WESTCLIFF secured their first victory of the season on Saturday, beating Amersham & Chiltern 25-20.

Westcliff kicked off the National Three London & SE with four successive defeats.

And their director of rugby Rick Compton was delighted to see his side finally break their duck.

“Getting the win was the most important thing and we have achieved that,” said Compton.

“It wasn’t easy but it was never going to be.

“Some aspects of our game management were disappointing, especially the way we started each half and that is something we will have to review.

“However when we found ourselves under pressure and behind on the scoreboard we were able to respond and assert ourselves which was pleasing.

“Getting the first win has given the lads a lift ahead of the visit of high-flying Wimbledon to the Gables on Saturday.”

Amersham - who themselves have yet to win this season - went in front with an unconverted try at the weekend before Westcliff hit back with a penalty from Jack Jones.

After that, the teams cancelled each other out for the majority of the first half and it was not until just before the break that Westcliff struck again, when Andrew Roskams broke through to score a try.

Jones added the conversion from the touchline to put Westcliff 10-5 up at half-time.

However, Westcliff began the second period as they had the first, poorly and off the pace. Amersham were able to dictate the tempo from the restart and were again gifted a try in the opening couple of minutes which, when converted, put them 12-10 in front.

As a result, Westcliff were required to up their game and, for the next 25 minutes, they did so by taking control of the game and establishing a winning position they were not to relinquish during the remainder of the match.

First Jones converted a 51st-minute penalty to retake the lead at 13-12 and then relentless pressure in the home 22 forced several penalties, which eventually led to an Amersham player receiving a yellow card.

Westcliff took full advantage with both Olly Jones and brother Jack crossing the line as the home defence was stretched to breaking point and beyond. With one try successfully converted Westcliff lead 25-12 and continued to press. But, as the game entered the final 10 minutes, the visitors inexplicably allowed their grip on the game to slip.

A try for Amersham was soon followed by a penalty to close the score to 25-20.

But, despite the late scares, Westcliff held on to secure a very welcome first win of the season.

Westcliff: Roskams, Beavis, C Dudman, J Jones, Merrick, Whiting, Branch, Weston, Macintyre, Binneman, Edwards, Jobling, Maloney, Marsh, Vandermolen

Replacements: Lane O Jones & Scoggins.