WESTCLIFF put up a strong fight at Guernsey but saw their five match winning streak ended by a 26-20 defeat.

Westcliff’s losing bonus point saw them move level on points with sixth placed Shelford but their director of rugby Rick Compton was keen to remain upbeat.

“Obviously it is a bit of a disappointment that the winning run has come to an end but they all do eventually,” said Compton.

“Guernsey is a tough place to go especially when they are full strength and we are carrying a few injuries but grabbing a losing bonus point was very pleasing.

“There is no game this week and it’s a welcome opportunity to rest some weary aches and pains before we entertain Shelford.”

Westcliff will again be aiming to show the battling qualities they showed against Guernsey as the home side dominated first half possession.

Only some desperate Westcliff defending, coupled with carelessness from the home side, prevented a convincing lead for the Islanders at half time.

Instead, it spoke volumes for Westcliff’s tenacity that Guernsey only turned round 7-0 ahead.

Westcliff were further burdened when influential centre Uta Tupuola was stretchered off with severe ankle damage shortly before half time meaning flanker Chris Marsh had to fill in as emergency back replacement.

Despite the alteration, Westcliff had a few chances to open their account, with a Chris Dudman penalty attempt falling short before a rare foray into the opposition twenty-two was ended by a curious decision by the official.

But, with Guernsey still looking to open the floodgates in the second half, Westcliff stunned the home crowd with what has now become a trademark rolling maul which allowed George Maloney to cross for a try, which Dudman converted to level the scoreline.

However, Guernsey soon hit back with a second converted try before Westcliff, refusing to lie down, exerted pressure of their own which resulted in Marsh crashing over.

Dudman was unsuccessful with the conversion but was able, almost immediately, to nudge Westcliff in front with a straight-forward penalty.

The home side were finding the going as hard as the visitors and the Westcliff pack began to dominate. But Guernsey showed why they are such a class act by scoring two further tries to go 26-15 clear.

However, a losing bonus point was the least Westcliff deserved and it came with the last move of the match when a well-timed Dudman pass sent winger Andy Roskams through to score.

Westcliff: Dudman, Roskams, Reynolds, Tupuola, Merrick, Whiting, Branch, Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Dartnell, Edwards, Scoggings, Marsh, Maloney.

Replacements: Lane, Macintyre & Jobling