WESTCLIFF secured back to back victories for the first time this season with a 39-24 win at Chichester.

Seven days on from seeing off Colchester, Westcliff ground out another hard fought victory despite having George Maloney sent off.

And their director of rugby Rick Compton was delighted to see his side triumph on the road.

“The nature of the game, mainly due to the red card, was a bit see saw and frayed the nerves on the touchline but it was a precious five point win and that’s very pleasing,” said Compton, whose team are now six points clear of the drop zone.

“Much of what we did out on the park was very satisfying particularly the fast start and the control and discipline, with one very obvious exception, that we applied.

“The card I am told was justified and that’s disappointing. George is fortunate that his mates got the team out of trouble but he will now go through the inevitable disciplinary process and have to deal with whatever that brings, as will the team.

“That aside it’s been a great day and spirits are high although the opportunity to rest a few weary bodies over the next week is very welcome.”

Playing aggressive but controlled rugby, Westcliff seized control of the game from the outset.

And they silenced the home spectators by establishing a 19 point lead in the first quarter thanks to tries from Charlie Jobling, Maloney and Joe Vandermolen, two of which were converted by Jack Jones.

Chichester hit back with a converted try and a penalty of their own before Westcliff went back on the attack and enjoyed a spell of pressure which resulted in the home-side’s number eight being yellow carded.

Westcliff missed the opportunity to score from the resultant penalty but remained camped in home territory threatening to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

However, it was at this point that what might have been the game’s defining moment arrived when Westcliff’s blind side flanker Maloney lost his discipline and was red carded after lashing out petulantly at a Chichester player.

After the break, Jones increased Westcliff’s lead with a penalty before Chichester’s winger bagged a try which was also converted.

But Westcliff dug deep with Jones kicking a penalty and Buster Reynolds charging through to score a crucial try in the 65th minute to make it 32-17.

Chichester replied with another try before Ewan Binneman touched down for Westcliff to make sure of a crucial win.

Dudman, Lowe, Reynolds, Bard, Merrick, Jones, Branch, Western, Hopkins, Binneman, Scoggins, Jobling, Maloney, Marsh, Vandermolen. Replacements: Lane, Smith & Syrett