Westcombe Park RFC 31-38 Honourable Artillery Company RFC

That Rugby is a simple game is a well used cliche but HAC's performance at Goddington Dene underlined just how true it is. Where Westcombe Park tried to get the ball out to their dangerous backs, the visitors stuck to a straightforward game plan of denying the opposition ball, keeping it tight with the pack and scoring when visiting the 22. Combe can take scant consolation from gleaning a couple of bonus points as their drive for promotion has hiccuped over the past weeks.

The scores were even at 12 apiece as the half time whistle blew. HAC had taken the lead after 15 minutes when they turned over ball in the middle of the park and had an easy run in for a converted score. 5 minutes later Combe levelled when flanker Milligan had a positive run before getting the ball to Hamilton who broke a couple or more tackles. The winger then poked the ball through for Young to gather and score. The full-back then slotted a difficult kick to make it 7 apiece.

Despite the benefit of the wind HAC declined to kick instead electing to take Combe on at close quarters. Good defence resulted in a dominant tackle on Young with the loose ball being kicked through for a second converted score for HAC. The Goddington Dene's side's scrum had the upper hand and was the best means of gaining territory. On 30 minutes Westcombe Park succeeded in breaching the 22 and a move involving Milligan, Atiola and Hamilton foundered when the last pass was deemed forward. Combe won a lineout shortly after and from a good catch and drive flanker Lindfield was over for the try which Young converted. The half ended with HAC down to 14 players getting a yellow card for a deliberate slap down.

Halftime : WPRFC 12-12 HAC RFC

With the advantage of a strong wind the Combe support anticipated a degree of dominance especially with the extra man. But it was HAC who scored next with an example of pragmatic Rugby. 4 short jabs in the Combe 22 were enough to imbalance the close in defence and the try was scored under the posts . The conversion then ricocheted in off a post making it 12-16 for the visitors.

Combe were next to score on 50 minutes when scrum half Hill took a quick tap when HAC had entered a ruck at the side. With Young kicking the conversion the sides were tied again at 19 all. A sequence of high tackles resulted in HAC dropping to 14 men for a second time and Combe took the lead for the first time when Hamilton was put in the clear from a dominant Combe scrum. That lead was extended with 15 minutes to go when Pohlen made ground and released Perkins whose run out-flanked the defence for Hill to get his second.

At 31-24 and with just over 10 minutes to play the home supporters started to breathe a bit easier. But any confidence quickly evaporated when a Combe clearance kick was charged down for HAC to score under the posts. With the conversion the scores were level once again at 31 each. From the restart HAC again made serious inroads into Combe territory and scored the winning try with under 10 minutes on the clock. Combe had gone down to 14 men as the try was scored and the rest of the match petered out with no further scoring.

A difficult day for Westcombe Park as the early promise of the season has faded somewhat. HAC celebrated a fine win and fine performance based on an efficient and effective game plan. Combe need to pick up the pieces and their confidence as they visit Horsham on the 29th to get their season back on track.

Combe man of the match: Nick Hill