Westcombe Park produced a solid display to win 23-16 in their National 3 League match against Clifton, in Bristol, last Saturday.

The two points were far more valuable than the display against a Clifton side who saved their best

attacks for the last 10 minutes. But, by then, Combe were 23-9 ahead and firmly in the driving seat.

Having won only two of their first seven games, Clifton looked nervous and they conceded a penalty for offside after just five minutes, which Derek Coates kicked.

Then, on 10 minutes, Ben Smith just failed to touchdown as he sprinted after his own chip ahead.

It was a full 15 minutes before Clifton managed to get into the Combe's half and a powerful surge at a scrum saw Clifton penalised within kicking range. Coates converted to put Combe to 6-0 ahead.

Combe's line-outs were a significant improvement on the previous week and their forward power led to frustration in the Clifton ranks, which lead to their prop Alvis being sin-binned.

Clifton did manage to pull back three points through winger Beckerleg's penalty. However, from the kick-off, Clifton booted the ball straight to Smith, who counter-

attacked and Clifton were penalised for "killing" the ball five metres from their own line.

Now with the extra man advantage, Combe elected for a scrum. Clifton were penalised twice for "pulling down" the scrum and on the third occasion the referee awarded a penalty try, which Coates converted to extend the lead to 13-3 and then 16-6 with aother penalty.

Clifton pulled three points back with a penalty, but Combe's response was instant as Ben Thomas mesmerised their defence with a jinking run before going over for a try which Coates converted.

Clifton had their best spell of the game in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded with a deserved try as Beckerleg ran at an unmarked right wing, which he then converted. But it was too little, too late.

Next Saturday, Westcombe Park entertain Barking at Goddington Dene, kick-off 2.30pm.

Bromley confirmed their position as leaders of Kent One with a 59-8 win over bottom club Brockleians at Barnet Wood Road.

Amazingly, it was Brockleians who opened the scoring with an early try.

But it did not take Bromley long to take command as first-half tries from Maxter, Ramsay, Anderson, Miller and Beckett proved.

Second-half scores from Keech, twice, Ralph and Barrie only served to emphasise Bromley's total superiority.

This Saturday, Bromley travel to Erith.

Old Dunstonians found a lively Brighton side too good, going down 39-17 in their London 3 South-East League fixture at Langley Park.

Brighton were already 19 points ahead by the time that Matthew Southgate went over in the corner for an uncoverted try.

Jonathan Bennett did likewise in the second half, but the visitors soon regained control before Bennett scored his second try.

This Saturday, Old Dunstonians travel to Tonbridge Juddians.

November 14, 2001 11:20