Oundle’s defence and ability to take their chances were the differences in this top of the table clash with the visitors fully deserving their win. Combe scored twice at the end, earning them a couple of bonus points.

Kaz Henderson opened Oundle’s account with a score from quality scrum ball but a high tackle by them in the 22 gave the home side the chance to rumble over the line, Naj Mundicha scoring. Toby Wallace on his return to Goddington Dene slotted the conversion and Combe led with 12 minutes gone.

Oundle’s well organised and aggressive defence dominated as Combe elected to run out of defence rather than kick and two scores when Combe were reduced to fourteen players edged Oundle in front; a quick tap and sprint from Lawrence Rayner notched the first and the second from Grant Snelling dotting down at the back of a lineout maul. Ben Young’s conversion gave Oundle a 17-7 advantage.

On the stroke of half time Wallace got Combe’s second breaking through the defence after Combe danger zone pressure.

The visitors put the match to bed with two converted tries. The bonus point try came after sustained pressure in and around the 22. Anthony Maka scored after a couple of powerful charges by the Oundle forwards. Rian Hamilton took advantage of slick back play including a neat out of the back pass to touch down for Oundle’s fifth. Young’s conversions putting the visitors clear at 12-31.

But Combe scored late on in their first meaningful visits to the visitors’ 22. Ben Fryatt getting a couple of tries and Mikel Davies converting one of them. But Oundle ran out deserving victors underlining their impressive record this season.

Combe travel to Esher this coming Saturday as the season passes its half-way point.