WESTCLIFF suffered a fifth defeat in six games, losing 36-13 to Hertford at the Gables.

The reverse left Westcliff four points from safety in National Three London & SE and frustrated their first team manager Rick Compton.

“It was another disappointing afternoon in terms of the result and our overall position in the league which isn’t getting any better but there remains a long way to,” said Compton.

“It’s a great league but it is tough and it asks tough questions of the lads every week.

“To their credit they continue to show great effort and commitment on the park.

“At times they are outgunned man for man but they have great spirit and resolve which may yet bring great reward.”

In contrast to Westcliff, Hertford went into Saturday’s game on the back of five straight wins and they opened the scoring with a controversial try from their winger.

The hosts hit back with a well struck penalty from Chris Dudman before Hertford bagged another try to lead 12-3.

Westcliff recovered well but were unable to turn a spell of pressure into points.

However, the visitors had no such difficulties at the start of the second half when they bagged two more tries to lead 24-8.

Westcliff replied with a try from Ross Merrick but, despite their best efforts, they were unable to close the gap even further.

And, as the game entered the final 10 minutes, Hertford punished them further with a converted try before also scoring an unconverted one from the final move of the match.

The two late tries completed a miserable afternoon for Westcliff who now face table topping Tonbridge Juddian this weekend.

Westcliff: Roskams, Sigwart, B Reynolds, Merrick, Boughtwood, Dudman, Whiting, Meakin, Mackintyre, Whitmore, Edwards, Scoggins, Bartlett, Marsh, S Reynolds

Replacments: Miller, Meredith & Allingham