WESTCLIFF’s director of rugby Rick Compton was left frustrated by his side’s 38-18 defeat at Guildford.

The below par performance made it six setbacks in seven outings for Westcliff in National Three London & SE this term.

And Compton was disappointed by the manner of the latest defeat which kept his team third from bottom in the table.

“It was a frustrating performance from us,” said Compton.

“There was plenty of honest endeavour and we saw enough of the ball in good positions but we failed to convert possession and territory into points.

“At the same time we leaked unnecessary penalties which allowed Guildford to manoeuvre themselves around the pitch both out of trouble and into striking positions.

“They deserve credit for that but we let ourselves down in those areas and lost the game as a result.”

Despite the final score-line, Westcliff went in front with Fin Macintyre scoring the opening try from a driving maul which Jack Jones converted.

However, Guildford took just six minutes to respond and get back on terms through a converted try of their own created through territory and possession achieved through penalties.

Westcliff went back on the attack and re-established a lead when Jones converted a 25th minute penalty.

However,10 minutes later a well-executed catch and drive try put the home side 14-10 in front.

But Westcliff again returned to Guildford territory and forced a penalty which Jones converted but Guildford scored a third try to lead 21-13 at half-time.

After the break, Westcliff were pressing hard on the home side’s line but the hosts defended with purpose and intent.

However, they were also a little fortunate when a try scoring pass was slapped down and only a penalty was seen as adequate punishment.

Macintyre was then also ruled to be held up over the line when he felt otherwise and Westcliff allowed themselves to become a little frustrated.

Pressing hard on the line again they moved the ball wide right but an ill-advised miss pass was intercepted and the Guildford flyer was able to sprint the length of the pitch to score under the posts.

Trailing 28-13 and feeling hard done by Westcliff were momentarily despondent and the hosts were able to apply pressure and force a penalty within range which was duly converted.

The visitors did force themselves up field again and were able to score a further try through scrum half Harry Branch.

But Guildford hit back to seal their win with yet another penalty.

Westcliff: Dudman, Lowe, Rudd, Tupuola, Bard, Jones, Branch, Skidmore, Macintyre, Binneman, Scoggins, Jobling, Maloney, Marsh, Vandermolen Replacements: Lane, Hopkins & Smith