Combe were rolled over by a powerful Old Albanian team who put on a show of how to win the ball, keep it and use it. With five tries, all converted within the first thirty minutes the hosts were home and hosed, before Combe could begin to play and make the scoreboard a little more respectable. Albanians could also defend. That Combe did cross for three tries is to their credit, but frustratingly they could not manage a fourth try for a bonus point, and something to show for their efforts.

A warm sunny day with just a gentle breeze, hard going. A good sized contingent of travelling support enjoying the plush surroundings. Old Albanians showed their intentions from the kick off: running hard, releasing the backs, quick re-cycling. Centre Terry Adams was over for the opening score after two minutes, and on seven minutes prop Marco Cecere was driven over for the second. Both tries converted by full back Richard Gregg for 14-0 lead, and Combe had hardly touched the ball, let alone trespassed into the opposition half. Scrum-half Stefan Liebenberg went over from short range on the quarter hour, and five minutes later back row Jamie Bache was over in the corner after a line out. Gregg again successful with the conversions. 28-0. Combe ventured into the Old boys half. The referee allowed a drinks stoppage, and suitably refreshed, Jamie Stevenson made a break, and although the pass went behind, Combe retained possession, and with the penalty advantage in their favour worked Nikki Davies in and through a gap, to the corner and then around behind the posts. With the try converted by Luke Giles, Combe were on the scoreboard at last, 28-7. Albanians hit back with a strong run by Adams who put winger Teshurn Edwards in at the corner. Gregg did not miss the conversion. He was having a field day. Half time 35-7.

Combe started the second half much more brightly. They had more ball and were using it more wisely, but their attacks were well held by the Albanian defence. Quick tapped penalties brought Combe close to the opposition line, but they were unable to force or find their way over. Jamie Stevenson was stretchered off with what looked like a serious knee injury, Combe sub.s with fresh legs came on, and two Albanians went off with yellow cards. It had been stalemate for twenty minutes. The scoreboard had not moved. Combe pressed again. Giles chipped ahead and Kieren Leeper raced through to win the touch down under the posts. Giles added the extras for 35-14. Time was running out, too soon the sinners would be back, and the advantage would be over. The hosts woke up and went back to scoring mode, in one of their rare visits to the Combe half, picking up on a Combe mistake, with sub. Simon Lincoln going over, and Gregg again not missing. Shortly after, winger Chris May went through tackles to score in the corner. Gregg struck his seventh successive successful conversion. 49-14. With five minutes to go, there was still time for Leeper to score after a curving run that started just inside the hosts half for 49-19. Albanians were stung into reply with centre Chris Lombaard scoring. The conversion went astray. 54-19. In the last minutes remaining Combe still attacked in the hope of a fourth try and bonus point to salvage something from the game, but despite a penalty right at the end their efforts were denied, and the scoreboard, after a busy day, was troubled no more.

Next Saturday, April 16th, Combe are home at Goddington Dene to Hinckley, kick-off 3.00 pm.

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

Match reporter : Bruce Mackenzie.