Combe back on track

Equally important, Combe were back on the bonus point habit. Comfortable courtesy of a superior pack, which secured plenty of possession, and early scores so never having to play catch-up. To be fair CS stuck at it and for much of the game made Combe work for the win. Although it was dry, it was soft going underfoot, and again a low winter sun, not easy under the high ball. And cold. Not a big crowd by any account, but several Combe supporters had made the journey.

Within five minutes Combe had the scoreboard started. Dylan Flashman made a burst upfield, carried on by Dale Bellinger, quick ball, Ben Hough in space, down the left, back inside to Kieran Leeper over by the posts. Try converted by Iain Gordon. CS replied with a penalty from the boot of Matthew Killeen. Combe camped on the CS line. For a while they kept Combe out after a series of scrums, until at last from one surge and second phase Dylan Flashman was over by the posts. Iain Gordon added the extras. 14-3 to Combe. On the half hour Combe were over again, this time from a line-out and drive. Lee Covington getting the final touch. A similar score followed five minutes later. At 24-3 up, and half-time called the result was decided, just the final score to be settled.

CS surprised Combe at the re-start. Killeen made a break midfield, and with Combe back-tracking Anthony Hitchcock was in support and through to the posts. Killeen added the conversion to make it 24-8. Combe’s response was not long coming, and again it was the line-out, drive and over, for Lee Covington to claim his hat-trick. Iain Gordon added the conversion for a 31-8 lead. Ten minutes later Combe had another after Matt Arvier started the charge and Dylan Flashman carried it on though he still had some work to do, but with a strong run he was up to the line and over. Iain Gordon added the conversion for a 38-8 lead. But CS kept at it. Combe had defensive duties to perform as well. Into the final minutes CS had worked themselves into Combe’s 22 with lively scrum-half Anthony Lavea leading the way. Not for the first time in the match, the line-out in the corner, follow-up drive ploy brought a try this time for CS hooker Josh Forrester. More a reward than a consolation. Killeen added the conversion from the touchline as the final whistle blew. 38-15, final score.

Next week is the last game of the year, and the first reverse fixture, now that Combe have played all the sides in the league. Combe are home at Goddington Dene, and with Christmas to celebrate as well, it would be good to have a big turnout for visitors Tonbridge Juddians.

Westcombe Park XV: K. Leeper; T. Gray, N. Davies, B. Hough, B. Young; I. Gordon, B. Faurie; M. Poole, H. Barton, J. Sheppard, D. Flashman, D. Bellinger, T. Lang, L. Covington, M. Arvier.
Subs: L. Bellinger, R. Conlon, J. Birch.

Match reporter - Bruce Mackenzie.