Combe ended their recent run of defeats with a heartening, but not entirely convincing win at Newbury. In this battle at the basement end of the league, Combe may have come away with the five points but they did make heavy weather of it, and Newbury Blues may well be feeling they should perhaps have had something more to show for their efforts. It was only in the final quarter that Combe took back the lead and then made sure with another score at the end to finish off the home side.

The game kicked off in warm late October sunshine, the going was good, there was a small band of travelling support. Both sides were anxious if not desperate for a win, and this showed throughout the game. Both were guilty of making mistakes and too often taking the wrong decisions. Newbury began the scoring after ten minutes with a try out on the left, from a move started off by a run from full back Martin Freeman. It was converted, so 7-0 to the home team. Combe struck back when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for Luke Giles to slot over for 7-3. Soon after, fielding a kick by Newbury out of defence, Combe passed across the pitch to put left winger Thomas Hockedy in from the half way line. The conversion from Giles went over for 7-10. The last ten minutes of the half were fast and furious, side to side, end to end, and in a frantic burst of activity Combe scored in the left corner for Hockedy again ( the conversion hit the post , 7-15 ), Newbury scored under the posts, converted 14-15, and they also had time to add a penalty to make the half time score 17-15. Combe, for all their good work were behind, and with only themselves to blame. Too many errors and wrong options. Still, plenty of time yet…….

Newbury started the second half with an immediate score for back row Greg Price, cutting back inside. The conversion went wide, so now the home side were ahead 22-15. This lead was soon reduced to 22-18 with another penalty for Combe by Giles. Thereafter Combe had plenty of ball and attacking chances. The front row were enjoying superiority, the line out was working, there was a lot of recycling. But either passes were delayed or not made, or errors still prevailed. Both sides were conceding penalties. After twenty minutes Giles kicked another penalty ( 22-21), to take back the lead. The Newbury centre was yellow carded. With ten minutes to go Combe were camped on the Newbury line who conceded several penalties at the scrum, until with a forwards effort Combe's Zane Winslade got the touch down.. The conversion went wide ( 22-26). Combe still had time for one more score, but only just. In the Newbury 22, they spun the ball right, and Foster crossed with a bit of a scramble having chosen to go himself. This was not converted ( 22-33 ). It was a precious score for a bonus point, and equally important it kept Newbury two scores behind with still five minutes to go.

This away win may have lifted the spirits of players and supporters, and dispelled some doom and gloom, but it’s still a long hard road.

Next week Combe are home at Goddington Dene to Clifton, fresh from a good win at league leaders Southend. It keeps getting tougher. Kick-off 2.00 pm.

Combe XV: Purdy; Leeper, Brown, Davies, Hockedy; Giles, Stevenson; McKinnell, Barton, Mitchell, Wright, Alexander, Winslade, Sole, Bradford. Sub.s used : Fry, Street, C., Preocanin, Foster.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie