...........no doubt with the memory of the early season result between the two sides still fresh.
It was always going to be close, and indeed it was. A cracking game that had the large crowd on the edge of their seats right to the finish. It is mid-winter, so it is still wet, cold and windy. Underfoot it was soft going. A day to test skills and fitness, as well as resolve.
The visitors were soon into their stride, making Combe uncomfortable up front, and looking comfortable with the ball in hand. Combe’s defence held for a while, but with ten minutes on the clock East Grinstead’s back rower Ben Ashmore was over from short range with a try by the posts. Out-half Liam Prescott converted. 0-7 to the visitors. Combe soon replied. Alex Weighton and Ant Hitchcock had taken Combe into the opposition 22, quick ball to Josh Penney on the wing. It looked like he was in at the corner, only to be called back for a foot in touch. Have another go. The set up came from Tom Gray, Shaun Dixon, and Joe Bonner, the cross field kick found Josh Penney in the left corner again and this time he was clear and over for the score. No conversion. 5-7. East Grinstead replied immediately with a Liam Prescott penalty from mid-field. 5-10. Now it is an evenly matched contest upfront and at the breakdown with each side winning a turnover or two. Combe pinch the odd line-out as well, but that is what they often do. Fierce defending by both sides blunts any attacking efforts. Relentless, remorseless, this is a proper contest. Half-time 5-10.
Combe start the second half. East Grinstead fumble, penalty to Combe, James Cameron puts it over. 8-10. Combe are playing with more urgency. An East Grinstead attack breaks down when James Cameron nicks the ball, and chips ahead for Josh Penney to chase into the visitors 22. He comes close, but no-one could foresee what would happen next. For more than five minutes Combe battered the East Grinstead defence, in one long continuous passage of play: good hands, good discipline, good options, patience, and support, everyone contributing. No one could keep count of the number of phases. And for all this time East Grinstead’s defence met the challenge. Something would give soon surely. It did, but what? A half-opening and Alex Weighton drove over by the posts. James Cameron could add the conversion for 15-10, but there are still thirty minutes left. Combe keep the pressure on. East Grinstead fumble close to their line. Another James Cameron penalty 18-10. The visitors are by no means finished, as centre Graham Hogg slices through and slides in for a try. Prescott converts. 18-17 going into the last quarter. Lee Covington charges down an East Grinstead kick, and has the line at his mercy, if only the ball would stay up. Another charge down keeps the visitors on the back foot, and their defence is under pressure. A James Cameron penalty effort drifts wide, but Combe are soon back in range and Combe’s out-half drops a goal. 21-17. Ten minutes left. East Grinstead throw everything at Combe. The home defence is now put to the test, but gradually they push the attackers backwards, and away from danger. The result is in the balance right to the final whistle. What a cracker!

Next week Combe have another home fixture, when Gravesend visit. Kick-off 2.00pm. Supporters’ lunch beforehand.

Westcombe Park XV: B. Bateup; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, J. Penney; J. Cameron, R. Cattanach; M. Poole, J. Bonner, R. Conlon, T. Clarke, A. Weighton, J. Lindfield, L. Covington, S. Dixon.
Subs: J. Snape, L. Bellinger, F. Reynolds.

Match reporter: Bruce Mackenzie.