WESTCLIFF will be hoping for a case of third time lucky when they host Shelford in National Three London & SE tomorrow.

Westcliff have been beaten in their first two games of the new season.

But centre Tom Boughtwood is keen to put that right this weekend.

“We are disappointed with how the first two games have gone, especially against Westcombe Park last weekend,” said the 26-year-old.

“We played some really good rugby for most of the match but when we were ahead in the last quarter, we switched off and failed to close out the remainder of the game.

“We can't afford to throw away games like that.”

As a result, Westcliff head into tomorrow’s clash sitting ninth in the 14 team table.

In stark contrast, Shelford are second after winning both of their opening fixtures.

And Boughtwood, who joined from Billericay half way through last season, is expecting another tricky test.

“Shelford will be looking to get back up to National Two after their relegation last season and they have made a strong start with winning both their games so far,” said Boughtwood.

“We expect another tough game this Saturday but if we play like we did for the majority of the Westcombe Park game for the full 80 minutes and, with the support of a home crowd, I'm confident we can get the first win of the season.”

A victory would also spark Westcliff’s campaign into life as they bid to improve on last term when they avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

And Boughtwood insists they are determined to finish far higher this time around.

“Our aim for the season is to finish mid-table,” said Boughtwood, who can also play on the wing.

“I think we showed at the end of last season and, in patches in the two games so far, that we can compete in this league.

“The lads are desperate to get the first win and we have worked hard in training to address the issues from last week.

“I think a win will help us get things going and move towards our objectives we have set for the season.”