third, just two points down. Amazingly in their ten games so far they have a 100% record of bonus points but this, their second Home defeat, raises its own questions.

That Bury St. Edmunds deserved their win is beyond doubt, three tries to one, after all, but the way the game went it could just as easily have been Combe's day, when, as was pointed out by Bury's President at lunch, the best attack and the second best defence in the League play the second best attack and the best defence in the League!

Bury had a real problem with their kicking, trying four different kickers, and securing only 50% of their chances in the game and if that continues may cost them dearly. But it was a measure of the game that there was only five spot kicks in total up to the three-quarters mark and speaks volumes for the quality of rugby throughout this highly entertaining match.

In the first-half despite play being swept from end to end and both sides laying siege for lengthy periods in the five-metre areas the score was 3—3 at the break. Iain Gordon dropping a goal in the 10th minute and Brad Cook equalising in the 16th with Bury missing two and Coombe one, an ambitious effort from near half-way into the mere zephyr of a wind falling beneath the crossbar.

It was much the same in the third-quarter with Iain Gordon kicking a good penalty in the 14th minute the only thing separating the sides.

As the last quarter loomed replacement Tristan Rawcliffe slipped the grip of the Combe defence to cross for the first try in the right corner. The conversion was missed as was the penalty, on the face of it very much easier, two minutes later.
There was barely 15 minutes left when another replacement, Connor Adams crossed for Bury's second try and when Tristan Rawcliffe slotted the conversion there was clear water between the sides for the first time.

The clear water became several lengths when, with barely five minutes remaining, Chris Snelling got Bury's third try. At 20—6 Bury were home and dry!

It's a measure of this squad and staff and indeed the whole atmosphere at Combe that they were far from down and out! Having laid siege to the Bury line, something we had not seen much of in the second half, after several attempts Matt Poole scrambled the ball over. I do not know if Iain Gordon was aware that the conversion would safeguard Combe's enviable record but from a none to easy position and in a match where kicking was not its most redeeming feature he was nerveless personified as he calmly stoked the ball between the posts.

There was just enough time for Bury to kick off and secure yet another penalty. I do not know if the Bury kicker was aware of Combe's enviable record but from a comparatively easy position it was missed quite comprehensibly.

An enthralling match, evenly refereed, with drama to the last kick well one by a Bury St. Edmunds side that matched Combe every step of the way and then had some.

Combe are away to Westcliff next Saturday, k.o. 2.15p.m. before returning to Goddington Dene to face second spot London Irish Wild Geese. Two weeks that might well determine the rest of our season, no pressure lads!

Combe's Squad: Casey Stone; Trent Natrass, Ben Hough, John Leiatua, Tom Gray; Iain Gordon, Joe Wilkes; Matt Poole, Hamish Barton, James Sheppard; Kyle Coulter, Jon Wright; Richard Paddick, Lee Covington, Matthew Arvier. Reece Conlon, Chris Lewis, Brian Young.

Match Reporter: Mike Attewell.