Combe brought down to Earth with a bump after succumbing to a resolute and spirited Guildford side

However, what unfolded was an error strewn game with defences mostly in control. Although Combe had the better of possession and territory, Guildford prevailed through dogged defence, effective counter-attacking and because they wanted it more. For once the Combe scrum did not dominate, ball was slow from the breakdown and they were turned over far too easily. There were also too many handling errors. The result was that Combe couldn’t exert any pressure on the home defence over a sustained period of time. With parity at scrum time and the crash ball easily dealt with, Combe seemed bereft of ideas and of a plan B.

Combe were quick out of the blocks and were soon attacking the Guildford line, initially through driving forward play then spinning to the backs. However, the Guildford defence was resolute and held Combe out until a Combe mistake enabled Guildford to clear their lines only for Frankie Neale to kick Combe back into an attacking position. Most of the first half followed this general pattern with the odd breakout from defence by Guildford down the wings and through the middle by their No7 Alex Burrill, who had an outstanding game. From one of Guildford’s rare counter attacks into the opposition half, Combe were penalised but Rory Andrews missed the penalty. However, from the drop out, Combe killed the ball and Guildford kicked for the corner 5 metres out. From the lineout, Guildford caught and drove over the line to score. The conversion was missed, 5 – 0 to the home side after 15 mins, albeit against the run of play. From the re-start Guildford kicked to halfway and then attacked wide before fumbling what should have been another score – a let-off for Combe. The next 20 mins followed the same familiar pattern established early on. Bradley Bateup and Frankie Neale had good runs and Frankie Neale’s boot pinned Guildford back territorially, but Combe could not breach the Guildford defences. As half time approached Guildford won a scrum on halfway. Alex Burrill set off straight down the middle almost unopposed before spinning it wide to his left winger, who rounded the posts to touch down, converted by Rory Andrews. 12 – 0 to Guildford and so it remained at half time – in the eyes of the majority a fair reflection.

The game started to open up in the second half as Guildford became more confident and adventurous. An early burst down the wing but Tommy Gray was tackled just in touch. From the lineout Guildford infringed. A Combe attacking scrum and a rumble through the centre but Combe, frustratingly, killed the ball. From the penalty Guildford ran it up the middle through the dynamic Alex Burrill. Combe were penalised at the breakdown and Rory Andrews slotted the penalty, 15 – 0. The introduction of Charlie Edwards on 50 mins gave Combe some impetus and urgency, but the game ebbed and flowed and was littered with mistakes and turnovers. Eventually Combe started to exert some sustained pressure. From a lineout on the Guildford line, Combe attacked down the middle, and after spinning it left and then right Tommy Gray was almost over. From the lineout Jamie Forsyth drove on and Charlie Edwards was just short. Combe attacked from the back of the resulting scrum and Charlie Edwards was over at last. Frankie Neale converted, 15 – 7 after an hour. Guildford responded with two penalties from Rory Andrews as they got the upper hand and Combe started to lose their composure, 21 – 7 with less than 10 mins to go. But Combe had the final say. With the clock running down, Combe won a scrum near halfway, then burst through the middle and on to substitute Nathan Thomas on the hoof – only one winner there as he cruised to the line. Frankie Neale converted to make it 21 – 14 and a barely justified losing bonus point to Combe.

Certainly a setback for Combe, as they slip back to 4th in the table, but they can quickly make amends next weekend when they take on 3rd placed Hertford at Goddington Dene, preceded by a supporter’s lunch.

Westcombe Park XV: B. Bateup, B. Saffery, F. Neale, A. Hitchcock, T. Gray, O. Altman, J. Munton (D), J. Snape, J. Bonner, J. Forsyth, T. Clarke, M. Davey, L. Covington, S. Dixon, C. O’Sullivan. Subs : C. Edwards (50), N. Thomas (40), I. Ajayi (60).

Match Reporter – Franklin Pastry