Combe secured a stunning victory over in-form high-flyers Southend, and sent them home pointless, whereas Combe collected a bonus point to boot which all helps for their own league position. The win was built on the improving form of the home team over the last month or so, as well as a head-up display of grit, determination, and team work. Skills were on show as well. Not a large crowd were in but the conditions were good, albeit with a misty damp start. McKinnell was away, and Jamie Stevenson was back from international duty, but otherwise Combe were fielding a side that is settling together.
The first half started nervously, Combe’s kicking out of hand was at first wayward, there was a tension and edginess between the two teams. A bit fast and furious and both sides were conceding penalties. From one for Southend close to Combe’s posts the visitors opted for a scrum, set up a second phase and on a short ball tight head Michael Guess steamed in for the first score. His try was converted by Andrew Frost for a 0-7 lead after fifteen minutes. Ten minutes later Frost kicked a penalty for 0-10. Combe had had some of the play - a break by Stevenson, runs by Kieran Leeper and Gavin Wallis, but it was not quite happening for them. It took the coach’s exhortation of ‘ do something, then just do it’( which must have had some meaning ) to galvanise the home team. John Coleman made a good midfield break, the ball was re-cycled for Coleman once more to stride through the middle, a one-handed off-load, and Nikki Davies had a simple trot in for a try near the posts for Luke Giles to convert. 7-10. Minutes later from a scrum and then second phase Tom Clark had a long run, set up the ruck and the ball was quickly through hands for Davies again to score in the corner. The try went unconverted. 12-10. Half an hour gone. Southend would finish the half pressing the Combe line. They did come away with a penalty by Frost at the whistle, and Combe defending over the limit were one man down with a yellow card. 12-13 at half time and all to play for.
Combe started the second half with a swift and assured attack, building through several phases until Toby May was free and clear with a zigzag run to the line. His try was converted by Giles for a 19-13 lead to Combe. Combe were having a good day up front, and the back row were taking the game to the visitors. Southend could not establish any poise or rhythm, and their attacks were easily absorbed by the Combe defenders. Into the last quarter Giles slotted a penalty for Combe to put them 22-13 ahead, and from another penalty found good position from which Combe launched another attack, again with a patient build up, before sending Tim Kavanagh over for a try near the posts, converted by Giles. 29-13. A momentary loss of concentration allowed Southend winger Mark Billings in at the left corner for an unconverted try. ( 29-18 ). There were still ten minutes left. Combe needed to take control and stay in control. They worked the ball into the Southend half, Nikki Davies easily dispossessed the defender, slipped the ball to Hamish Barton who went off on a charging run from the 22. He was almost downed but roared on by the home crowd, rose again to lunge and stretch over for another score. Try converted by Giles, score now 36-18. The home crowd were delighted but not celebrating yet. There was still time to make it a nervous finish as Southend from a scrum in front of the Combe posts passed out to the right winger Daniel Cleare to score in the corner, and his try was converted by Simon Hoult. The last few minutes were tense, but Combe were able to close it out and finish impressive and worthy winners 36-25.

Combe XV : May; Hockedy, Coleman, Davies, Leeper; Giles, Stevenson; Kavanagh, Brooks, Mitchell, Wright, Clarke, Winslade, Sole, Wallis.
Subs. : Rainford, Barton, Trendell, Tumath, Hamilton.

Next week Combe are home again at Goddington Dene, versus Jersey. 2.00 pm kick-off. This match is preceded by a Charity match : Westcombe Park Colts v. Borough BaaBaas, to commemorate the life of local boy Rfn James Brown killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009. This match kicks off 11.30 am. If in doubt, check the web site for details.

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.