WESTCLIFF fought back from 21-3 down to secure a 35-29 win at Eton Manor.

The National Three London & SE victory was Westcliff’s second in succession.

And, having started the season with eight defeats in a row, director of rugby Rick Compton was delighted to have bagged back to back wins.

“Having got ourselves into a hole we applied ourselves really well to get out of it but we wouldn’t want to have to do it again,” said Compton.

“It was a game shaped by the elements and the porous five minute spell early on when we went behind.

“But there was plenty to be pleased with as well as plenty to work on.”

Westcliff took the lead with an early penalty from Chris Dudman but Eton Manor hit back with three converted tries in the space of just five minutes to lead 21-3.

However, the visitors responded positively with a try from Sam Reynolds in the 29th minute followed by another from winger Ross Merrick just before the break.

Both of the tries went unconverted but Westcliff remained on top after the break with prop forward Ewan Binneman crashing down to reduce Eton Manor’s lead to just three points.

The hosts replied with a penalty to extend their advantage but Westcliff were not to be deterred, with Reynolds touching down for his second try of the game.

George Parmenter added the conversion and then also kicked a penalty to put Westcliff 28-24 in front.

Chris Marsh soon also touched down and Parmenter kicked the conversion to put the visitors into a strong position.

Manor responded well and, after Westcliff were shown two yellow cards, they scored a try in the final phase of the game to secure themselves losing and try scoring bonus points.

But it came too late to deny Westcliff a second win in a row.

Westcliff: Ansell, Boughtwood, Parmenter, O’Brien, Merrick, Dudman, Roskams, Whitmore, Smith, Binneman, Lane, Edwards, Scoggins, Marsh, Reynolds

Replacements: Meakin, Dellas & Meredith