Combe pay the penalty

Two turning points in the last quarter: a quick tap penalty set TJ’s winger Hugo Watson free to score in the corner, and a string of penalties to Combe yards from the visitors’ line brought no advantage, and crucially no points. Oh, and Combe forgot Luke Giles could kick goals at Goddington Dene. Luke Giles, this year at TJ’s, had not forgot.

A large well-nourished crowd was in festive mood. Dry conditions and a cold wind blowing from the clubhouse end. TJ’s had first use of it and once settled Luke Giles stroked over his first effort. TJ’s ahead and they had not really seen much of the ball. Shortly after a second shot hit the post. A warning shot. Combe’s reply was a break by Nikki Davies, further ground made by Kieran Leeper and after a series of surges for the line James Sheppard was over from short range. No conversion. All this good work was undone when from the re-start and a line-out Combe’s clearance was charged down, and TJ’s flanker James Grasby gratefully scooped up and scored. Luke Giles converted, then minutes after added his second penalty, and then his third. Combe were now 5-16 behind, but with the half drawing to a close Combe hit back with a second try from a line-out drive reminiscent of last week as again it was Lee Covington with the touch down. No conversion, but at 10-16 at half-time Combe could perhaps turn it around, especially if they could benefit from the wind behind them to complement their growing confidence upfront.

But lo! The wind dropped at the re-start, in the spirit of goodwill the ‘not straight feed’ was overlooked, and Combe’s line-out failed to function effectively. It was stalemate for a while. Neither side could break down well organised defences. TJ’s nudged further ahead when Luke Giles struck his fourth penalty. Combe’s immediate reply was another try for James Sheppard again from close range, after Bryan Young has come close to the posts on a run from half way. Iain Gordon added the conversion to bring the score to 17-19 with ten minutes to go. With TJ’s under some pressure they had a penalty award near half way, a quick tap and a scoring pass to winger Hugo Watson who still had some work to do before squeezing in at the left corner. No conversion. 17-24. Still time left to turn it around, perhaps. Indeed Combe were in the visitor’s 22 and pounded the opposition line and attacked from side to side. They threw everything at it. They were kept at bay and despite several penalty awards, but gained no advantage and crucially had no points for their pains. By now time had run out. Combe could claim a losing bonus point, TJ’s the main spoils.

There is no league fixture next Saturday. The campaign re-starts in the New Year, away to Tring on 3rd January, and the following week away to East Grinstead. League rugby returns to Goddington Dene on 17th January, when Combe entertain Chichester. The league table is coming to the boil with a lot of jostling and bunching near the top.

Westcombe Park XV: K. Leeper; T. Nattrass, B. Hough, N. Davies, T. Gray; I. Gordon, B. Faurie; R. Conlon, H. Barton, J. Sheppard, D. Bellinger, L. Bellinger, R. Paddick, L. Covington, M. Arvier.

Subs: M. Poole, C. Buckler, B. Young.
Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie.