Kent Cup rules combining with injuries and unavailability meant that we had to draw on a number of youngsters for this fixture, 3 under 18’s and a couple of under 19’s complimented the very young squad with an average age of 22, the elder of the bunch being a prehistoric 28!
We anticipated that Sidcup would bring the game to us with their physical pack and bully our young upstarts out of the game, they certainly didn’t disappoint in the early exchanges as they exerted early pressure, but we knew that fatigue would probably play a part as many of the Sidcup squad had played a league game the day before. It was decided then that we would try and hold our own in the set pieces and try to move the Sidcup pack around the park and tire them utilising our very mobile back row combined with the pace at our disposal in our back line, it came as a bit of a surprise then when the players decided instead to take them on up front and unsurprisingly came off second best!

The game was littered with penalties as both sides tried to play rugby but often falling foul of the referee’s whistle, neither side could really get hold of the game and although both sides were getting the odd chance to express themselves, it was very difficult when the game was not really allowed to flow.

Combe opened the scoring on 10 minutes when a penalty from Phillip Loyden was accurate in direction but looked to be dropping short, the ball had other ideas and hit the crossbar before tumbling over to secure the 3 points. Sidcup responded well and soon regained possession, slowly but surely working their way up the pitch until yet another penalty was awarded, the Sidcup fly half, impressive with his kicking out of hand all afternoon, kicked deep into touch and the powerful Sidcup driving maul was quite rightly anticipated. The initial attack was thwarted but Sidcup continued battering our defence which was eventually breached out on the wing giving Sidcup a well deserved try and the lead. The conversion was missed.

The game continued in the same fashion with good attacking play from Sidcup forwards being stopped short, possession changing hands and Combe attacks almost getting their but just failing at the final hurdle for either infringing or taking the wrong option. Another Sidcup move was halted illegally and yet another penalty was awarded allowing the opposition to increase their lead from the boot to 8-3.

Some excellent play particularly from the Combe pack saw us take the game back into the Sidcup 22 when yet another infringement saw another kickable penalty award, Phil Loyden kick his second of the afternoon to bring Combe to within 2 points at 8-6, in the final 5 minutes of the half, it was all Sidcup, their pack picking and driving ever closer to the Combe line, phase after phase of good forwards work saw them come to within striking distance on several occasions only to be stopped short by the excellent Combe defence that were now working overtime, eventually the ball was spun wide and the Sidcup winger and with the try line at his mercy was brutally tackled into touch by, Geoff Marshall and Will Grist, both of whom had outstanding games.

Half time 8-6

The second half started as a carbon copy of the first but very quickly the Sidcup pack bagan to tire and Combe then started using the back line to good effect probing and exploiting gaps, we crossed the line but a last ditch tackle dislodged the ball and for the second time in the game a knock on was awarded and the opportunity was lost, Combe then were awarded another penalty which was the most difficult so far but the 3 points were expertly added by Loyden giving the visitors the narrowest of leads for the 1st time in some 40 minutes of play but alas this lasted only 6 minutes when yet another Sidcup move was in the referee’s opinion halted illegally and the lead the returned to Sidcup at 11-9 with 15 minutes left to play.

Combe upped their game, knowing that the next score would probably win the game and dominated the final exchanges searching for a breakthrough, Jamie Taylor was introduced which gave us fresh options and he was released from the back of a ruck to devastating effect, diving over the whitewash from 5 meters but agonisingly yet correctly the referee adjudged the ball to be held up, from the resultant 5 meter scrum, Sidcup were penalised for an infringement and the decision was take to kick for goal. Phillip Loyden for the 4th time in the afternoon made no mistake and added the well earned 3 points giving Combe a one point lead with 10 minutes left on the clock.

The remainder of the game contained exactly what had gone before with wave after wave of attacking play from both sides, losing possession and then defending, no further scoring opportunities were presented to either side and so it was Combe that progress to the semi Final winning by 12 points to 11 and for the second successive season, eliminating Sidcup by a single point.

The guys excelled in every department, but credit must to the young guns who had the benefit of a solitary training session with the squad prior to the match, Will Grist looked very comfortable at this level, making important tackles throughout the game and being a real nuisance all afternoon in disrupting the Sidcup attack. Richard Adeniyi-Jones gave us a line out target that has been missing from the Extra’s recently, the height advantage this lad give meant he secured all of his own ball and also stole at least a couple of the Sidcup throws, in the loose he was everywhere and made some good solid carries getting over the game line on every occasion. Matt Swan didn’t get enough ball for his liking but when he did, made yards and took the right option and was always in support in the correct position when in attack and again was positionally excellent in defence making cover tackles when called upon.

I have singled out the youngsters for deserved praise but this was a fantastic team effort with every one of the 19 man squad playing a vital role.
Thanks also to the travelling faithful who made the short trip over to support the lads, it was very much appreciated.

Kent Cup Semi Final draw:
Westcombe Park v Aylesford Bulls
Maidstone or Old Dunstonians v Canterbury

Semi finals to be played on or before 8th April