WESTCLIFF’S winless start to the season continued with a sixth successive defeat as they suffered a 24-15 reverse at Guernsey.

Westcliff remain second from bottom in the standings.

And their first team manager Rick Compton was left ruing a slow start to the game.

“We didn’t really perform this week as well as we had done at home last week but Guernsey is a difficult place to go to and get a result,” said Compton.

“We had a five-and-a-half hour journey due to plane and transfer delays and we were still in the dressing room for the first 10 minutes when we gave away 11 points.

“Added to that we failed to convert pressure into points by missing some goal kicks that were within range while the opposition kicked five from six.

“Guernsey were worthy winners for the way they wrestled control in the second half but once more we were our own worst enemy and over the course of 80 minutes we continue to frustrate ourselves and each other.”

Guernsey started strongly with two early penalties before an unconverted try handed the hosts an 11-0 lead after just 10 minutes.

Westcliff soon hit back with Sam Reynolds crashing over for try but they were unable to close the gap further as two penalty kicks were missed.

In contrast, Guernsey slotted one between the posts to make it 14-5.

Westcliff replied with James Scoggins touching down and Jack Jones adding the conversion to cut the home-side’s lead to 14-12 at the break.

Westcliff had high hopes of completing the turnaround in the second half and piled on the pressure immediately after the break.

However, Guernsey’s defence while committed became increasingly desperate and ultimately fell the wrong side of the laws.

The referee correctly brandished a yellow card for the cynical nature of the defending but did not award a penalty try. Westcliff consoled themselves with three points from Jones which put them 15-14 ahead.

But Guernsey soon regained the lead with another penalty and they made sure of the win in the 77th minute when a speculative grubber kick down the right flank bounced the right way for the hosts and allowed the chasing player to ground the ball.

The conversion was also added to complete another miserable afternoon for Westcliff who are still without a win this season.

Westcliff: Ansell, Dudman, B Reynolds, R Whiting, Merrick, Jones, Parmenter, Whitmore, Maloney, Binneman, Edwards, Scoggins, Marsh, Meredith, S Reynolds.

Replacements: A Whiting, Lane & Argentieri.