This was another game dominated by defences with very little between the teams for an hour. However, Combe took their chances better than Shelford and in the last quarter Combe’s sharp and skilful backline blitzed the opposition scoring three tries and squandering a couple more.

Conditions were once again perfect - firm under foot, a slight breeze into the stand and the sun soon burning off the early morning mist.

Shelford started the stronger pinning Combe back in their own 22 and for a while Combe’s resolute defence held out. However, the pressure eventually told and Veikiune Sonoma was driven over in the corner for Shelford’s first try. Lewis Cracknell converted from the touchline. Although there was little between the sides, Shelford were having the better of both possession and territory largely due Combe’s poor kicking game. After 20 mins, Combe were penalised for a high tackle and Lewis Cracknell stepped up to make it 0 – 10 to Shelford and deservedly so. Combe responded quickly and drove into the Shelford half winning a penalty for offside. Frankie Neale obliged from wide out, The Combe backs were beginning to pose a threat. A lineout steal saw them attack from deep only to knock on close to the Shelford line. The let off was short-lived. Gathering a Shelford kick in their own half Combe attacked again and excellent support play saw Rob Cattanach score under the posts. James Cameron converted, 10 – 10 after 33 mins. The game continued in much the same vein as the previous half hour with Shelford edging possession and territory, but it was largely stalemate. Penalties were exchanged as the first half drew to an end firstly Lewis Cracknell for Shelford and then James Cameron for Combe. The half time score was 13 – 13 but Shelford will have felt hard done by.

The second half started with a nasty injury to Shelford’s Tom Lucas which delayed proceedings for 5 mins. It seemed to galvanise Shelford who from the restart drove towards the Combe line stretching their defence. The ball was spun wide and it looked like Tom Jackson had scored in the corner but somehow Rob Cattanach had got across to knock the ball out of his hands. However, Shelford continued to press and from a kick ahead Tom Jackson gathered to score and make amends for his previous miss. Shelford were back in front 13 – 18 with an hour gone. The latent threat posed by the strong running, support play and nous of the Combe backs, subdued for periods of the game, suddenly burst into life blowing Shelford away in the final quarter. There was a hat trick of tries for Sam “Screech” Randle in the space of 15 mins. But there could have been more as opportunities went begging when it seemed easier to score. James Cameron kicked two of the conversions and a late penalty.

The final score was 35 – 18 to Combe, who gained maximum points. Shelford, who were still well in the contest on the hour mark, looked Shell-shocked.

The one sour note for Combe was that James Lindfield dislocated his elbow and could be out for some time. On a positive note, though, it was good to see Matt Poole back shoring up the scrum after a lengthy injury.

Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale, T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, S. Randle, J. Cameron, R. Cattanach, R. Conlon, J. Bonner, J. Saunders, D.Bellinger, A. Weighton, J. Lindfield, R. Adeniyi-Jones, M. Davey. Subs : M. Poole, T.Smith, M. Holmes.

Match reporter – Franklin Pastry.