WESTCLIFF’S Greg Bannister is ready to put the boot into Gravesend tomorrow.

The 20-year-old took over his side’s kicking responsibilities on their return to National Three London & SE at Barnes last weekend.

And, if required, Bannister will be on hand again this weekend as Westcliff bid to bounce back from their opening day defeat.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be doing it again as I only really stepped in because our first choice kicker wasn't around,” said Bannister.

“But it went pretty well for me at the weekend so if I have do it again it won't be a problem.”

Bannister kicked well against Barnes and also bagged a try.

But his heroics were not enough to stop Westcliff suffering a 38-33 defeat “It was a fun and enjoyable game to play in from my point of view as it was end to end most of the time but it was disappointing to lose,” said Bannister.

“We all knew as a team the game was there for the taking and little mistakes cost us.”

Westcliff will now be looking to learn from the defeat when they host Gravesend this weekend.

However, Bannister is anticipating a difficult afternoon against the Kent club.

“It's going to be another hard game like they all are in this league,” said Bannister.

“But as a team we know if we can cut out some mistake we have a big chance of winning on Saturday.”

That would hand Westcliff with an early season boost as they bid to build on their promotion from London One North.

“It is a massive step up from where we were playing last season,” said Bannister.

“It’s physically and tactically much better and you just have to be a lot smarter as teams in this league will punish your mistakes. “ Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm.