Visitors Combe gave their travelling band of supporters a glimmer of hope at half-time with the score 12-7 in their favour. That hope slowly evaporated over the next 40 minutes as Hertford eased away, chiefly thanks to solid performances from centres Conrad Edgar and Josh Rudling with the latter securing the player of the match accolade.

The opening period of the game was a tight affair with honours even as a Hertford thrust held up over the line was followed by Combe knocking on when in with a chance to score. Hertford broke the deadlock short of 20 minutes when winger Francis Moore took advantage of clean first phase ball to run in from distance for a try that was converted. Combe countered on the half hour through lock Hugo MacPherson who cantered in when put in the clear by a long looping pass from stand-off Cameron Hancock.

Five minutes later it was captain Harry Sansbury's turn to make deep inroads into the home side's territory and, when the ball was quickly recycled, Dave Pohlen was on hand to burst through and score. With Hancock adding the conversion Combe were in front at the break.

That lead narrowed to two points after Combe coughed up a penalty at a lineout and then Hertford eased in front when the home side messed up a Combe scrum, moved through the phases and were in for a converted try.

Hertford would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game scoring almost directly from the restart to make it 22-12. Both sides exchanged penalties but Westcombe Park were next to cross the try line after an astute cross field kick from Hancock was gathered by Matt Harrison who ran in for the score. With only 5 points in the game and with 15 minutes to go Combe had a chance either to win or at least secure some form of bonus point. That chance was dashed when Hertford stand-off Michael Sargent jinked through the visitors' defence to score the final try of the game which was converted.

Ultimately a deflating second half and Combe had to return to Goddington Dene pointless but with at least a solid base to build on for the visit of Tunbridge Wells on 6 November for a match. As the clocks have gone back this game has a 2.30 kick off.

Report by John Vallely