JOE Vandermolen is delighted to be back at Westcliff.

The impressive number eight began his career at the Gables as a junior.

And after spells with Southend, Bedford and Chinnor he is thrilled to have returned to his roots.

“I’ve come back to be closer to friends and family,” said Vandermolen.

“Playing at my previous club things didn’t work out the way I wanted, so I’ve decided to come back and rebuild my career.”

Vandermolen played the second half for Westcliff in last weekend’s narrow 19-15 defeat to highly-fancied Tonbridge Juddian.

And he is keen to start enjoying his rugby again.

“My hopes for the season are to enjoy playing rugby with friends and only being five minutes from home after a home game,” said Vandermolen.

“I first started playing here when I was 13 and it’s good to be back.”

Vandermolen will now be hoping to start tomorrow’s home clash with Westcombe Park.

Westcliff have started the season with three defeats in very close games and they will be hoping to end that run this weekend.

However, Westcombe Park have triumphed twice in three games and are currently fifth in the National Three London & SE table.