Combe's physio spent almost as much time on the pitch as the players in a game which establishes their mid-table position in Division Two of the Jewson National League.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening exchanges when Ben Smith opened the scoring with a sweeping move, which he started himself deep inside the Westcombe half.

Ace goal-kicker Derek Coates easily converted the try and added a penalty on the half-hour mark to stretch their lead. But Cheltenham hit back with a converted try of their own by skipper Rob York.

Westcombe pushed Cheltenham back into their own half after the break and took advantage with two more converted penalties by Coates which wrapped up the points.

The bruising encounter saw many Combe players leaving the field in bandages and some may struggle to be fit for this weekend's trip to Tabard.