Lakey shows great maturity

On a windswept afternoon, Combe Down welcomed Avonvale to Holly’s corner for a top-of-the-table clash in Dorset & Wilts 1 North.

Despite the conditions favouring a much heavier Avonvale pack, Combe Down’s forwards drew first blood in the scrum thanks to hard work from props Bill Fairman and Joel Lye.

The hosts were awarded a penalty ten minutes into the contest after a hard carry and sidestep from Fairman resulted in a slide tackle from the trailing defender. Olly Lakey slotted the points for a 3-0 lead.

Both teams were neck and neck until just before the break when Combe Down lost Thomas Wheatley, who had stepped up from the seconds.

Early in the second half and with Combe Down still three points ahead, an Avonvale player suffered a neck injury which delayed the match for an hour.

When the game restarted, Combe Down struck first as Olly Lakey showed maturity beyond his years in charging down a kick then using his football ability to finish the try.

The young centre converted it himself to take his personal tally to ten points.

Avonvale came back into the game and, with their backs linking up well, a well-timed grubber kick caused winger Ridewood to slap the ball away into touch, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty try.

After constant defence from Combe Down, Vale were awarded a scrum on the 5m line. However, the home scrum proved too much again, with Fairman, Peck and Lye winning a penalty. Combe Down held on to possession and the victory, sending them to the top of the table.