WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton heaped praise on his side after seeing them start the season with an impressive 22-15 win at Dorking.

Two tries from Chris Marsh helped Westcliff win on the opening day of the London & SE Premier Division campaign.

And Compton was delighted with the win.

“This really was a satisfying result and one which was richly deserved,” said Compton.

“Make no mistake, Dorking are a great club and an excellent side so coming here and winning at first and second team level is a great achievement and further evidence of our progress over the last 18 months or so.

“Nevertheless, great result though it is, it’s just one game. It’s one of 26 and now it’s all about game two and the visit next week to the Gables of Southend Saxons.

“That’s plenty enough to be thinking of this week.”

Westcliff opened the scoring with Marsh’s first try of the game at the weekend and Jack Jones’ subsequent conversion put the visitors 7-0 in front.

Joe Vandermolen came close to adding a second try shortly after before Dorking hit back with a converted try of their own to level the scores.

A penalty from Jones put Westcliff back in front but another try from Dorking put them 12-10 in front at half-time.

Westcliff battled back after the break, with Ashley Whiting touching down for a try which was also converted.

But a Dorking penalty cut their lead to 17-15 before Marsh bagged his second try of the game to seal Westcliff’s win.

And Compton was happy with how his side were able to see out the game.

“After the last try, we sensed our opportunity and were able to keep a determined home side at arm’s length,” said Compton.

“We wound down the clock effectively to secure the win and an excellent start to the season.”

Westcliff: S Brown, Reynolds, Smith, Jones, Fenton, R Whiting, Branch, C Brown, A Whiting, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, Maloney, Marsh, Vandermolen

Replacements: Lane, Cross & Jobling