Luton 16, Westcliff 27

WESTCLIFF prop forward Shaun Roberts felt his side produced their best performance of the season so far to win 27-16 at fellow high flyers Luton.

The hard-fought victory kept alive Westcliff’s chances of winning the league as they remain just two points behind London One North leaders Eton Manor with two games to go.

And Roberts was thrilled by the latest victory for his side.

“I thought it was the best that the boys have played all season,” said Roberts. “We were relentless in defence and when we had chances we were clinical.

“Jack Jones was exactly that with the ball and Gus Martyn was everywhere in open play, so we’re delighted.”

Martyn, Chris Dudman and Andy Roskams all scored tries for second-placed Westcliff while Jones added three conversions and two penalties.

Title rivals Eton Manor won 86-12 against Diss to remain in front but they face Luton themselves on the final day of the season.

And that made it imperative for Westcliff to triumph in their own battle against the Bedfordshire club.

“It was hugely important to get the win, especially after Luton’s run of form recently,” said Roberts.

“We are a very young team and are building something special here.

“We’re in a very good position and we are guaranteed at least the play-offs now so there’s still everything for us to play for.”

But Westcliff only got in that position after they staged a fine fight-back against Luton.

Westcliff found themselves 6-0 down but then drove deep down into the Luton 22 off a well-worked line-out which enabled Martyn to go over.

Jones added the extras before scrum half Roskams also touched down.

Jones again kicked the conversion and two more penalties to put his side 20-11 ahead.

A cross-field kick into the path of Dudman then led to Westcliff’s third try of the day.

And, although Luton did reply with a try of their own, they were unable to get back in to the game.

Westcliff will now be confident of securing another victory when they host sixth-placed Letchworth Garden City this weekend.

Westcliff: Bannister, Dudman, Reynolds B, Harvey, Merrick, Jones, Roskams, Skidmore, Hopkins, Binneman, Roberts M, Dartnell, Martyn, Marsh, Reynolds REP Roberts S, Dellas, Parmenter.