Westcombe Park 31 Manchester 32

WESTCOMBE Park lost by a single point when they entertained Manchester at Goddington Lane on Saturday.

Manchester won the National 3 South match 32-31 after scoring a converted try just three minutes before the end.

Combe found themselves trailing early on when the visitors grounded a try and converted, but five minutes later Adam Slade ran one of over himself, after good handling by the backs.

Another score from Manchester made it 12-5 before Ian Hardcastle bundled the ball over for a try of his own.

Hardcastle scored again, this time converted by James Whittingham before half-time, but Manchester did too and they also kicked over a penalty to lead 20-17 at the break.

Combe put the pressure on at the start of the second and a converted try from Graham Purdy put them ahead.

The lead continued to change hands, with Manchester firstly taking the lead again with a score, before skipper Jon Moyce scored, Whittingham converted, and Combe led 31-25.

But the win was snatched from their hands when Combe’s defence opened up and Manchester scored a winning try and conversion.