WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton was disappointed to end the season with a 39-10 defeat at Hertford.

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

But Compton was frustrated not to have signed off for the summer with a strong display.

“The game on Saturday was a bit of a disappointment because we didn’t really do ourselves justice,” said Compton.

“Even though the squad was stretched to the limit I felt we could have pushed them a little harder.

“Nevertheless it’s been a great season and through the many highs and lows the group has grown and improved.

“The challenge for them as they head to the off season is to come back refreshed and eager to prove they haven’t over achieved and that they are ready to take on some new goals and targets.”

Despite the break over Easter, Westcliff were unable to recall to the team anyone from the treatment table.

The squad was further stretched by the absence of Chris Dudman - a try scorer on his international debut in Malta - and Joe Vandermolen who was running the London Marathon.

Westcliff were compelled to continue with back rower Chris Marsh deputising on one wing while also giving first starts to 18-year-old Lewis Cross on the other wing and 17-year-old Ed Ashcroft in the second row.

But, playing down the slope,Westcliff applied early pressure and enjoyed the better share of possession and territory but were not as fluent as they would have hoped.

Robust defence kept them at bay but pressure drew penalties and eventually a yellow card.

Pressing home their advantage another followed some minutes later and for a short while Hertford were reduced to 13 men.

It was immediately made to count and the ball was moved wide quickly allowing Cross to score in the corner, his first try for the club.

Westcliff led 5-0 but were unable to extend that lead before both Hertford players returned to the action.

Hertford fought back to lead 6-5 at half-time before scoring five tries in the second 40 minutes with just a single reply from the visitors through prop forward Charlie Brown.

Westcliff: Roskams, Cross, Reynolds, Merrick, Marsh, Whiting, Branch, Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Ashcroft, Edwards, Scoggings, Jobling, Maloney.

Replacements: Macintyre, Morrant & Ox.