COmbe scrap the win

Rugby Union National League Three

Report by Mike Attewell

THIS was dramatic stuff - Shakespeare never wrote anything with so much passion, intrigue and twists and turns - and in the end Westcombe Park squeaked out the narrowest of wins they barely deserved except for 10 minutes of the most passionate, committed rugby seen in Combe's colours for a very long time and in a period when they were reduced to only 13 players.

The game ebbed and flowed first in favour of one side then the other and squeezed the emotions of both sets of supporters until the pips squeaked, and left at the end both players and them drained in this National League Three (South) game in Somerset at the furthest point west Combe have to travel these days.

Like all good dramas it started quietly with the teams setting the scene for the fireworks to come.

After three minutes James Whittingham made no fuss in giving Westcombe Park a three-nil lead and four minutes later his opposite number stand-off Christian Wulff levelled the scores and then put Bridgwater six-three up with a further penalty one of which was just a tag lucky by ballooning of the framework but eventually going over.

It took Combe just four minutes to get back in front with what would prove to be the big difference in each sides approach and why Combe would seem a wee bit fortunate in the end.

Bridgwater played the more expansive rugby and Westcombe Park unusually had a job releasing their backs most of the game but on the rare occasions when they did they looked as dangerous as they always do-one looks prettier than the other but in reality is no less effective.

On this occasion the forwards all contributed but the final honour fell to the skipper Tom Hayman.

When debutant centre James Kite crashed his way over in the 20th-minute to give Combe a 13-6 lead Westcombe Park seemed to be heading for an effective dominance because despite the expansive nature of Bridgwater's play the defence had looked rock-solid.

Just two minutes later Bridgwater found the key to unlocking that rock-solid defence when the rangey full-back Rob Lloyd came into the line to score a try and it didn't end there.

Six minutes later Matt Britton the scrum-half went over followed seven minutes later by left-winger Jon Edwards.

Significantly not one of the five tries scored in the first-half was converted but James Whittingham making his first appearance of the season did hit the post solidly enough for the ball to bounce back almost to the 22.

At the interval Bridgwater had reversed their fortunes and looked good for their 21-13 lead and started the second-half looking very much like they would add to their lead so Combe had to defend with much courage and commitment which they did well. But it did seem when after 14 minutes of the half Ian Hardcastle, as he did last week, crashed for the line despite the attentions of half-a-dozen Bridgwater defenders that the try was a little against the run of play.

James Whittingham got back into the run of things and slotted the conversion to put Combe back to within a point of Bridgwater.

The home side stuck to their game-plan (and why not it had produced results so far) and was causing Westcombe Park all sorts of problems even if their over enthusiasm gave Combe the chance to relieve the pressure on a regular basis much to the chagrin of the home supporters. Bridgwater had their chances.

A previous try scorer was taken out at the corner post and only the quick reaction of prop Sean Brophy deep in the infield area stopped further scores.

This last incidence could have been calamitous as the player's gum-shield went down his throat on impact with the ground but thankfully the physio Hanna Rogers reacted also in her own quick way and the worst was avoided.

But all that seemed to be stood on its head on the hour when in the space of a minute Westcombe Park were reduced to 13 men.

Nathan Archibald looked suitably astounded when yellow carded for deliberately knocking-on when it was obviously purely reactionary and then Tom Hayman was similarly yellow carded for collapsing the maul.

The question has to be asked why, after just four games, Combes disciplinary record is now no better than in the whole of last season put together.

They may have had the best record last year in National League rugby but it would be interesting to know under what instructions the referees are acting this year.

Westcombe Park were galvanised! For the next 10 minutes Bridgwater didn't get a sniff of the ball as the 13 from Combe kept possession, literally inched the ball up-field on occasions, and drove and harried their way into the opposition's halve and then more some until totally, under the circumstances, unbelievably James Johnson produced a burst of speed and strength over the few remaining yards to the line for an excellent try.

James Whittingham converted and with 10 minutes left Combe were six points to the good.

That looked enough until the closing seconds when scenting a flamboyant finish to their efforts and the backs spread waiting to be released a ruck that became a maul suddenly exploded with the ball shooting out 15m on the Combe side and Bridgwater pounced, took full advantage of the chaos in the Combe defence and ran the ball to the line with No. 8 Paul Edwards getting the touch-down.

One point behind and a very kickable conversion attempt to come.

What tension, what drama! Once missed if there was any time left to play it passed in a stunned silence with Combe supporters not believing their team's luck and Bridgwater's regretting theirs.

They had scored four tries but not converted a single one when just one would have been enough.

At the end both sets of players appeared absolutely drained-they had given their all. Understandably Combe's players less so than Bridgwater's but that is the prize of a narrow victory.

Clifton, who are Bridgwater & Albion's nearest neighbour in the League visit Goddington Lane, Orpington on Saturday, ko 3pm.