WESTCLIFF’S second row James Scogings insists he is quietly confident heading into another tough-looking test in the London & SE Premier Division this weekend.

Westcliff have faced league leaders in their last two outings.

But Scogings is now looking forward to taking on second-placed Tring at the Gables.

“I believe we are quietly confident about this weekend’s game,” said Scogings.

“A few seasons ago I think we may have been concerned about playing the top three league teams in as many weeks.

But if we go into the game with the same mentality as we did from the previous weeks then I have no doubt that we will produce another great result.”

Westcliff knocked Barnes off the top of the table with a narrow 13-12 victory before they suffered a 29-17 defeat at new leaders Guernsey.

However, Scogings felt the game was far closer then the final score-line suggested.

“Last Saturday’s game was unfortunate because the score-line did not really reflect the game in my opinion,” said the 25-year-old.

“Most of the time we were in their half and posing a threat.

“Guernsey’s defence was by far one of the best we have come up against this season and this made for some really exciting rugby throughout the game.

"We dug deep and played some great open play passages which the opposition couldn’t handle at times.

“The home crowd were definitely not expecting the fight we brought.”

Despite the defeat, Westcliff remain fifth in the table.

And Scogings has been happy with the season so far.

“I think the season so far has exceeded my expectations,” said Scogings.

“Even though we are only eight games in we have proven that we are a team to look out for and I believe this is due to the players’ commitment to constantly improve and build on performances week in week out.”

Westcliff will now be bidding for more of the same against Tring. But Scogings knows it will be another tough test for the team.

“I haven’t played them since the season they were relegated but back then they had a tough forward pack who were very similar to us now,” said Scogings.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the game is decided on the same factors this time.”