PREVIEW: Westcombe Park 1st XV v Ealing Trailfinders 1st XV Saturday 5th December

Back on the road again, this time Goddington Dean in Kent is the venue, Westcombe Park (Combe) the opposition.

 

Brief History of Combe

Every club likes to think it’s a little different to the others or has something special about it’s style of play, traditions or origins. Westcombe Park thinks it is unique in all these aspects. We believe we must be the only Rugby Club founded by someone who never could and never would play the game.

In 1904, a Sunday afternoon bible class at Blackheath was attended, amongst others, by Dudley E Roughton. What set Dudley apart from his peers was the fact that he was crippled and had to use a crutch to walk. Dudley also had a peculiar passion – peculiar for someone with his handicap – he was a rugby football fanatic!

In the summer of 1904 he conceived a plan to form his own team.

Since the advent of league rugby in 1987 when ‘Combe were placed in London League 3 South East the club has advanced through the system with promotion reaching the dizzy heights of National League Three South in 1999 and remaining there until 2 seasons ago. A brief stay in National 2 being their highlight.

So what do we know about Combe this season?

Currently they are in 9th position, with 5 wins and 5 losses. They have suffered just 1 loss at home to local rivals Canterbury (13-22), whilst beating Lydney (21-7), Clifton (20-13) and Worthing (16-12). They however are on the back of a 3 game loosing streak, which Jay and the boys will be hoping they maintain!

Stand off Lee Audis top’s their points list with 88, whilst number 8 , Tom Hayman has crossed the line for 5 tries so far this season. Whilst they have had 1 red card and 7 yellow cards ( Ben McKinnell & Jordan Mitchell leading the way with 2 each!).

Whilst the club’s 2nd XV’s have met regularly, this is I believe the first league meeting between the two clubs. History will be made this coming weekend.

http://www.westcombeparkrugby.co.uk/

Director of Rugby Mike Cudmore is looking forward to this challenge, he added " We are all looking forward to the Westcombe Park game this week.  They are a well established National League side with lots of experience and it will be a very tough game.  I will be looking for a performance this week that builds on our second half display against Southend  and is delivered for 80 mins at Westcombe Park”