Combe win windy try-fest

Combe won away at Horsham in windy conditions running in seven quality tries to four in reply. The game was probably won by half-time, but the home side were not for throwing in the towel, indeed they enjoyed much momentum in the second period. The going was standard but the strong cross wind was bitterly cold, which would test players and spectators on the rails alike.
Combe were soon on the scoreboard when skipper Charlie O’Sullivan picked up a Horsham error on their twenty-two and galloped in to open Combe’s account. No conversion. Horsham replied with a penalty before Dan Hamilton scored his first try of the afternoon, running through the twenty-two bouncing off attempted tackles to score by the posts. Harvey Young added the extras, 3-12. Combe’s next try came from a break by Max Wilkins with support and slick passing putting Nick Hill in the clear to go over by the posts. The conversion was over off the upright. 3-19, and that’s the first quarter. Perhaps Combe relaxed. Horsham’s scrum was under pressure but they managed to get the ball away and their elusive left-winger touched down under the posts after a zig-zag run through Combe’s twenty-two. Converted, 10-19, but not for long. On half-way Combe’s Matt Harrison drew the opposition defence and delivered the scoring pass to Dan Hamilton. Try converted, 10-26, bonus point secured. But Horsham were not done. From a line-out close in the corner at the second or third drive they were over for an unconverted try, leaving just enough time for another Combe score before the interval as Harvey Young was clean through with the home defence back-pedalling. Half-time 15-31.
For the second half Combe would be hoping for more of the same. The set-piece upfront was comfortable, the line-out for a change was working (windy conditions notwithstanding), and the outsides were picking holes in the home defence. Indeed within minutes Dan Hamilton was over again for his third, fed by Matt Harrison and Harvey Young and finger-tip passing. Defying the wind and the angle the conversion went over. 15-38 to Combe. Were Horsham finished? No. With a penalty, kick to the corner, line-out and drive they were over for another short range score. Try converted, 22-38. Next their full-back was clean through only to be brought down by Dan Hamilton and Harvey Young. With another penalty award Horsham went again for the line-out and drive at the corner but as Combe’s defence held out they tried a second option – spread it wide to their elusive left-winger who duly went over in the corner. 27-38. This is now the last quarter, Horsham have had all the momentum. In attack they try a long pass out to the left again, only for it to be intercepted by George Perkins with his first real touch in the game. He shows a clean pair of heels and scores under the posts for Harvey Young to convert. Order for Combe restored. In the closing minutes a penalty for Harvey Young takes the score to 27-48, by which time players and spectators are praying for the final whistle to retreat out of the wind and back into the warm.
There are now two weeks off before the next game when Combe are at home to Cobham. The league is tight at the top and of the last four matches Combe have to face three of the sides in the top five positions. That’s the challenge.
Westcombe Park XV: H. Young; D. Hamilton, S. Atiola, M. Wilkins, G. Perkins; M. Harrison, N. Hill; J. Simmons, E. Roofe, T. Simmons, C. Tallis, C. Self, C. O’Sullivan, S. Beckett, D. Pohlen.
Bench: P. Johnson, J. Novell, A. Esiri.
Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.