Westcombe Park 3s signed off their season in emphatic style, beating Southwark Lancers 2s to secure the Shepherd Neame Kent Met League A title at home.

Victory was required to crown Combe champions, but the afternoon did not begin as a procession. Southwark arrived depleted and battered after a long campaign, travelling with just 13 fit players. Credit goes to them for making the journey regardless, helped by the sporting intervention of Combe stalwarts (Legends) Andrew Mellish, Judas Mackenzie, and Kieran Moloney, who pulled on Lancers shirts to ensure a full 15‑a‑side contest.

There was little to choose between the sides in a ferocious opening 20 minutes. Defence dominated, the breakdown was fiercely contested, and turnovers were plentiful as both teams snuffed out promising phases before momentum could build. Combe coach Shane Reid was visibly frustrated by his side’s tendency for isolated carries and the lack of support at times, but despite those issues, Combe never stopped fighting.

Southwark struck first, punishing the Combe defence to take the lead. The response was immediate and decisive. Harry Cowie finished well to level matters before skipper Tom Hodgkinson burrowed over for Combe’s second. Jacob Ingold converted both, nudging the hosts ahead and signalling a shift in momentum.

From that point on, the game swung sharply. An injury disruption in the Southwark front row, combined with the heat of a blazing April afternoon, began to tell. Combe found their rhythm, executed their structures, and exploited space with increasing confidence. Five further tries followed before half‑time as Tiani Elone, Ben Harvey, Joe Birch, Danny McNamara, and Hodgkinson again all crossed. Ingold added two more conversions as Combe surged into a commanding 43‑7 lead at the break.

With the title effectively secured, the second half could have petered out. Instead, Southwark deserve genuine praise for regrouping and going again. They opened the scoring after the restart, showing commendable resolve and a desire to finish their own season with pride.

Combe replied through Harvey, who claimed his second try of the afternoon, with Ingold converting once more. Southwark refused to fold, striking back again to underline their commitment despite the scoreboard pressure. Joe Birch then completed his brace, Ingold again adding the extras, before the final word belonged to the champions.

Dom Laurence crossed for Combe’s last try of the season, fittingly closing the campaign in style. Ingold nailed his seventh conversion of the match to complete a 64‑17 victory and spark celebrations on the touchline.

The result not only sealed the league title but also served as a fitting curtain‑raiser to the club’s first team’s final fixture of the season. Combe were keen to acknowledge Southwark’s efforts post‑match, thanking them for turning up, competing hard, and ensuring the title was decided on the pitch.

For Westcombe Park 3s, the focus now shifts away from training and towards well‑earned rest, with pre‑season set to resume in early June. Special thanks goes to managers Gareth Desborough and Gareth Hall, along with coach Shane Reid, whose hard work and commitment across the campaign laid the foundations for a deserved championship.

A full end‑of‑season report will follow after the 3s awards evening on Friday 29 May. For now, though, Combe 3s can savour a job done and silverware secured.