WESTCLIFF got back to winning ways with a 38-23 victory at Shelford.

The triumph saw Westcliff bounce back from a shock 36-10 defeat against Guildford.

And the manner of the win delighted their director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was a very satisfying performance and everyone played their part,” said Compton.

“We had to battle hard and come from behind twice but we never stopped believing or playing and the lads got their reward.

“We scored six good tries and defended resolutely restricting them to two in a purple patch they enjoyed just after half-time.

“The lads that came in all stepped up which is always pleasing and a special mention must go to Jake Spivey who scored two crucial tries on debut.

“After last weeks horror show it’s been the perfect response and boost going into the rest week.

“After the break, when hopefully bodies will be rested and refreshed, we take on the division’s two leading teams when we host Barnes before travelling the week after to Guernsey.”

Saturday’s success saw Westcliff move up to fifth in the London & SE Premier Division but they were forced to fight-back after the hosts kicked three early penalties to lead 9-0.

However, a try from the prolific Sam Brown got Westcliff back in the game before Jack Jones also touched down to put the visitors 10-9 in front at half-time. But Shelford were back on top at the start of the second period and scored two converted in the space of 15 minutes to lead 23-10. A shell-shocked Westcliff moved things around with Spivey switching to scrum half and within 10 minutes he had scored two tries which Jones converted to put them 24-23 in front.

The home-side attempted to regain control but Westcliff’s defence was not to be breached again and they sealed their victory when Jim Smith drove over twice from very close range. Both tries were again converted - the second of which with the last kick of the game.

Westcliff - who had Ben McKeith back in the starting line-up for the first time in four years - are without a match this weekend.

Westcliff: Spivey, S Brown , R Smith, Jones, Fenton, McKeith, Branch, C Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, Maloney, Marsh, J Smith.

Replacements: Macintyre, Vandermolen & Stol.