Combe's disappointing run of results continues and it would be something of an understatement to say that it is nigh on impossible to win a match when you give the opposition a 24 point lead after 15 minutes, unless you are Harlequins that is. That the result was as close as it was in the end is a testament to the fighting qualities the visitors brought to this game once they had woken up.

The three tries that WPRFC conceded in the first quarter of an hour were all in the softish category; a loose lineout was pounced on, the Tring backs exposed a gap in Combe's midfield defence and thirdly a break from the home-side's 22 and a single pass were enough to rock Combe back on their heels. In that period then visitors only managed one brief incursion into Tring territory.

Indeed, for the first half hour it looked as if WPRFC were in for an extremely difficult afternoon, but tries from the ever impressive Nick Cook and hooker Ollie Colgate brought a fair degree of hope to the Goddington Dene side. Cameron Hancock kicked both conversions. And that's not counting a disallowed score for a forward pass. Tring kept at their task however and a penalty shortly before the half maintained a comfortable cushion for the home team at 27-14.

That cushion was increased just short of 50 minutes with a bonus point try which was converted putting Tring ahead by 20 points. But then Combe responded with a brace of tries from winger Dan Hamilton and full back Alex Miller to reduce the deficit to 10 points at 34-24. Both tries came after some hard graft and good recycling with Combe notching an impressive series of phases. Despite going down to 14 men after a yellow card Tring were next to score through a penalty but Combe had the last word when flanker Dave Pohlen rounded off a rumbustious performance with a try which was converted giving the visitors a losing bonus point to add to the try bonus point.

So some clear signs of improvement and the Combe faithful will hope that these continue to develop for the home game against Maidenhead.
Report by John Vallely