WESTCLIFF resumed their National Three London & SE season with a 38-17 defeat at Shelford.

The defeat, which was Westcliff’s fourth in five games, saw them remain in the relegation zone, four points from safety.

And their first team manager Rick Compton felt a lack of physicality was behind the latest setback.

“The lads showed commitment and effort like they always do but we struggled with the physicality and lost the battle at the breakdown,” said Compton.

“We were unable to get on the front foot or generate a satisfactory set piece platform and we had to work much harder than Shelford to earn the right to play.

“By contrast, too many of the Shelford points came too easily for them and we must work harder still to compensate for having a smaller side.

“Next week’s game against Hertford will be a similar test and we must be better prepared.”

Despite the defeat, Westcliff started well and attempted to drive their way uphill into opposition territory.

But, although they went through a series of controlled phases, the hosts defended effectively and broke out when the opportunity came.

As a result, Shelford scored from their first serious attack when their hard running number eight broke through the visitors’ midfield with alarming ease before the ball was recycled for the game’s opening try Westcliff continued to be committed with the ball in hand but were unable to penetrate to any great effect and when able to gain good position were too often turned over and forced to back pedal.

Playing down the slope Shelford carried more threat and scored a further converted try after 17 minutes before they added a third on the stroke of half-time to lead 21-0.

After the break, Westcliff enjoyed their best period of the game and were rewarded for their spell of pressure with a try from Reece Whiting.

The visitors continued to attack in an attempt to get back into the game but their hopes were dashed in the final quarter when Shelford’s winger collected his own grubber kick forward to score.

The home-side then ran in two further tries in the closing stages to complete a miserable afternoon for Westcliff who are now four points from safety.

Westcliff: Roskams, Sigwart, B Reynolds, O’Brien, Merrick, Dudman, Whiting, Whitmore, Mackintyre, Brown, Lane, Edwards, Scoggins, Marsh, Reynolds.

Replacements: Miller, Bartlett & Boughtwood.