Another windy afternoon, sunny in parts, and almost balmy. Westcliff are at the wrong end of the league table, but from previous visits, Combe know better than to assume.

Indeed the first half was closely fought, with much of the play between the 22’s. Combe showed early their intention to run with the ball, and the confidence to do so. Frankie Neale made a zig-zag run and chip ahead which put the Westcliff defence on the back foot. With penalty advantages, and indents from James Lindfield and Jordan Saunders, quick ball to Tom Gray on the left saw him over for the first score with fifteen minutes on the clock. No conversion. No more first half scores, but Combe had come close. Shaun Dixon broke clear, but was overhauled, Tom Gray went close but was denied by desperate defence. At the other end Combe had kept the home side out when they drove from a line-out. At the turn round, Combe would have the wind advantage, and with growing domination upfront the majority of possession. Turn it into points.

The second half began badly for Westcliff. Their kick-off went straight into touch and soon they were pinned on their own line. Rob Cattanach and Reece Conlon went close, but it was James Snape given the scoring pass to plunge over from short range in the left corner. Westcliff were stung into reply. They won a series of penalties and close to Combe’s line with a second bite No.8 Sam Reynolds was over for a pushover try. The conversion attempt hit the upright. 5-10. Thirty minutes to go, and it was all one way from now on. Slick passing from James Cameron and Ant Hitchcock put Frankie Neale into space, over and round to the posts, James Cameron converted. Tom Clarke and James Snape led a charge up field. A quick tap penalty by Shaun Dixon found James Snape on hand to go over in the left corner again. From the re-start Shaun Dixon ran it back and a well-timed pass saw Tom Gray clear and over for his second. James Cameron converted. 5-29. Shaun Dixon was on the scoreboard, a No. 8 pick-up from a scrum five metres out. Jo Birch claimed one following a chip and scramble. James Cameron added the conversion. Still time left for one more: Tom Gray for his third entering the line at pace and on a straight run. 5-46, full-time.

Time to party, back on the coaches, and back to the clubhouse for more. Well, it is the season to be jolly. There is now a two week break for Christmas and New Year. The league programme recommences 9th January when level-pegging East Grinstead visit Goddington Dene. The following week, 16th January is also a home game for Combe when locals Gravesend visit.

Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, J. Birch; J. Cameron, R. Cattanach; M. Poole, R. Conlon, J. Saunders, T. Clarke, A. Weighton, L. Covington, J. Lindfield, S. Dixon.
Subs.: J. Snape, T. Smith, L. Wendt.

Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie.