But it was the visitors’ turn to have a bad day on the pitch, as Combe raced away to a convincing half-time lead, added further points in the second period, and Hertford could only claim a consolation score at the finish. The reasonable sized crowd was a little apprehensive after last week and were expecting a good display from the visitors. As it happened no need to worry, except Hertford failed to deliver. It was damp, still, and cold. Combe fielded some changes from the week before.

Hertford enjoyed early possession in Combe’s half, but having cleared their lines to half way, Combe won the line-out, Charlie Edwards found acres of space in front of him and Bradley Bateup on his shoulder for a scoring pass. No conversion, but 5-0 up after five minutes. Ten minutes later, in Hertford’s twenty-two, Combe won another line-out, three phases and Jamie Forsyth forced his way over by the posts. James Cameron converted for 12-0. After the re-start goes straight out Hertford try to get back into the game, assisted by penalty awards, always opting for quick, short ones. Combe go one man down as an attempted interception fails, and then another in the bin again. The numbers are evened up a bit when Hertford’s centre is off, but there are still more than ten minutes to go before the break, and Combe have been pinned back in their own half for some time now. The visitors create a ‘two on one’ down the left side on half way. It could be ominous, but Combe’s Shaun Dixon intercepts. No cover, all he has to do is gallop to the corner, which he does. James Cameron adds a touchline conversion. 19-0. Half-time. The home crowd is quiet, trying to digest what is happening.

Get ahead, stay ahead. At the re-start Charlie Edwards makes another break but the final pass does not go to hand. Nathan Thomas on a trade mark run from half-way comes close in the left corner. Combe’s Tom Clarke wins the line-out, the pack drives and Lee Covington is at the back to claim the try. No conversion. 24-0, and a bonus point. Where are Hertford? True they have spent time in Combe’s territory, they have won a fair share of possession, but poor handling and running lines are their undoing – spilled ball and forward passes. It’s not just resolute Combe defence that is putting them under pressure. Into the last quarter, Combe have a scrum ten yards from the Hertford line. It’s straightforward: Charlie Edwards to Bradley Bateup, to Ant Hitchcock, draws his man, to Harry Sansbury in at the corner. No conversion. 29-0. At last Hertford burst into action. They counter, they switch the ball across the pitch, back and forth, they are coming close, but spill again. They try once more with a minute left on the clock. One more tap penalty and success for Matthew Bendin who scampers through to the posts for a converted consolation try. Final whistle, 29-7, Combe have bounced back to form.

Next week Combe travel to Colchester. Southend visit on 10th December, when Combe will have played all the sides in the league. Just time to fit in one more fixture before Christmas, and it is league leaders Tonbridge Juddians who visit on 17th December, no doubt looking to stay top of the table and avenge their defeat by Combe in the early season reverse encounter. A Christmas treat in prospect.

Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale; N. Thomas, A. Hitchcock, B. Bateup, T. Gray; J. Cameron, C. Edwards; N. Porter, J. Bonner, J. Forsyth, T. Clarke, C. O’Sullivan, L. Covington, S. Dixon, A. Campbell.
Subs - R. Conlon, I. Ajayi, H. Sansbury.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.