DEREK Coates, the highest percentage kicker in the National League Three South was in tremendous form for Westcombe Park at North

Walsham on Saturday.

Coates missed just once from five penalty attempts to score all of Combes 12 points while, in stark contrast, the Norfolk sides Phil Friel and Tom Young missed five kicks between them.

Walsham did manage to score two penalties and an unconverted try, but in the end it was the boot of Coates which made the difference.

Friel missed with his first penalty but scored with the second, but Combe were also awarded three penalties. Coates missed the first, but scored with the other two to put his side 6-3 up.

Walsham drew level with another penalty, but Coates was on target yet again to restore the lead.

Eventually, Walsham scored a try to go into the lead, but once again Coates came up trumps to land the decisive three-pointer for a 12-11 victory.

On Saturday, Combe are at home to Clifton.

Beckenham held on to win a thrilling match 23-20 against a strong Gravesend side after producing their best rugby of the season.

The forwards were impressive, and the devastating opening resulted in tries for James Hixson and Matt Dickens and a beauty from Moses Danaher.

Two penalties from Jones left Gravesend 23-3 down at half-time but Becks were unable to keep up this intensity Gravesend rallied strongly and at the end Becks were glad to hear the whistle.

With the Old Olavian pitch still waterlogged, Orpingtons delayed league fixture was finally switched to their own ground. Olavians started the stronger team but it took time for Orpington to really get going and, after despite a late rally the pressure, it was far too late and Olavians coasted to a 25-12 victory.