WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton admitted Saturday’s narrow defeat at Southend had been tough to take.

Westcliff were beaten 17-15 at Warners Bridge after Saxons’ fly-half Tom Ashton kicked a crucial penalty two minutes from time.

But, having reviewed footage of the game, Compton does not agree with the decision with handed Southend their late victory.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow and having reviewed the video the decision to penalise Harry Branch which had appeared harsh was shown to be in error,” said Compton.

“It was a disappointing way for the game to be decided, especially as the assistant referees who would have been able to help the referee make the right call were appointed for the game but withdrawn at the 11th hour.

“Nevertheless such is the nature of sport which can give so much and yet also be so cruel.

“But the game that has been on everyone’s mind is gone and I suspect both teams will be glad to put it behind them for a few months at least.”

However, Compton was also keen to look at the positives of his side’s performance.

“It was a disappointing result but it was also a statement from Westcliff who showed they are not content to live in their neighbours’ shadow and won respect and credibility if not the game.

“We now must find a way of converting these performances into victories and match points.”

But Westcliff face another tough test this weekend as they take on promotion favourites Tonbridge Juddian who have already beaten Southend 45-0 this season.

“There’s no time for us to dwell on the Southend game now as we play much fancied Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday,” said Compton.

“They unexpectedly stumbled at the weekend but this is likely to be the most difficult game we’ve had this season so we will have to be at our best.”

And Westcliff’s impressive centre Chris Dudman has also called on the team to regroup.

“The Southend game is done now and we must look ahead to the rest of the season and regroup ,” said Dudman.

“Our first two games have been a large improvement from last year’s performances.

“We are growing as a team and we have fell just short of the wins on these first two occasions.

“But we just need to make sure that we see games out so we get wins rather than losing bonus points.”

Southend: Andrews, Wiltshire, Ngaluafe, Vaughan, Cleare, Ashton, O’Brien, Strachan, Bloomberg, Bailey, Leavasu, Barker, Smith, Morrison, Shields. Replacements: Day-White, Court-Rhind & Gould

Westcliff: Roskams, O Jones, Dudman, J Jones, Merrick, Whiting, Branch, Weston, Hopkins, Binneman, Scoggins, Edwards, Jobling, Marsh, Maloney. Replacements: Skidmore, Macintyre & Beavis