WESTCLIFF secured a third win in four National Three London & SE matches, beating Tring 18-12 to surge up to 10th in the standings.

The victory at the Gables also pushed Westcliff six points clear of the relegation zone.

But first team manager Rick Compton admitted the win had been achieved despite Westcliff not being at their best.

“I’m sure Tring will be disappointed and we know that we have certainly played better and lost this season,” said Compton.

“However, on such a horrid day and in such difficult conditions both sides should be congratulated on the level of their commitment and application.

“It was a particularly pleasing result given the difficulties in the build-up and having to play into the face of a snow storm.

“We were not at our best but we have won three from four since Christmas and given ourselves an opportunity to maintain our position in this challenging but rewarding league.

“There is much to do first but confidence in the squad is high.”

Westcliff went in front when the in-form Sam Reynolds touched down after just eight minutes and Greg Bannister added the conversion to put the home side 7-0 ahead.

Reynolds was at it again 20 minutes later with a try that went unconverted but a penalty from Bannister made it 15-0 at half-time.

After the break, the snow flurry became a storm and Tring were in the ascendancy, using their big forwards to carry and punch holes in an organised and ferocious home defence.

Almost inevitably the pressure told and an unconverted try was scored from a quickly taken free kick for a delayed put in to the line.

The pressure was instantly reapplied by the visitors and, just a few minutes later, after a series of patient and sustained drives, another short range try followed and, with the conversion this time successful ,Westcliff’s lead had been quickly reduced to three points at 15-12.

But, with the conditions starting to improve, Westcliff were able to steady the ship and protect their line for the rest of the game.

They took the game in to the opposition’s 22 for almost the first time in the half through some dogged work by the pack, before forcing a penalty within range.

And it was expertly despatched by Bannister in the game’s final act to secure Wetscliff another vital and very hard earned victory.

Westcliff: Argentieri, Merrick, O’Brien, Mamea, Dudman, Bannister, Parmenter, Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Anderson-Brown, Dartnell, Scoggins, Roberts, Reynolds.

Replacements: Whiting, Smith & Roskams.