IN-FORM winger Ross Merrick is seeking a fourth victory in five games for Westcliff when they host Dorking this weekend.

Westcliff’s three match winning streak was ended in agonising fashion at Shelford last weekend.

But Merrick is keen to secure an immediate return to winning ways this weekend.

“It was gutting to come within a point of another win at Shelford but it’s important we don’t dwell on it with some important games coming up,” said Merrick, who scored two tries in the 17-16 defeat.

“We had been on a good run before that too and we always had that confidence that we can compete with any of the teams at this level.

“But it has been hugely encouraging to start getting results that reflect that now, however it’s not enough for us and we will keep building and expecting more from ourselves.”

The run of victories has moved Westcliff up to 10th in the National Three London & SE standings, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

However, sixth placed Dorking have also triumphed in three of their last four games.

And Merrick is expecting another tough tussle against them tomorrow.

“Dorking have had a real mixture of results and I’m sure this will be another testing game,” said the winger.

“But in this league I don’t think you can ever predict anything because it’s so competitive.

“From our point of view we will going into it ensuring we have the mindset to play our game.

“If we do that then we are a tough team to beat and we’ve shown that in the last few weeks.”

Westcliff’s recent run of good results means they are now only just one place and two points behind local rivals Southend in the league table.

And Merrick’s try scoring form has also enabled Rick Compton’s side to move up the standings.

But he remains keen to add to his tally.

“It was obviously great to get a couple of tries against Shelford last week, especially in a close game like that,” said Merrick.

“It was gutting to lose but our attacking play is definitely getting stronger so hopefully there are more tries to come with more wins too.”