WESTCLIFF’S woes continued as they slipped to a cruel last gasp 32-27 defeat against National Three London & SE leaders Tonbridge Juddian on Saturday.

The visitors bagged an injury time try to condemn Westcliff to a fifth successive defeat.

But, despite an obvious feeling of dejection, Westcliff’s first team manager Rick Compton was buoyed by the vastly improved display.

“This was a much better performance and there was no doubt that we benefited from a couple of the lads returning to the starting line up,” said Compton.

“That said it’s difficult not to be a little despondent after coming so close to what would have been a hard fought and much deserved and badly needed win.

“Regrettably it was not to be but we will take many positives from the game along with our losing bonus point and focus our energies on preparing for the trip to Guernsey.”

Tonbridge Juddian, who have yet to be beaten this season, went in front with an early penalty at the weekend before Westcliff’s Jack Jones levelled the scores with a kick of his own.

Westcliff remained on top and, after a series of close range drives on the Tonbridge line, Sam Reynolds forced his way over under the posts.

Jones’ conversion put the home-side 10-3 ahead before a lapse in concentration allowed Tonbridge to level the game with a converted try and they led 17-10 at half-time after their number eight brushed aside two attempted tackles to score.

After the break, Westcliff narrowed Tonbridge’s advantage with a penalty from Jones before Tom Argentieri gathered his own charge down to score under the posts.

Jones’ conversion put Westcliff 20-17 ahead and things soon got even better for the hosts as Chris Dudman charged through to score a try Jones again converted to make it 27-17 with 20 minutes of the match remaining.

Tonbridge soon replied with a penalty before Westcliff’s Kostas Dellas was forced to leave the field with a reoccurrence of his shoulder problem.

Things soon got worse for Westcliff when the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty try which was converted to make the score 27-27.

But, with 80 minutes up, Westcliff recycled the ball well to win a penalty which could potentially have secured them the game.

However, Jones’ effort went wide of the left post and, from the very last play of the game - six minutes into stoppage time - Tonbridge squeezed over to score a try which cruelly extended Westcliff’s winless start to the season.

Westcliff: Dudman, Argentieri, B Reynolds, R Whiting, Boughtwood, Jones, Parmenter, Whitmore, Maloney, Binneman, Edwards, Scoggins, Marsh, Meredith, S Reynolds Replacements: Lane, Dellas & M Roberts