Half-time scores can be deceptive and that was certainly the case in this National League 2 match. Combe trailed by 2 points at the end of the first period but had been reduced to thirteen players at one stage which was physically draining against the league leaders.

The visitors started brightly but a missed shot at goal and a dynamic line out drive that was held up over the line meant that TJs were first on the board after 13 minutes. Combe were down to 13 players at this point and a solid scrum in front of the posts provided good ball for the backs to run in the try. The conversion made it 7-0.

Westcombe Park were under the cosh defensively but were holding firm despite the lack of numbers. The defensive effort paid off and when the now full-strength visitors got their chance on 32 minutes with a line out in the TJs danger zone flanker Antoine Kir Kiri finished the drive to make it 7-5 at the whistle.

TJs have a reputation of coming good in the second half and this was on full display as they kept Combe territorially wanting through most of the second half. The home side’s second try came on the 48th minute to make it 14-5. Combe were defending manfully and kept TJs at bay until the 65th minute when a line-out drive secured a home team try to make it 21-5. A further 3 tries and 2 conversions in the last 10 minutes made it a convincing win for a powerful side fully deserving their position as League leaders.

No league Rugby next weekend and then Combe welcome newly promoted Colchester RFC to Goddington Dene in early November.