Combe did deep to snatch victory

After a well earned christmas break and two good training sessions we were looking to hit the ground running but with players pulling out all over the place due to the bug that has plagued the country, we were down to 16 at kick off.
Southend were a big physical pack and played to their strengths. We lost Jamie Taylor early on folloed shortly by Luke Maybank both with shoulder injuries so had to play with 14, James Catlin was like a kid at christmas as he had to go into the centre.
Michael Halstead was spotted in the stand and to watch him and Jamie Taylor perform what can only be described as a scene from the full monty in the dug out we were back to 15. Jamie Taylor walking to the dressing room in his undies was enough to scar children for life!
Southend keep the pressure up and scored on 20 minutes 0-5
We replied with a great carry and try from Dave Watkins and a Joe Simpson conversation on 22 minutes 7-5.
More of the same from Southend but good pressure saw them concede a penalty on 32, Simmo slots it over 10-5
From the restart and poor play Southend capitalised and scored a converted try 10-12.
Another penalty on the stroke of 1/2 time, Simmo scores 13-12.

After some stern words in the break the boys came out strong but leaked an early try on 43 13-18
Combe were trying to play the style of rugby we know they can play but last pass mistakes, over running and some poor decision making didn't help us.
Southend's strong running number 8 was causing problems, along with stamping on anything that had a Combe shirt on.
Richard Halstead was stealing great ball at the break down and along with Dan Fox and Jack Sanchez tackling well, we were starting to turn the screw.
Josh Penny was running well and put some strong hits in.
Southend nicked another try on 59 and it looked a bridge to far, 13-22.
The lads rallied and began to spread Southend.
With a quick penalty and a pass to JJ Snape from 5 yards out we go over 18-22 8 minutes to play.
Again we dig deep and with the Southend pack running out of steam we worked hard up the field and scored on 75 Dan Gilling going over. 23-22
From the restart all we have to is defend and give away no penalties!
With no time left we give away a penalty in our half and amazingly they decide to run it, knock on, scrum to combe and we put it into touch, game over

The mark of a good side is one that can play poorly but dig deep individually and also collectively and turn a performance around like the boys did today
lots to work on over the next few training sessions to get us back to full steam.

Man of the match is a tough one with Dave Watkins leading well and James Catlin running strong out of position at centre.

But for me it has to go to the three youngest lads Dan Fox, Josh Penny and Jack Sanchez, played beyond their years and are a great asset to Combe going forward.

Well done lads
Simon Campbell.