In a scrappy match due to slippery conditions underfoot and a ball like a wet trout, Combe scored their bonus point try with the last play of the game increasing their lead at the top of the table to an impressive 10 points. That the bonus wasn’t secured earlier was down chiefly to a tenacious Hertford defence coupled with those difficult conditions.

The opening quarter was marked by a plethora of knock-ons and slips and stumbles. Westcombe Park had an edge throughout this passage which was converted into points when winger Bradley Bateup made good yards down the right. The ball was quickly re-cycled and prop Jack Cowman picked and drove for the opening try which was converted by Jacob Buckley. Around the 30-minute mark Hertford had 2 chances to get on the scoreboard when Combe were penalised firstly for offside and then breaking off early from the scrum. The first kick was missed but the second went over to make it 3-7.

Combe were in the ascendancy and Hertford’s defence were being put through their paces. The visitors had a good attempt after 35 minutes when a slick line-out move was halted a couple of metres from the line but was terminated with a relieving penalty for the home -side for off -feet at the ruck. But Combe were not to be thwarted for long. The forwards did the heavy lifting sucking in defenders and when the ball went wide there was a 3 player overlap which allowed full-back Toby Wallace to sped for the line for Combe’s second try to make it 3-12 at half-time.

The Goddington Dene side had the slope in the second half as well as periods playing 13 or 14 men through Hertford indiscretions, but oddly only managed scores at either end of the period. Hertford were kept in their own half apart from 2 incursions into Combe territory and one clear line break. Combe’s first score came from a lung bursting 40 metre run from Nick Cook and when he was stopped, Combe won quick ruck ball for winger Joe Radcliff to race in to make it 3-19 for Combe with the successful conversion.

Combe did think that they had scored through centre James Burton after 70 minutes, but the referee blew for a forward pass. The bonus point 4th try did come in the end. Radcliff was put in space again and showed a lively turn of pace to beat the defence out wide to cross for the score which Buckley converted.

Combe’s successful season continues but there is no reason to relax as this Saturday sees a resurgent CS Stags visit Goddington Dene. Please note that there is an earlier kick-off time of 1400.