The consensus on the touchline was that this was probably the best all round performance from the Goddington Dene side this season. The score-line was tight throughout the match and despite the claggy underfoot conditions both sides made commendable efforts to play some open running Rugby.

Combe struck twice in the first period, the opening score on the 10 minute mark coming from hooker Joel Chance taking advantage of a fine lineout drive. The lineout was in itself the result of an excellent 50/22 kick which gave Combe the throw in. The lead lasted 5 minutes as Wimbledon responded with pressure and territory of their own. The visitors camped in the Combe 22 and after a few rumbles were in at the posts for a try which was converted.

The home team then regained the lead after a harshish yellow was shown to Wimbledon for a deliberate knock on. Jacob Buckley stepped forward to slot the kick in the absence of Cameron Hancock who had rolled an ankle in the warm up. 8-7 to Combe. That lead was extended six minutes from the break when flanker Cameron Hyne finished off a slick passing move to dot down out wide on the left. So a fairly lively half ended with WPRFC 13-7 to the good.

The second half was a much more niggly affair as both sides looked to up the physical ante and the referee had to speak to both captains a number of times. 5 minutes into the half Wimbledon narrowed the gap to single point when they again developed several phases in the home 22. Combe managed to hold one attempt on the line but a second surge brought the score which was not converted. 5 minutes later the visitors edged in front when Combe were penalised for holding on in the tackle and the successful penalty made the scoreline 13-15 to Wimbledon.

It remained that way for a quarter of an hour until Combe pressure forced Wimbledon to stray offside. Buckley kicked the points to restore a one point advantage at 16-15 for WPRFC. Finally, with 10 minutes remaining Combe managed to open a bit of daylight between them and the visitors when captain Nick Cook scored close to the posts for a try which Buckley converted for a 23-15 victory margin.

There was slightly sour note to finish on when a contretemps between the teams ended with a Combe player being shown a red card for violent conduct.

A good solid outing for the Goddington Dene side whose first up tackling was for the most part of a high quality. Such will be needed when the team visit Dorking this coming Saturday.