ONLY a last kick conversion miss from gallant East Grinstead prevented Westcombe Park from throwing away victory on Saturday, writes Mike Attewell.

The Orpington side managed to win for a second game in a match they dominated until the final quarter.

On a day when place kicking was near impossible, both sides scored three tries apiece.

East Grinstead simply could not lift their game for the first hour so Combe, with a James Sheppard try and an early Iain Gordan penalty, went in at the interval leading 8-0.

Shortly after the break Tim Kavanagh and Gordan added further scores as the hosts opened up what looked like being an unassailable advantage.

However, East Grinstead had other ideas and on the hour Kari Gleave was at the centre of a forward effort which saw the visitors secure their first points.

Buoyed by this effort, they were soon hammering away at the Combe line and a penalty-try was awarded, reducing the lead to just six points.

Combe then had a brief respite, moving play back to their opponents.

However, in the final minute a penalty and a huge kick ultimately saw Richard Tredgett get a try.

The outcome depended on the conversion but it was blown away by the wind.

With it went East Grinstead’s chances as Combe secured eight league points for putting three on the boards.