Injury-hit Westcliff suffer third defeat in succession

Despite the setback, Westcliff stayed seventh in the National Three London & SE standings.

But their director of rugby Rick Compton was left ruing his side’s lack of try-scoring chances.

“It was disappointing to get nothing from the game but although our lads were honest and hardworking in their endeavours we didn’t really create enough opportunities and Dorking were worthy winners,” said Compton.

“Given the changes we have had to make in the last couple of weeks that’s perhaps understandable but we are capable of more.

“On the positive side we handed debuts to three lads including two teenagers and all did themselves justice and showed future promise.

“With points on the board and results elsewhere we are now certain to retain our national league status for another season.

“We are looking forward to our remaining two games this season safe in that knowledge and determined to finish as high up the table as possible.”

Westcliff named 17-year-old Ed Ashcroft and 18-year-old Lewis Cross on the bench but those in the starting line up began brightly.

Westcliff enjoyed first use of the slope and started the game on the front foot but their efforts were met by stern resistance from a home side in determined mood.

Much of the contest early on was fractious, played on the edge and occasionally beyond it which tested the young referee.

However, Westcliff huffed and puffed and remained patient as they sought to breach the home defence but in the backs they lacked, perhaps understandably, the necessary cohesion to open up the defence.

But, midway through the half, their pressure led to a succession of penalties before Charlie Jobling burrowed over the line from the back of a maul.

Chris Dudman’s conversion made it 7-0 but the lead was not to last long as the home side crafted a fine try for their right winger on an excursion up the slope.

An excellent touchline conversion drew the scores level at 7-7 before Westcliff went back on the attack, enjoying territorial advantage and forcing further penalties from the home side.

But the score stayed the same until half-time but just before the break Jobling was yellow carded for a late challenge.

Dorking took full advantage with a try three minutes into the second half before sealing their win with two more tries in the final 15 minutes.

Westcliff will now be looking to bounce back at home to Sutton & Epsom this weekend.

Westcliff: Roskams, Marsh, Dudman, S Reynolds, Merrick, Whiting, Branch, Weston, Hopkins, Binneman, Edwards, Ox, Scoggins, Jobling, Maloney

Replacements: Macintyre, Ashcroft & Cross