Combe let London Irish off the hook

.....and mistakes Irish were let back in the game and would finish just in front.

Splendid though the facilities and pitch at Hazelwood are, Combe were undaunted from the start. It was dry, but a strong wind was blowing at an angle into the clubhouse, and Combe would face it first. With less than ten minutes on the clock, Combe kicked their penalty to the left touchline on the Irish 22. From the line out skipper Hamish Barton burst clear and had a straight run for the line and the first score. No conversion, 0-5. But from such a promising start, neither side was able to settle or put passages of play together. There were interruptions and stoppages, which did not help. Irish though at last began a run and worked winger Mark Asquith into the left corner for their first score. Out-half Gavin Dunne added the extras, and from nowhere, it seemed Irish were ahead. They were getting their come-uppence at the scrum, and had had only one visit to the Combe 22. Combe would pound away but there was no way through the home defence. With half-time looming, Irish had a penalty mid-field made closer by another ten yards which came within range of Gavin Dunne’s boot. 10-5. With plenty of extra time in hand, Combe set up in the Irish 22. Right, right, then left, right again, it looked like Trent Nattrass had squeezed in at the corner, but no. And that was half-time. Irish were looking nothing like the outfit which had come to Goddington Dene earlier in the season. Combe were looking good, but had let the home side in for two scores and were behind. The wind was getting up, and it might give them a slight advantage at the turnround.

Indeed, at the re-start a grubber from Ben Faurie found the right hand corner. Irish kicked out of defence to the half-way, but Combe won their own line-out and with a driving maul came up five yards short of the Irish line. Spun left then right there was a yawning gap through which Paul Humphries sailed to score. No conversion, 10-10, and the second half only just started. Irish now sharpened up. They had a bit more ball, and were beginning to use it. From one attack, Combe conceded the penalty. Gavin Dunne again obliged 13-10. Half an hour to go. A quick tap penalty by Ben Faurie took Combe up to the five yard line again. Combe’s line-outs, Combe’s scrums, but no points. Chances gone. Dunne pushed a penalty kick wide of the upright. Ben Hennah punched a hole up the middle, Combe attacked up the left but with little room to work in. Time was beginning to run out, and then Dunne slotted another penalty. 16-10. One last charge. Hamish Barton and Ben Hough took play into the left corner. Combe had a couple of scrums on the line, but they kept it tight and allowed Irish to scramble it away. Full time, that was Combe’s last opportunity.

Next week is Easter, a rest weekend. The last home game of the season is on 11th April, preceded by the Old Crocks’ Lunch. (Book now if you have not already done so, there may still be a few places left). The season finishes with a trip to Guernsey, 18th April.

Westcombe Park XV: J. Penney; O. Dixon, B. Hennah, B. Hough, T. Nattrass; P. Humphries, B. Faurie; M. Poole, H. Barton, J. Sheppard, L. Bellinger, D. Bellinger; R. Paddick, L. Covington, M. Arvier.
Subs : R. Conlon, C. Lewis, K. Leeper.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.