Combe conjure up away win at Westcliff

Westcliff went without for the entirety, whilst Combe sat on two first half penalties until the final minute when at last the try line was crossed. A pity as the pitch looked good, with its dry, brown grass, although there was a cross wind which meant play was mostly on the downwind touchline. Not even the crowd on the clubhouse balcony could always see what exactly was going on.

Combe started positively in the opening minutes, coming close in the right hand corner, then Josh Livett running the ball back from his half to Westcliff’s twenty-two. First penalty attempt for James Cameron. Combe take the lead 0-3. Nathan Thomas, making his debut, ran back the re-start and linked with Alex Campbell, ground made, quick ball, Bradley Bateup on an inside ball was brought down just short. Into the second quarter, Westcliff have their first venture into Combe territory. They had sprung into life, but their efforts came to nothing, thanks to spilled ball and another classic tackle from Combe’s full-back. With Combe under some pressure, part brought upon themselves Westcliff’s Jack Jones had a shot at goal, but it was pushed left. Combe cleared their lines, Westcliff’s defence parted for Mark Davey to storm through with Charlie O’Sullivan in support to carry it on, but the ball was spilled and Westcliff could kick and chase clear. With the first half coming to a close and Combe on the attack, James Cameron had another penalty shot for 0-6. Half time.

Both sides picked up the pace at the re-start. A pause to attend to injuries after a brief flourish of close quarter action. Tom Dowding was twice in space but could not get through. Bradley Saffery made a good break. Then it was Westcliff’s turn. A penalty award pushed them into Combe’s twenty-two, Combe’s defence was caught off-side, but Jack Jones’ kick at goal went wide of the right upright. Last quarter, and Combe begin to have some continuity. Mark Davey again, and Ben Hennah trying to make headway. Final minutes, look at the scoreboard, this game is still in the balance. Westcliff penalty, kick to right hand corner, but Combe pinch the line-out and Charlie Edwards chips to clear to Combe’s ten metre line. Repeat. Combe pinch the line-out, Charlie Edwards chips ahead to Westcliff ten metre. Jordan Saunders on the rampage, re-cycle, Tom Dowding and Charlie Edwards come close in the right corner, re-cycle, and Bradley Bateup, now at out-half, with a crossfield kick to the left finds anyone of three but it is Harry Sansbury, on debut, who collects rounds his opposite number and touches down in the corner. No conversion, 0-11 to Combe, final whistle.

It was rather attritional: big packs, tight defences, both sides prone to mistakes and errors, so lots of penalties and free kicks. Combe had to make several changes since last week through injuries and non-availabilities, but they worked hard for a deserved result. Next week Combe are at home to Shelford, with a 3.00pm kick-off. Check the web site for details of the pre-match lunch.

Westcombe Park XV: J. Livett; T. Dowding, B. Saffery, B. Hennah, B. Bateup; J. Cameron, C. Edwards; N. Porter, J. Bonner, J. Forsyth, M. Davey, C. O’Sullivan, N. Thomas, L. Covington, A. Campbell.
Subs: J. Saunders, C. Del Moro, H. Sansbury.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.