Westcliff Rugby Club aiming for top six finish (From Echo)

Westcliff Rugby Club aiming for top six finish

7:00am Friday 31st August 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

WESTCLIFF  start their National League Three London & SE season at home to Tring tomorrow, with aspirations of a top six finish this term.

Westcliff came 10th last year after a strong second half to the season.

And their director of rugby Bob Smith now wants the progress to continue.

“We’re another year older and wiser now and hopefully that can make a difference to us,” said Smith.

“Last season was our first at this level and we took a little while to get going.

“But it’s completely different this season and we want to start strongly to try and get a top six finish which would be fantastic as we’re still very much a home grown team.”

Westcliff have lost prop forward Craig Strachan to Southend since the end of last season but have brought in Sri Lankan full-back Kanchanara and Gus Martin, a South African number eight.

Both of the acquisitions are being tipped to strengthen the side and Smith hopes they can also help Westcliff beat Tring on the opening day.

“We beat Tring last season so hopefully we can beat them again at the weekend,” said Smith, whose team beat Broadstreet 52-10 in their final pre-season friendly last Saturday.

“Tring are traditionally a very well organised side and this season they have a first rate coaching team which will no doubt ensure they are strong in the set pieces and very effective at the breakdown so we will have to be very aware of that.”

Westcliff will also be without captain Simon Jones who has a knee injury but Smith’s son Robert is fit enough to start at centre after only making four appearances last season.

Thurrock , who were promoted from London One North last term, also kick off the new campaign at home as they host Gravesend. After that, the T’s travel to Westcliff next weekend for a mouth watering local derby.