Westcliff get back to winning ways

Westcliff 45, Eton Manor 19

WESTCLIFF got back to winning ways in National Three London & SE on Saturday, beating Eton Manor 45-19 at the Gables.

The emphatic triumph ended a run of eight successive defeats for Westcliff who also moved up to 12th in the table.

And, although relegation still looks likely, Westcliff’s first team manager Rick Compton was delighted to get back to winning ways.

“The lads were determined to get the win but we knew Manor would be equally determined,” said Compton.

“It was full on all afternoon with some big hits in a fierce contest between two committed sides.

“But we are pleased not only to get the result but also by the way the lads stuck to their task.

“The likely outcome of our season is foreseeable but we have set ourselves some goals between now and then.

“Winning today has ticked the first of those boxes and given the lads a timely boost.

“We are looking forward to the run in over the coming weeks and view it as a platform from which to build for next season.”

Winger Andrew Roskams put Westcliff in front with a try which was converted by Chris Dudman.

The hosts continued to press and although Manor defended with aggression and commitment their discipline began to slip. Penalties followed and so did two yellow cards which enabled Westcliff to race further ahead with two Dudman penalties and try from James Crossley making it 18-0.

Bottom of the table Manor – who have yet to win this season - hit back with a try of their own but Westcliff immediately replied with Whitmore scoring to make it 25-5 at the break.

Westcliff went further ahead with another Dudman penalty at the start of the second half but Manor responded with a converted try of their own.

In reply, Dudman soon added a try to ever his increasing points total and, at 33-12, Westcliff were in control.

But Manor were not about to roll over and, when a move broke down for the home-side, they pounced to score another try.

However Westcliff tightened up their game once more and scored two further tries of their own through Rupert Edwards and Chrish Marsh, the last of which was converted by Harry Branch to secure a morale-boosting win.

Westcliff are now 15 points from safety with four games to go and travel to eighth placed Wimbledon in their next encounter.

Westcliff: Dudman, Roskams, B Reynolds, Crossley, Merrick, Whiting, Branch, Skidmore, Macintyre, Whitmore, Edwards, Lane, Scoggins, Marsh, S Reynolds

Replacements: Weston, Hopkins & Meredith

>CANVEY Island saw off Bancroft 24-24 in Essex One.

The victory saw seventh placed Canvey close the gap on Bancroft, who sit immediately above them in the table, to just four points.