WESTCLIFF slumped to a third defeat in four games, losing 40-12 at Hertford.

But, despite the setback, Westcliff are now guaranteed a top six finish in the London & SE Premier Division.

And Westcliff’s director of rugby Rick Compton was therefore suffering mixed emotions at the final whistle.

“We put a lot of effort in and the lads never leave anything out on the park but it wasn’t good enough,” said Compton.

“Hertford scored some good tries but we have to be disappointed with our first up tackling and the points we conceded off first phase balls.

“We had to make several changes to the line-up and make positional changes as well and that’s never easy, but we need to cope better if we want to come to places like this and win.

“We dropped the ball on the line twice and shipped a couple of very disappointing tries off first phase balls.

“If we eliminate those errors then it’s a completely different game.”

However, there were also a few high points for Compton to enjoy.

“There were positives too from Saturday and we further exposed some fresh faces to the level,” said Compton.

“It was pleasing to see Joe Ansell grow into the game and also Ben McKeith demonstrated he can still play a role when called upon.

“Next up we host Dorking as the curtain comes down on a very satisfying league campaign in which we are guaranteed to finish sixth and as a top half club for a second successive season.”

Hertford opened the scoring with a try at the weekend before Westcliff levelled things up with a try of their own from Jack Jones.

Hertford soon regained the lead with another try before a try from Westcliff’s Sam Brown saw their lead cut to 14-12.

Hertford stretched their advantage with another try before the break, but it was Westcliff who started the second period on the front foot.

The visitors seemed set for another try but fumbled a pass and Hertford immediately moved up the field to score another try, which made it 28-12 and secured the hosts a bonus point.

In reply, Westcliff were able to secure ball and field position, but Hertford scored two more tries in the final quarter of the game to seal their win.

Westcliff: McKeith, S Brown, Stol, J Jones, Reynolds, Ansell, Branch, C Brown, Macintyre, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, Hopkins, Hatton, Marsh.

Replacements: Morrant, Webster & Binstead