Dorking deservedly came out top in this match which pitted fourth place against fifth. The visitors had that bit more of possession and territory with a set of backs who put together the more cohesive and penetrating plays. Combe’s cause wasn’t helped then centre Kyan Braithwaite pulled up in the warm up and the backline consequently wasn’t as slick as usual.

But Combe had themselves to blame for Dorking’s first score when a speculative pass in their own 22 was picked off by the predatory Dorking wing Harry Barker who trotted in for the try converted by Tom Hardwick. Combe hit back a couple of minutes later when hooker Callum Harris dotted down at the back of a line out rumble. The kick was missed leaving Dorking in the lead at 5-7.

Dorking Player of the Match Barker got his second taking advantage of a missed tackle in midfield to stroll in for the try.

Lineouts were proving a great source of attacking opportunities and on 18 minutes the visitors went further in front when Barry Nicholas finished off a powerful maul to score. Hardwick’s successful kick extended the lead to 5-19.

Westcombe Park got one back when Alessandro Mimms took advantage of an advancing maul to sneak in at the side of the forwards to notch the try. Brown converted and it was 12-19 at the interval.

The second half was not pretty as both sides struggled to develop any cohesive patterns in the heavy underfoot conditions and with a swirling wind. Dorking’s handling was just that bit sharper and their play overall benefited from an advancing scrum. But neither side crossed the line and the only score came with the last play when Dorking elected to kick a penalty confirming the away win and denying Combe the losing bonus point.

No match this coming week-end and in two weeks’ time Combe travel to league leaders Old Albanian who went down heavily to Sevenoaks on Saturday.