Combe notched up another bonus-point win but were pushed all the way by a committed Chichester outfit who were in with a chance right until the final whistle. A sunny afternoon, a good crowd anticipating a good game, and they were not to be disappointed.

One sensed it would be a close affair when the scoreboard hadn’t moved for twenty-five minutes. The visitors laid siege to Combe’s try-line early on but the home defence held out and gradually cleared away upfield. A promising backs move came to nothing when the final pass was intercepted. Dan Hamilton was almost in at the corner. The deadlock was broken after a series of scrums and drives with the ball moved left and an overhead ‘Fin Russell’ pass found Harry Sansbury in space to go over in the corner. No conversion. Minutes later Combe had a second try. Having pinched Chi’s line-out Combe drove for the line then spun the ball wide for Dan Hamilton to finish by the posts. Conversion for Harvey Young. 12-0. Chi’s response was a penalty by Taff Davies. With the half coming to a close Combe moved the ball up the left and with inter-passing and good support Dan Hamilton was over for his second try also converted. At 19-3 the game could have been over, but Chi worked Rhys Thompson over from a line-out and drive right on half-time. Good time to score. Try converted, 19-10. Game on.

The second half started with a flurry of activity. Chi with the benefit of a one-man advantage scored twice within five minutes from short-range efforts, both line-out and drive drills. With the first conversion attempt bouncing over off the crossbar, at 19-22 Chi were in front much to the delight of their players and travelling support. Not for long. Combe were soon up the other end, and after the pack had pounded the opposition line the ball was eventually moved wide and Dan Hamilton collected the scoring pass on the bounce to score again. Bonus point try, converted, 26-22. Half an hour left on the clock, it’s desperately close still. Combe’s pack were dominating the set piece although the line-out was error strewn. Combe now had the one-man advantage. Scrum on Chi’s twenty-two, Combe going forward, penalty advantage, No. 8 Dave Pohlen pick-up and over by the posts making the conversion easy for Harvey Young. 33-22. Twenty minutes to go, Combe are not yet in the clear and Chi are still champing at the bit. Indeed with a penalty kick to the corner it looks like another line-out and drive opportunity. It is as Joe Woods is worked over again from short range. A conversion brings the score to 33-29. It’s close. Ten minutes to go. Combe camped in the opposition twenty-two winning scrums and penalties but no points. With a free kick Chi launch one last effort, but this is brought to a shuddering halt with a mighty mid-field tackle from Harry Sansbury right on the full-time whistle. Combe and their supporters can sigh with relief, this had been close but a cracking good game.

Next week Combe travel to third placed Camberley who were victors over Combe in the early season fixture. Combe will have to be on their mettle, at their best in attack and defence to earn a result. The next home game is on 1st February when locals Beckenham visit.

Westcombe Park XV: M. Harrison; D. Hamilton, H. Sansbury, M. Wilkins, J. Medcraft; H. Young, L. Headland; J. Simmons, J. Dehaarte, T. Simmons, J. Novell, C. O’Sullivan, A. Devane, S. Beckett, D. Polhen.

Bench: L. Murphy-Wooldridge, G. Perkins, P. Johnson.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.