Neither side could force a proper breakthrough, and everyone on the pitch struggled to remember all the laws. The penalty count was high but equally apportioned. A pity as the pitch was green and lush, it was still, though it looked like it might rain at any time. The modest crowd, starved of rugby for a couple of months were no doubt looking forward to an entertaining game.

Both clubs had been recruiting in the close season. Combe fielded a combination of ex-players returning, new players on debut, and new players from the ranks. Of course there were also the established players making a return to the fray. With both sides eager to blow away the summer cobwebs and hit the ground running, the game began at a cracking pace, and never really let up, but mistakes were made, and penalties paid. On the quarter hour Liam Hemming opened the scoring with a penalty for the home team, and Combe replied in kind five minutes later with a shot from James Cameron. 3-3. Combe pressed in the Bracknell 22, at least eight phases, but it was all a bit lateral, and Bracknell’s defence was equal to the task albeit at the cost of conceding another kickable penalty for James Cameron. 3-6. As half-time approached again Combe were close, spinning left and right, winning the scrums and finally another penalty.

Unfortunately the effort hit the upright, and the score stayed at 3-6 for half-time.

At the re-start Combe upped the tempo. Combe’s James Cameron stroked over another penalty. Bracknell had a second sinner off for a ten minute break, but Combe did not make the advantage in numbers count. Indeed it was Bracknell who took play up to Combe’s line and after a pounding came away with another penalty kick by Hemming for 6-9. It was still stalemate, until with fifteen minutes of the half gone, Combe pressed down the left side and now were breaking tackles, with Ant Hitchcock at last streaking clear to squeeze in at the corner. James Cameron from the touchline converted. 6-16. Combe came again with Dave Bonner and Dale Bellinger making inroads, but again were kept out by the home defence. Into the last five minutes a stramash erupted after Tom Gray had been kicked and stamped on at the bottom of a ruck with the ball away. Time for more penalties but not for the score to alter.

A pretty dour affair, not what we had been hoping for as an opening game. Early days though. Perhaps by the time of the return fixture it will all be a bit different.

Next Saturday, 12th September, Combe have their first home game of the season, with Westcliff the visitors. Kick-off 3.00pm.

Westcombe Park XV: J. Simpson; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, S. Randle; J. Cameron, R. Cattanch; R. Conlon, J. Bonner, N. Porter, M. Davey, D. Bellinger, J. Lindfield, L. Covington, R. Adenyi-Jones.
Subs: J. Moore, M. Holmes, A. Weighton.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.