Combe give Southend Saxon short shrift

Combe were in an uncompromising mood as they made sure of a bonus point win against visitors Southend Saxons, who are not having the best of times on their return to this league. Once again Combe’s pack laid the foundations, and the outsides were the beneficiaries of plenty of possession and quick ball. Southend did not roll over, but their defence on and over the edge conceded too many penalties which let the scoreboard tick over and allowed Combe to set up good position for scoring opportunities.
It was still to start with and a dampness in the air. Not a large crowd in unfortunately. Combe won the kick-off, Charlie Edwards kicked for the corner, Southend caught in possession, kickable penalty for James Cameron, 3-0. Re-start, ping-pong, James Cameron kicks deep into the Southend twenty-two, quick line-out ball, quick hands and distribution, Harry Sansbury is over on the right. James Cameron converts, 10-0. Barely five minutes on the clock. Southend had a pot at goal which went wide, and they put together phases which tested Combe’s defence near their own line, ultimately earning another shot at goal which Tom Ashton put through, 10-3. Combe replied straightaway with another James Cameron penalty after a big push by the Combe pack. 13-3. Southend kicked out of their twenty-two, the ball lands at the feet of Nathan Thomas on his own ten-metre, he picks up and sets off down the left touchline and to the corner and over. He does enjoy these long-range efforts. James Cameron adds a touchline conversion. 20-3, twenty minutes gone. Southend did not roll over. Their immediate response came from quick ball spun right and winger Ben Murphy sprinted for the corner. The conversion attempt hit the upright. 20-8. Combe soon were down the other end again. Desperate defence kept them out but at the cost of two further penalties which James Cameron could put over for a half-time score of 26-8.
Combe spent the opening minutes of the second period in the visitors half. In the set piece the pack was well on top, Southend had some line-out ball and some at the breakdown, but little possession to play with, however they were holding out. Combe have the penalty awards but are looking for tries. They eschew chances at goal, Charlie Edwards favours quick tap and go, or kick to touch for the line-out and drive. From one quick tap, swift hands and transference Jimi Stanford is on the wing with space to run in at the corner. Frankie Neale adds the touchline conversion. 33-8. Plenty of time to go still, plenty of possession for Combe. Ant Hitchcock is almost through, another long run from Nathan Thomas but he cannot get the final pass away, he has another go this time from his own twenty-two only to be hauled down ten metres out, Harry Sansbury is almost clear and close in the corner. Not much time left. Southend are clinging on. Then quick ball, three phases, Ant Hitchcock draws the last man and puts in Nathan Thomas in the left corner, to show he can also score from short range. Frankie Neale adds the touchline conversion for 40-8. That’s the bonus point, and just in time. Harry Sansbury has a run out of defence, a chip and chase, but is caught as the final whistle blows.
Combe have now played every side in the league. There is time for the first reverse fixture next week before the Christmas and New Year break. Tonbridge Juddians are the visitors. They top the table at the moment, having lost just the once. Combe will want to do the double over them, while TJ’s might want to avenge that defeat. Either way it should be good. Kick-off 2.00pm.
Westcombe Park XV: F. Neale; N. Thomas, A. Hitchcock, B. Bateup, H. Sansbury; J. Cameron, C. Edwards; R. Conlon, J. Bonner, J. Forsyth, T. Clarke, C. O’Sullivan, I. Ajayi, S. Dixon, A. Campbell.
Subs: J. Stanford, M. Roddick, L. Covington.
Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.