Westcliff Rugby Club face selection headache against CS Rugby (From Echo)

Westcliff Rugby Club face selection headache against CS Rugby

12:00pm Friday 19th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

WESTCLIFF have a selection headache for tomorrow’s home game against CS Rugby 1863.

Second rows Rupert Edwards and captain Simon Jones are both unavailable and there are also injury concerns over James Scoggins, Gus Martyn and Dave Cosgrove in the back row.

Jim Smith is still not fully fit and scrum half Ben Jones is doubtful with a back problem, meaning Westcliff’s preparations for the game have been severely disrupted.

And, with that in mind, their first team manager Rick Compton is expecting a tough test.

“We will have to draw on our extended squad for the game and it will be a difficult afternoon for us,” said Compton.

“CS Rugby arrive on the back of a high scoring win over Gravesend last week and ran league leaders Bishop’s Stortford to a single point the week before so a very tough match is anticipated.

“They are a well established side at this level and, although they are unusual in that they do not have a youth section, they always have a mature and experienced side drawn from a combination of overseas players and recruits from senior clubs in and around west London.

“We will have to play well again to beat them but hopefully that’s something we can do.”

Westcliff, who were beaten 21-14 at high-flying Dorking last weekend, go in to the game 11th in the table, one place and point behind their opponents.