What began as a weekend of uncertainty ended in a reminder of why rugby folk are so quick to improvise when the weather has other ideas. With the scheduled visit to Old Dunstonians called off thanks to the sorry state of both pitches, a swift intervention from Sidcup 3s rescued the afternoon. They not only made themselves available for a friendly, but stepped up to host it too, and the gratitude was matched by the challenge they posed.

Sidcup 3s sit third in the division above, so there was no illusion about the task facing the gents. Still, there was quiet confidence in the camp. A strong Combe side was named, blending regular 3s starters with several fringe players keen to make the most of valuable game time. What followed was a bruising, engrossing contest that swung back and forth and was settled only by a late turnover, leaving the visitors empty handed but richly encouraged.

From the outset it was clear this would be a physical affair. The forward battle was fierce and, for long spells, tilted in our favour, while behind the pack the unfamiliarity of new combinations told at times. That was compounded midway through the first half when an injury to starting fly half Jacob Ingold forced a reshuffle, testing cohesion against a Sidcup backline well used to playing together.

The match began at a lively pace. Early territory and pressure were rewarded with early tries for both side, with Tom Hummerson scoring for Combe, to make it 5-5 midway through the first half. It felt finely balanced. The hosts then edged ahead with a converted try, but the reply was immediate and emphatic. Will Dowden crossed the whitewash to restore momentum and narrow the gap, sending the sides in at half time with Sidcup leading 12-10.

The restart belonged to Combe. Playing with renewed intent, they moved the ball sharply and struck first when Hummerson claimed his second try of the afternoon. Ian Hawes added the conversion to push Combe into a 12-17 lead and, for a spell, there was a sense that the upset might be on.

Sidcup, though, showed exactly why they are flying high in the league above. They tightened up, increased the tempo and punished any lapse. Two converted tries in quick succession turned the game on its head, carrying them into a 26-17 advantage and threatening to pull clear.

What followed spoke volumes about the character of this side. Refusing to fade, the gents dug deep. Dowden finished powerfully for his second try to cut the deficit to four points, setting up a tense final fifteen minutes or so. When Sidcup added a fifth try to make it 31-22, the door looked firmly closed. It was anything but.

Back came Combe once more. Captain Tom Hodgkinson led from the front, powering over to reignite belief, and Ollie Walker kept his nerve with the conversion. Suddenly it was 31-29 with a minute to play and everything to fight for.
From the restart the gents launched one last, breathless assault. Attacking from deep inside their own 22, stand-in fly half Joe Birch produced a superb break, slicing through the defensive line and hauling the team forward. And after several more quick phases we were up to the Sidcup 10-metre line. The momentum felt irresistible, the finish inevitable.

Rugby, as ever, had other plans. A crucial turnover stalled the charge and Sidcup were able to kick to touch, the final whistle arriving moments later to confirm a 31-29 win for the hosts.

Defeat rarely feels this constructive. Injuries mounted throughout the match, forcing further changes and seeing two backs step into the pack. Kieran Moloney and Judas Mackenzie deserve particular credit for embracing unfamiliar roles without complaint. Across the squad there was no shortage of grit or commitment, and the performance underlined that this group can compete with the best teams in the division above.

There was also a moment to savour for academy player Adam Hillier, who marked his 3s debut with a performance of impact, rightly collecting the man of the match award.

The gents now enjoy a weekend off to reflect on a stirring display, before returning to action away at Croydon on 28 February.