On a day with clear skies and high temperatures, Combes opening league outing was upon us. Having a new head coach, all they wanted to do was start the season with a win. And that they did.
As Henley got us underway, Westcombe Park were on the ropes in the early stages of the game until a crucial turnover at the ruck from Westcombe Park’s new number 8, Mac Duabie. Combe had a commanding spell of possession until Mac Duabie’s efforts to score Combe’s opening try were denied and held up after an array of penalties going against Henley. Quickly after Combe had a lineout 5m out and were hoping to cross the try line for the first time this afternoon, and that they did, with a powerful catch and drive co-captain Callum Harris went over for the first try in the 14th minute. Max Brown failed to add the extras with a tough shot at goal. Minutes later, Combe were on the front foot again, with a kick in behind David Rufai went over in a controversial style, sparking outrage from the Henley players. Max Brown converted the kick putting Combe 12-0 up in 20 minutes. As Combe piled on the pressure Henley were in shambles as Ben Fryatt went over for Westcombe Park’s third try. With Max Brown adding the two points putting Combe ahead by 19 points to nothing. In the 32nd minute Henley had finally entered Combe’s half scoring two converted tries in quick succession, leaving the score at 19-14 in favour of the home side. With the half drawing to an end, Combe had the opportunity to score one of their own before the break. With a lineout in a dangerous area the catch and drive proved a useful asset again with Callum Harris going over for his second of the afternoon, securing the bonus point. With a yellow card shown to Mac Duabie in the very late stages of the second half for a deliberate knock on stopping a Henley attack leading to the half time stoppage.

As Combe got us started again it was clear they were attempting to pull away from the visitors, in which they appeared to be doing with a try for Ben Fryatt after a run from Mac Duabie with the last-minute offload, in true No. 9 style he went over for his second. And Max Brown putting the scoreline to 33-14. After a lengthy spell neither side was able to put points on the board but in the 63rd minute, Henley had Westcombe on the back foot, resulting in Henley going over for their third try of the match, with their fly-half adding the extra points the score was 33-21 going into the last quarter of the match. After Combe had won the ball back, they capitalised on strong runs and tired defenders leading to Max Brown’s try in the late stages of the game putting Combe 17 points ahead. Going into the last five minutes of the game, Henley had scored two converted tries in quick succession leading to a scoreline of 38-35 to Westcombe Park. With merely seconds left on the clock Henley were looking to play from their own half, but Marc Muhlemann with the heroic jackal winning Combe the game.
The side were happy with the opening win and MOTM for today’s game was Max Brown, who also capped off the performance with a try of his own

By Toby Potter age 13.