Barnes showed why they are league contenders as they defeated a spirited Westcombe Park side. Barnes had won all three games on the road and maintained this successful run at Goddington Dene.

Combe took an early lead through a Jacob Buckley try converted by new recruit at stand-off Nathan Wyman, who had also provided the link for the try. Both sides then swopped scores throughout the half, Combe scoring a further three tries through wing Kieran Thompson from a trademark Sam Fombo offload, then fellow winger Joe Ratcliff after a dominant home scrum had turned their opposite numbers with the Combe man juggling the ball before touching down and finally hooker Taine Wagstaff, son of former Combe head coach Steve Wagstaff, who finished off a well-constructed Combe line out drive.

Barnes fired some telling shots of their own with close quarter tries from Paul Webb and Paul O’Dell and an Ethan Sikorski score down the right after a penetrating midfield break. Combined with an earlier penalty for a Combe off-side from Ben Cook meant that Barnes edged the half 26-29.

The second half started with Combe two players down to yellow cards and Barnes extended their lead exploiting this numerical advantage down the blind side following a line-out. Combe hit back through a second Ratcliff try after a powerful midfield Matt Harrison break. But Barnes ruck speed that had been evident throughout the game told in the end and further tries from O’Dell and Webb sealed the win for the visitors.

Another bonus point for the home team who continue to score tries, but Barnes keep up their challenge at the top. Next Saturday Combe make the trip to North Walsham who have had a tough start to the season and Combe will aim to garner further points from this match.