Combe collapsed to a 32—3 scoreline before a late rally of two tries gave some credibility to the scoreline and reflected the true nature of the game.
Southend were in top gear from the start and much credit goes to Combe for the way they tackled and thwarted Southend's attempts to cross the line.
When they did cross the line Combe were soon back in contention with a Luke Giles penalty from just inside Southend's half, one of only a few times Combe breached the halfway line in the first half.
Southend gradually built a sound lead with tries from Martin Freeman and Danny Cleare, two penalties and a conversion from Andy Frost for an 18—3 lead at half-time.
Early in the second-half Southend extended their lead with a converted try from prop Mike Guest and some while later, one of the better tries either sets of supporters are likely to see this season, with a three-quarters move, Perry Sampson putting the finishing touches. Again Frost converted.
Combe were seeing much more of the ball in this half and under less pressure to kick possession away. To their credit they stuck to their guns and were rewarded with two tries in pretty short order.
The first was a short, but effective break, from centre Ben Hough and the second from Hooker Hamish Barton, with the whole team showing commendable patience. Giles converted both.
Southend were clearly the better side on the day but there was enough in this game to suggest that come Christmas both sides will be in the top half of the table.