Close encounter but precious win

Close encounter but precious win.

Combe secured their first league win of the season, away at Lydney. The game was always tight and the final result close, but it was a well deserved victory, built on the good performance shown last week. It secured more precious league points, and will have boosted the confidence of the players and the spirits of the supporters.
This was Combe’s second trip down the M4 in as many weeks, however this week it was without delay and disruption. The weather beforehand had been atrocious, but for the game it was dry and bright with only a gentle breeze blowing. Lush green grass on top. Perfect conditions.
The first half was a tight affair, both defences holding firm. Combe had lost Giles early on to a head injury, but re-grouped and absorbed the initial pressure from Lydney who were playing a straight running game through their big centre. Lydney slotted a penalty for the first points after seven minutes. Combe hit back and after a good long run on the right by Leeper they were camped on the Lydney line. They worked Mitchell over but the maul stayed upright and Combe could not force the ball down. A second period on the Lydney line saw a yellow card for their full back, Wicks, and a penalty kick by Braithwaite to even the scores. It was vital for Combe to come away with some points having enjoyed a sustained period of good position and possession. Combe pounced on a lineout error from Lydney, Winslade charged and Braithwiate had a good run, but the home defence was still strong. Just as the half was drawing to a close Combe had a penalty opportunity in front of the posts, which Braithwaite put over for a half-time lead for Combe at 3-6. Slender, but on the balance of play probably deserved.
The second half started at a brisk tempo with both sides showing a little more daring. After eight minutes Lydney’s efforts were rewarded with a try under the posts, for Chiu their centre, who juggled the pass to him then had a straight run to the line. Try converted by Turner, score 10-6. Combe subbed both their second rows. They had a penalty kick which again Braithwaite coolly put over to bring the score back to 10-9. Lydney were once more on the attack, they took quick tap penalties, but were kept out by a resilient Combe defence, and denied any further scoring through their own errors. Davies got hold of a fumble, and the Lydney line eighty yards away beckoned. He touched down under the posts and with Braithwaite converting suddenly Combe had taken the lead 10-16. Directly afterwards Lydney kicked their next penalty for 13-16. Fifteen minutes to go. Time to up the tempo again. Combe were midfield and passed the ball through various hands, and out on the right chipped ahead for Leeper to chase and touch down, beating the retreating defence. No conversion, but Combe were now two scores ahead at 13-21. Lydney were in no mood to surrender and roared on by the home supporter, attacked again. Leeper was able to defend one effort but with the Combe defence stretched the Lydney flanker Jones made a run to put the full back Wicks in at the corner. Try converted, score 20-21, and five minutes to go. Leeper again defended well, and in a final flurry Lydney scuffed a drop goal attempt, and failed to capitalise on an interception as Combe tried to run it out of defence. Combe held their poise and nerve, and were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle. Likewise the blazers, who had travelled in support. The win was not without cost, as Braithwaite was stretchered off in the final minutes with what looked like a serious leg injury.

Westcombe Park : Giles; Leeper, Lambden, Davies, Purdy; Braithwaite, Roux; McKinnell, Barton, Mitchell, Watkins, Wright, Street, C., Sole, Winslade.
Subs. ( all used ) : Tumath, Alexander, Chance, Street, T., Brooks.
Scorers - Tries: Davies, Leeper; Penalties : Braithwaite 3; Conversion: Braithwaite

Next Saturday Combe are at home at Goddington Dene against Richmond, who might have some familiar faces on parade. Kick off 3 pm.
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Match Reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.