A Barnes Bridge too far for the X-Men

We'll, we gave Barnes the obligatory 23 point head start but unlike last seasons fixture, where the deficit was turned into a victory, Barnes stood firm and despite being under all the pressure in the 2nd period, added to their points tally and did enough to earn a 10 point margin victory.

It was once again a classic tale of 2 halves where we simply didn't turn up for the first whistle and decided tackling was optional, it took us until the 2nd period to get going.

To be fair to Barnes, they have a superb pack and a back row that must be making their counterparts in the 1st XV's very nervous with performances like this, such was their dominance in the loose. Most things good came from either securing 80% of the 50/50 play, protecting their own ball or turning over Combe ball which happened more times in one game than should really happen in a full season.

Not all bad though, with players out of position, we really took the game to our Barn Elms hosts in the second half and had the game gone on 10 minutes longer, the result could have been very different, however, if we played in the 1st half like we did in the 2nd, I would surely be reporting on a very good Combe victory. But we didn't, so I'm not!!

This league is all about learning and development and one would hope that all of the squad took something from this game that will be put right next week when we face London 2SE opposition Deal & Betteshanger in the Kent Cup.

A disappointing result and performance for Jackpot's last game for Combe and we all wish him well in his new Bristol surroundings and whatever club he decides to join will benefit from his experience and commitment. good luck mate.