Westcombe Park put last week’s stumble against Harpenden behind them, running in 6 tries against the Ath. The visitors contributed to another high scoring encounter between the two sides notching 3 of their own, fighting to the end and having the last scoring word just before the final whistle.

Scrum Half Jacob Buckley has been in good form all season with the boot but in this match he showed his try scoring abilities with a first half hat-trick. The first came after 4 minutes following a quick tap, the second (and probably the pick of the bunch) after a massive territory gain from a combination of flanker Hudson and hooker Harris and the final try backing up Nick Cook’s trademark break.

In between the Buckley show, Bedford got on the scoreboard at the second attempt, after Combe had been pinged a couple of times for tackle zone offences around the 22-metre line. Player of the match Toby Wallace also got the first of his brace after good rucking work from his pack. With Buckley kicking 3 conversions Combe led 26-3 at the half and had secured a try bonus point.

Bedford showed their spirit from the start of the second half and by the 52nd minute had narrowed that gap to 9 points. Their first try came from an excellent kick through and, with the ball bobbling about in Combe’s in goal area, Bedford’s centre Sawford-Smith was relieved to get the touch down. Their second came from a break down the left wing and a score in the corner. Both tries were converted the second a fine kick from the touchline.

On 60 minutes Combe extended the difference, this time openside Harry Hudson scoring from a solid WPRFC line-out drive. 15 minutes later No 10 Matt Harrison was involved winning the ball and popping it up for Wallace to complete his double. Buckley kicked both conversions to bring his match tally to 25 points. Finally with the clock approaching full time Bedford scored their 3rd try after a line-out deep in the 22 and, after a few passing exchanges, got in close to the posts.

A solid win for the home-side and the lead at the top is 18 points with Colchester in second place. Next Saturday Combe travel to old rivals Shelford who sit just behind Colchester in 3rd place.