WESTCLIFF sunk to a 10th successive defeat in National Three London & SE, losing 36-11 at Hertford.

Many supporters felt the final score-line was flattering to the home-side and were mystified by some of the refereeing decisions.

But the defeat saw Westcliff slump to second from bottom in the standings.

Despite that, the Westcliff pack were dominant in the early exchanges and this gave them some hope.

In fact they were enjoying a good stream of possession throughout the game but Hertford were up to the task and nullified most of it.

Two penalties by Ben McKeith were put in the bag to open the Westcliff account.

But throughout the game moments of indecision proved costly and Hertford took full advantage to score tries in the first half.

It was McKeith who got through for Westcliff's only try which once again gave supporters some hope but the home side were too canny to allow it to worry them.

They scored two more and then two towards the end of the game to take them well clear and put them out of range for Westcliff to claim a losing bonus point which at one time looked on the cards.

Thurrock were also beaten for the eighth time in their last nine games when they were beaten 28-25 at Old Elthamians.

They now sit 10th in the table.