Combe dish out a beating not a thrashing

Combe duly dished out a beating in the first half, rattling up five converted tries without reply, but the threat of a thrashing in the second half never materialised, either because Eton bounced back, or Combe eased up. Maybe a bit of both. Good conditions, cold but dry, a light wind, a small crowd.

Combe starting from the clubhouse end were soon into their stride. A break upfield by Shaun Dixon, to Rob Cattanach, to Frankie Neale, to Tommy Gray over in the corner. James Cameron converted. Within ten minutes Combe had their second score with Sam Randle streaking clear down the left. James Cameron converted. Within a minute Tommy Gray scored his second by the posts taking a short ball from James Cameron after a set up by Tom Clarke and Sam Perry. James Cameron converted. On twenty minutes Combe secured the bonus point when Ant Hitchcock went over in the right hand corner after the Combe pack had pushed Eton Manor off their own ball. And on the half hour Combe were over again, this time from a line-out drive to the corner with James Lindfield at the back. James Cameron converted. Half-time 35-0. So that’s the result decided. What will be the final score?

At the re-start it looked like Combe would keep adding to the score. Frankie Neale and Ant Hitchcock came close in the left corner. With Combe running at the retreating Eton defence, and with quick recycled ball, Bradley Bateup made a half break, found James Lindfield on his shoulder with a short ball, who went over by the posts for his second. James Cameron converted. Half an hour to go. Then it all went off the boil. Combe’s habitual offender received his hebdomadal card, Eton Manor had stiffened their front row, and for a long period enjoyed possession as well as time in Combe’s half and twenty-two. They attacked on both wings, scrum-half Reece Reed kept firing out his passes, a chip and collect bounced unkindly. Pressure brought penalty awards as Combe ditched the blitz and resorted to a scrambled defence. It held though. Ant Hitchcock intercepted and ran play from twenty-two to twenty-two. Second phase and Shaun Dixon dummied his way over then gave a scoring pass to James Cameron by the posts. James Cameron duly converted. Only five minutes left, and it looks like the visitors will have the final say. Their left wing, Jack Pike had a couple of runs but could not get clear, but having worked into the left corner their pack drove over and it was centre Peter Bicknell who claimed the score, a reward for Eton’s efforts. The conversion attempt failed and that was the final whistle. 49-5. Thrashing avoided.

Next week Combe travel to Wimbledon. The final game of the league programme is on 23rd April, at home when Bracknell visit Goddington Dene, kick-off 3.00pm. There is The Old Crocks lunch beforehand, and it is Ladies Day as well, so plenty for everyone to enjoy even before the rugby starts. Book your places now before they all go.

Westcombe Park XV : F. Neale; T. Gray, A. Hitchcock, D. Bonner, S. Randle; J. Cameron, R. Cattanach; M. Poole, S. Perry, N. Porter, T. Clarke, K. Coulter, L. Bellinger, J. Lindfield, S. Dixon.
Subs: J. Bonner, L. Covington, B. Bateup.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.