WESTCLIFF knocked Barnes off the top of the London & SE Premier Division table with an impressive 13-12 win at the Gables.

The victory was Westcliff’s fifth in seven games and saw them move up to fifth in the standings, much to the delight of their director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was, as was to be expected, a very tough encounter and to come out on top was very pleasing,” he said.

“Conditions were difficult and probably both sides were happier with the way they played into the wind than they did with it.

“But the lads stuck to the task throughout and that allowed us to remain in touch and take our opportunities when we created them.

“We had difficult periods in the game, some through errors, some through ill-discipline, some through injuries and many posed by the quality opposition.

“But we overcame all of these and came out on top and deserved the victory with which we are delighted about.”

Westcliff started strongly despite having Ewan Binneman sin binned after just 10 minutes and soon took the lead when sharp interplay and quick recycling allowed Jack Hopkins to get over in the corner.

But Barnes soon levelled with a try of their own which was also converted to make it 7-5 before Westcliff were again reduced to 14 men for a 10 minute period when George Maloney was yellow carded.

Westcliff stood firm and, despite also losing fly-half Ben McKeith to injury, the score remained the same until half-time.

After the break, Barnes adapted their game as Westcliff had into the wind and the visitors were able to control the third quarter for long periods.

As a result, they bagged another try to lead 12-5 before Westcliff began to fight back.

A penalty from Jack Jones brought the home side to within four points before the defining moment of the match saw Josh Stol wrong foot his defender and tear through an inviting gap, making ground quickly as the defence scrambled.

Stol then teed up the prolific Sam Brown, who touched down to score what proved to be a match-winning try.

Westcliff: Spivey, S Brown, R Smith, Jones, Fenton, McKeith, Branch, C Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, Maloney, Marsh, Vandermolen Replacements: Lane, Macintyre & Stol