This was a typical Combe-Sevenoaks encounter with the visitors’ nuggety defence thwarting the home team’s more adventurous efforts. That Combe won thanks to the boot of Max Brown was no surprise to the large crowd

Westcombe Park opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute when centre Kyan Braithwaite ran in to score after a charge down on the edge of the 22 when Combe overthrew a line-out and Oaks attempted to clear. Brown converted to make it 7-0.

The game evolved into a less than inspiring affair with Sevenoaks defence standing strong against Combe’s attacking thrusts. Combe’s forwards were doing some heavy work in the tight with player of the match Fergus Chawner to the fore. On the edge of half time the home side edged further in front when Brown kicked a penalty in front of the posts when Oaks were pinged for dipping into the tackle.

2 minutes into the second half Mikel Davies, as is his wont, jinked in from the back of a ruck and the Brown conversion made it 17-0.

But Oaks showed a fair degree of resolve Oaks and hit back with George Strainge scoring on 50 minutes from the back of a line out to make it 17-5. When Benjy Hewitt finished off Oaks’ best move of the game, Ben Adams’ conversion brought the visitors to within one score.

Memories of Sevenoaks’ last minute victory at their patch earlier in the season were percolating in the minds of the Combe fans. But Combe’s nerve held and a Brown penalty as the clock ticked down meant that the home side had won and denied Sevenoaks a losing bonus point.

Afterwards the Combe club-house was buzzing, not only with the win, but the presence of three Rugby Legends: Drop kick expert Zinzan Brooke of New Zealand, the French warrior that is Serge Betsen and the towering figure of Simon Shaw of England and a British and Irish Lion to boot. They were at Combe supporting and promoting the charity For the Love of the Game which focusses on Head Injury research and education. A successful and informative Q&A session was held.

This was followed with ties being awarded to Elliott Roofe for 100 1st XV appearances and Kyan Braithwaite his tie for 50 appearances. Marc Muhlemann picked his 50 appearance tie at Esher pre-Christmas. Well done all three.

Another home game next week when old friends and rivals Canterbury are the visitors.