In keeping with the approaching festive season, Combe and visitors Havant merrily served up a ding dong encounter at Goddington Dene. They were still going at it hammer and tongs in the dying embers of the game as the homeside strived for the score which might have provided victory. Havant held out to topple Westcombe Park from the leadership of the division.

It had started well for Combe with winger Dan Hamilton crossing the line after solid work at the scrum and a slick switch ball from Joel Medcraft. New recruit at outside half Harvey Young slotted the conversion and the lead was 7-0 with only a couple of minutes on the clock. Havant pulled 3 back with a well struck penalty when Combe were caught offside some 30 metres out.

The homeside's scrum looked pretty solid and a series of half a dozen pick and goes brought Combe to within a metre but the ball was held up. The game had developed into a midfield tussle as both sides sought dominance. It was Westcombe who broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. Saffrey did well to scoop the ball off the floor to feed fellow centre Wilkins who in turn passed to Sansbury to run in a well worked try. Young scored his second conversion. 14-3 for Combe

Havant's blind side Jerome Trail was creating danger with some rumbustious driving play and this, coupled with some Combe looseness, got the visitors back into the game. After looking a wee bit nonchalant Havant winger Morris woke up, bundled his way through 3 ineffective tackles and although held up short, his full back Chambers was on hand to plonk down on the 25 minute mark. The conversion was missed. 5 minutes later Havant took the lead when an astute kick through was gathered cleanly and the try scored close to the posts making the conversion a formality. 14-15 for Havant

With half time approaching Havant extended their lead to 14-22 when Combe took a quick tap penalty but then missed touch. Havant quickly took advantage as Combe regrouped, spinning the ball wide and with a barging run delivering the try which was converted. From the restart Westcombe got back on the front foot and a storming charge by No 8 Pohlen made good ground. Continuity was provided with an excellent pass from prop Murphy-Wooldridge to set Sansbury free for his second score of the afternoon. Halftime WPRFC 19-22 HRFC.

Combe's dominant scrum produced the score which brought the teams level 2 minutes into the second half with Young kicking a fine penalty when Havant were penalised for collapsing. The scores were level for the next 10 or so minutes reflecting how close these two teams are. If anything Havant had the edge in possession and territory creating some frenetic defence from Combe in their own 22. The visitors retook the lead, and secured a try bonus point, from good first phase ball in the Combe 22 when their scrummage stood up well to pressure. 22-27 for Havant.

Combe got back within 2 points when Havant were penalised in front of their posts for a high tackle, Young kicking his second penalty. Havant's tackling wasn't to the referee's liking and they were reduced in numbers for a second high tackle.

There were 15 minutes to go when the Goddington Dene side took the lead once more. Havant were caught offside and Young continued a good performance from the tee with his third penalty to add to two conversions. 28-27 to Combe.

The fight hadn't gone out of the game and the lead changed hands for a final time with 5 minutes left. Some slick interplay on Havant's right wing prised open the defence and the visitors were in for their fifth try of the match. The successful conversion meant that Combe needed a converted try to win. The homeside battered at the door in the closing minutes but it was not to be with a driving maul being held up signalling the final whistle.

A great game of Rugby to watch and, although the result wasn't in Combe's favour, the efforts of both sides must be applauded. The result tightens things at the top of the table and next week's visit by Combe to Medway is now even more significant. The following week Combe are at local rivals Dartfordians hoping for some Christmas cheer.

Westcombe Park man of the match: Harvey Young

Match Report: John Vallely