After 14 winning games on the trot, Combe’s successful run was ended by the boot of Harpenden’s right winger Thomas Sweeney who kicked four penalties to secure the win for the Hertfordshire side. Those 4 penalties came from a series of Combe indiscretions which had also resulted in the visitors being reduced to 14 players on three occasions.

The first 30 minutes saw Westcombe Park pinned back in their own half as Harpenden dominated possession and only stalwart defence kept the game scoreless. After 33 minutes Combe had their first meaningful foray into home territory and from a line-out drove all of 22 meters for prop Todd Bailey to finish the move with a try out wide. In the blustery conditions the conversion went astray. That lead lasted all of 4 minutes when the home team responded with a line-out move of their own which made good ground. A couple of goal-line thrusts later the impressive No 8 Jamie Speirs plunged over to score the try which Sweeney converted. 7-5 at half-time.

Combe had the benefit of the wind in the second half and, despite coming close early on, they were held scoreless whereas Harpenden kicked those successful penalties on the 53rd, 60th, 68th and 79th minutes to consign Combe to that first defeat.

The proverbial wake up call for Westcombe Park who face Bedford Athletic at Goddington Dene this coming Saturday. A well-deserved win for Harpenden who were disciplined in defence and kept the scoreboard moving as Combe strived to get back in the game.