WESTCLIFF were left reflecting on what could have been after suffering a 24-13 defeat to Gravesend in National Three London & SE on Saturday.

The defeat was Westcliff ’s second in succession at the start of the new season.

But their first team manager Rick Compton felt the latest reverse should have been avoided.

“It was hugely disappointing and frustrating,” said Compton.

“We had set back after set back.

Losing our one, eight and 10 was a huge disadvantage but to be honest not taking the opportunities that came our way when leading 10-6 cost us.

“Fair play to Gravesend as they were always well in the game but they didn’t win it we lost it and that hurts.

“They have been bit of a bogey side for us and I am sure they went home very happy indeed.”

The game was keenly contested from the outset but was only seven minutes old when lose head prop Shaun Roberts injured his knee and was forced off.

Initially the home-side took it in their stride and, after a concerted attack, full back Greg Bannister forced his way over close to the posts.

Jack Jones added the extras to make it 7-0 but fly-half Joe Ansell was then forced off with concussion before a Jones penalty increased Westcliff’s advantage.

But another injury blow soon followed, with number eight James Scoggins limping off with an ankle injury.

Gravesend soon added to Westcliff ’s woes by kicking a penalty and then added another one at the start of the second half to cut the hosts’ lead to 10-6.

Westcliff hit back to secure a penalty of their own which also resulted in a yellow card for the visitors.

However, the home-side failed to take advantage in what proved to be the defining period of the match. A relieved Gravesend soon added a penalty of their own as Westcliff were reduced to 14 men following another yellow card.

The Kent club had no problems making that count and forced a try from deep and a penalty to put them 17-10 in front.

In reply, Westcliff hit back with a penalty but their increasingly frantic attempts to breach the visitors defence and win the game came to nothing.

And, deep into injury time, a long kick and chase on the break allowed Gravesend to score a flattering but decisive converted try which denied Westcliff the consolation of a losing bonus point.

Westcliff: Bannister, O’Brien, Manea, J Jones, Merrick, Ansell, B Jones, S Roberts, Hopkins, Binneman, Barnett, Dartnell, Lawal, M Roberts, Scoggins.

Replacements: Whiting, Marsh and Dudman.