This bottom of the table clash wasn't the tense, low scoring affair that might have been anticipated as the teams shared eight tries between them. The first 15 or so minutes did meet that anticipation as both sides pressed away seeking out each others' weaknesses. Combe were first to show a chink when they were caught offside in front of the posts for TWs to move into the lead from the successful penalty

That lead lasted barely a minute as Combe released pacey openside Cameron Hyne for an unconverted try. 35 minutes had passed when the visitors took the lead scoring from close quarters after a clean heel at a scrum well inside the Combe 22. With the conversion TWs had a 10-5 advantage. That advantage was rapidly overturned in a couple of minutes just before the interval. First, back row Nathan Thomas crossed following good work from Elliot Roofe and Harry Sansbury quickly followed by a strong run and stretch from winger Dan Hamilton for Combe's third try.

The 17-10 advantage was extended to 24-10 after only a minute of the second period when lock Rafael Dutta scored the bonus point try after some slick passing. If the Combe fans thought they were in for a relaxing time they were soon shaken from any sense of complacency when Tunbridge Wells exploited a narrow gap in the close in defence after a 5 metre scrum. Standoff Cameron Hancock eased any home side nerves with a well struck penalty after TWs were caught offside. But those nerves returned when the visitors replied in kind when Combe were pinged at the scrum and the score sat at 27-20 with 10 minutes remaining.

The match looked done and dusted with only three minutes left when Nick Cook scored Combe's fifth from the base of a dominant scrum. But TWs showed a fair degree of fight scoring on the stroke of full time to secure a deserved losing bonus point just as some fans were drifting towards the clubhouse.

A five point win from Westcombe park RFC which moves them to eighth in the table. This coming Saturday sees another home game at Goddington Dene against old friends CS Stags RFC. Kick off 14.30.

Combe player of the match: Rafael Dutta

Match Reporter J.V