NATIONAL THREE LONDON & SE

Wimbledon 39, Westcliff 15

WESTCLIFF’S relegation from National Three London & SE was finally confirmed with a 39-15 defeat at Wimbledon.

The setback, which was Westcliff’s ninth in 10 games, means they will be back in London One North next term.

But that has not come as a shock for their first team manager Rick Compton.

“With Bracknell winning at Gravesend a return to London One is now confirmed for next season and while it’s disappointing it’s no great surprise,” said Compton.

“Competing in the national leagues for a sustained period is a huge task for a club like ours.

“Playing there for four of the last five years has been a huge achievement and is one of which we are proud.”

However, Compton feels Westcliff are in a strong position to be able to bounce back next term.

“There has been a significant development in our squad this season which will stand us in good stead for the future but which left us a bit short of what it takes this year,” said Compton.

“Now we look to and plan for the future, for a strong campaign next season and for where we want to be come September 2017 when we expect to start the season at a new home.”

Wimbledon raced into a 12-0 lead after just 10 minutes before Westcliff replied with a try from James Crossley.

Conor O’Brien then also touched down for the visitors before Chris Dudman’s subsequent conversion and a penalty on the stroke of half time put them 15-12 ahead at half-time.

However, Wimbledon went back in front at the start of the second half before Westcliff enjoyed a period of pressure which they failed to turn into points.

Wimbledon made them paid with a fourth try in the 70th minute before a further 12 points followed in the closing stages after Westcliff had lost a trio of players to injury.

Westcliff: Dudman, Bard, Crossley, O’Brien, Roskams, Whiting, Branch, Weston, Mackintyre, Whitmore, Edwards, Scoggins, Meredith, Marsh, Reynolds

Replacements: Skidmore, Hopkins & Bartlett