...................and with the wind in their favour for the second period must have thought themselves to be in with the chance of a result and so put an end to their recent run of poor form. But Combe, perhaps having learned from last weekend played well into the elements, produced a confident and controlled display, and rattled up twenty points without reply to see off the visitors’ challenge.

It is November, but yet another week of wind and cold threatened to spoil proceedings. Combe had the advantage with the wind from the clubhouse end at their backs for the first half, and Combe soon had the better of the opening exchanges. However they had to wait ten minutes before they could translate it to points on the board. A training ground move starting on the left swept right and Frankie Neale was in space to stroll over with a man still on his outside if needed. James Cameron converted. Soon after on their 22, Combe’s clearance was charged down by second row Phil Dickin who collected and had a clear run to the line. 7-5. Not for the first time Combe’s Alex Weighton pinched opposition line-out ball, and not for the first time the game came to a halt to sort out a scrap. Cold hands and inaccurate passing frustrated Combe’s efforts for further points which were vital if full advantage was to be taken this half. Half-way, loose play, slick hands from Reece Conlon started Combe on the attack with Tom Gray and Ant Hitchcock taking it up to Chi’s 22, quick ball left and Dale Bellinger was on hand to make the line and stretch for the try. Another rammy, then from loose play again Chi on the counter set up their other second-row Jon Lindsay for a try which Alex Marsh converted. 12-12 and not much time in this half left. Indeed Combe could add only a James Cameron penalty kick and went in 15-12 ahead at the break, which did not seem to have been the best use of the elements.

But hold on. Chi had not really looked threatening with the ball, and they were coming second best for possession and position. All Combe had to do……..From the re-start Combe were full of running. Frankie Neale made a strong run down the right out of defence. From the ensuing line-out and drive Combe won the penalty which James Cameron put over. Combe ran back the re-start again. Another line-out steal, ball spun right, chip to corner, flip up from Mark Davey to Shaun Dixon on hand to crash over. 23-12. Into the last quarter. Combe were dominant up front. Combe won a series of penalties close to Chi’s line, but were driven back without scoring. A line-out on the right and a twenty metre drive, into the right corner and another penalty for Combe. This time from the left corner, again a drive from the line-out, but then the ball is spun right and Frankie Neale is over for his second. James Cameron converted. 30-12, a bonus point for Combe. With less than ten minutes to go Chi’s challenge is fading. Combe are still full of running – Shaun Dixon from the re-start, Tom Gray from behind his own try line, and Dale Bellinger from 22 to 22. One last line-out steal from Alex Weighton on the left, the ball moved right and with Ant Hitchcock into the line straight and with an injection of pace a try was inevitable. Tom Gray in at the corner on the stroke of full time. James Cameron converted to make the final score 37-12.

Next week Combe travel to league new comers Eton Manor, who are not enjoying a good season so far. The following week, 12th December, it’s Wimbledon coming to Goddington Dene. Kick-off 2.00pm and a Supporters’ Christmas Lunch beforehand, but check with the lunch organisers as there may not be much room left at the inn, if any at all.

Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, J. Penney; J. Cameron, M. Holmes; M. Poole, J. Bonner, R. Conlon, A. Weighton, D. Bellinger, M. Davey, L. Covington, S. Dixon.
Subs: J. Saunders, T. Clarke, R. Cattanach.

Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie.