With a number of high scoring wins this season it is perhaps easy to forget that Combe’s defence has been the meanest in the League this season. That defensive prowess was once more on display at Goddington Dene restricting the visitors to a single try and penalty despite a number of attacking opportunities deep in Westcombe Park territory.

Combe’s attack remains in fine fettle with three tries scored in the first period and then a further four scores in the second half to ease away from the visitors. Westcombe Park had plundered two of those tries while supporters were still wending their way to the touchline after a fine festive meal in the clubhouse. Flanker Harry Hudson got the first following a ground eating break from skipper Nick Cook then James Burton got the first of his brace after hooker Callum Harris had mirrored Cook’s break from the half way line. Burton got his second after 17 minutes when returning centre KK Orelaja threw the ball over his shoulder the put his fellow centre clear. Jacob Buckley kicked the conversions for the first and second tries to make it 19-0.

Medway responded well and scored after winning clean line out ball and then a jink and strong run from Sean Marriott provided the try. Ex Combe player Owen Church-Mills slotted the conversion. Church-Mills then added a penalty on 28 minutes when Combe were penalised for not releasing making the score 19-10 and it remained that way until half time.

It took until 15 minutes in the second period for the home side to score. Bradley Bateup took a neat inside line and was in for the try which Buckley converted. Flanker Raf Dutta lurking out on the wing was next to score after Combe pressure had sucked the Medway defence in tight. Hudson was next on the scoreboard for his second after some good close quarter work and finally KK Orelaja finished the scoring with Combe’s seventh of the match. Player of the match Buckley kicked the conversion for three of these tries to bring his tally for the match to five complementing his fine defensive efforts.

All in all another all round performance from the Goddington Dene side and, with postponements elsewhere, the gap at the top of the table extended to 19 points. Weather gods permitting, the last game before Christmas is away to Tunbridge Wells who have been on a bit of a winning streak themselves. Stay warm!