Westcombe Park’s visit to old rivals Tunbridge Wells ended in disappointment for the visitors. Starved of front foot ball for long stretches of the match, the league leaders found it difficult to get their high scoring backs into the game. On the contrary TWs backed up their tenaciousness in defence with an effective power game in an around the danger zone.

Westcombe Park were still in the game at half time with TWs leading 17-7. The home side’s three tries had come from intense pressure in the Combe 22, the territory gained from a combination of TW’s own pressure and Combe incurring the displeasure of the referee. Combe’s sole try came from an intelligent tap and go from captain Nick Cook which was converted by Jacob Buckley.

The home side’s lead was narrowed to 3 points when Matt Harrison finished off a flowing move down the left for a try which Buckley converted. TWs however continued to keep Combe at arms’ length and, 15 minutes into the half, were rewarded with their bonus point try which was converted to make the score 24-14. Hooker Callum scored Combe’s third from a driven line-out to give the visiting fans a smidgeon of hope.

But a powerful TWs performance, led by an abrasive back row, quickly extinguished any chance Combe had of getting something out of the game. The home team scored 2 further close quarter tries and a penalty to leave Combe with nothing from the game.

Another sobering afternoon in Westcombe Park’s league campaign with 2 points still needed to grasp the title. This Saturday close challengers Colchester visit Goddington Dene for what should hopefully be good close encounter.