WESTCLIFF’S in form winger Ross Merrick insists anything other than winning the London One North title would be disappointing for the team this season.

The 24-year-old has scored four tries in two starts since recovering from a serious hand injury which kept him out for most of last season.

And he is keen to maintain his good form to help table-topping Westcliff continue their fine start to the season.

“I hope that I can carry on making a positive contribution to the team and keep on scoring tries,” said the Leigh based Merrick.

“It is important that we keep building as a squad and top the league this year as anything less would be a disappointment for us.”

Westcliff, who are without a fixture this weekend, have won eight of their nine games this season and are currently eight points clear of second placed Eton Manor.

That fine run of results has delighted Merrick and is thrilled to have worked his way back in to the team.

“I am really pleased to have got the chance to show what I can do,” said Merrick.

“To get the opportunity to play in a talented first team like we have, score tries and contribute to the success of the club is a great feeling.

“It means so much to everyone at the club to play for the first team and that is what makes us such a competitive squad with people pushing for positions all the time.”

Merrick has been with Westcliff since the age of 16 but took a break away from the club four years ago to complete a Sports Marketing degree at the University of Northampton.

He returned last season only to suffer a severed tendon in his hand.

But he is now relishing a return to action, despite the timing of his recall.

“It’s a tough time to come into the team with the weather getting worse and not favouring the style of rugby we like to play but I know that we will come together to get the results we are capable of,” said Merrick.

“I think it shows the mentality this team has to come off a disappointing result against Chingford and put in a performance like we did against Romford in less than ideal conditions.

“And we want to keep that going now.”