Westcombe Park 14 Stourbridge 17

WESTCOMBE PARK lost ground on leaders Manchester after suffering a narrow 17-14 home defeat against Stourbridge in National League 2.

Combe conceded an early penalty and from the resulting lineout the visitors scored a well worked try which was converted. The home side were then awarded a penalty which James Whittingham put over.

The score remained 7-3 until the half hour mark when Combe were awarded another penalty which Whittingham converted. Just before half-time, Niki Davies went over in the corner as Combe took an 11-7 lead into the break.

In the second half, Stourbridge came out strongly and reduced the gap to a point after kicking a penalty. However, Combe were awarded another penalty and Whittingham’s kick made it 14-10.

Stourbridge refused to give up and as they pushed Combe closer and closer to the try line, Combe had no alternative but to spoil the move. The refereee had no hesitation in awarding the visitors a penalty try which was duly converted.

Combe had several chances to tie the game but the Stourbridge defence held firm with a win which moves them up to third place.

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