ROSS Merrick is ready for what he feels is Westcliff’s biggest game of the season when they travel to Chichester tomorrow.

Westcliff are currently above the National Three London & SE drop zone on points difference with just two matches to go.

And Merrick knows it is therefore essential they avoid retuning home empty handed this weekend.

“The game this weekend is our biggest game of the season,” said the winger.

“We have been saying that for a while with how tight it is in this league but we have left ourselves in a place in the league at this point where there are no small games.”

Westcliff have fought throughout the season to remain above the bottom three and boosted their survival hopes with a shock 23-21 win against East Grinstead in their last game.

However, Westcliff were without a fixture last weekend and have had to wait to try and build on the victory.

“It is frustrating to put in a performance to get a hard fought result and then have a break in the season,” said the Leigh based 25-year-old.

“It would have been great to keep that rolling into the next week.

“We know we don't have the luxury of taking time to get into games at such a crucial stage in the season so we will have to find a way to take that momentum from our home win into this game despite the break.”

Seventh placed East Grinstead will have other ideas as they bid to bounce back from a 72-0 drubbing against table-topping Bury St Edmunds.

But Merrick believes league positions are not an entirely accurate representation of form at this stage of the season.

“This league is not only competitive but unpredictable too as anyone can take points from anyone it seems,” said Merrick.

“That makes it difficult to establish where you will be or how many points will ensure you survive so we have to do what is in our control and not depend on anyone.

“But the teams in the bottom section of the table have all pulled out unanticipated results and it is a hugely competitive scrap to stay up.”