WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton admitted Tring were worthy winners for a high-scoring clash at the Gables on Saturday.

For the third game in succession, Westcliff faced a side top of the London & SE Premier Division table.

But Compton had no complaints about his team’s 39-33 defeat.

“Tring were a good side who were well organised,” said Compton., “They were fiercely competitive and on the balance of play were worth their win.

“Tring are likely to continue to have good results, a strong season and at this point top the table on merit.

“We showed spirit and at times quality to get back into the game but we can’t be anything other than frustrated and disappointed that for the second week in a row we have conceded 14 points and a yellow card in the last couple of minutes of the first half.

“On both occasions it has been decisive and cost us the game.

“Some of that may have been misfortune but some also we have invited by poor decision making and execution.

“We need to work harder in finding the necessary quality under pressure at key moments in the game.

“Work harder we will and two points is some consolation but no one likes losing especially at home and we want to be better.”

Tring raced into an early 7-0 lead before Jake Spivey combined with Sam Brown to score a try Jack Jones was able to convert.

However, Tring hit back and raced ahead in the closing seconds of the first half when they were awarded a penalty try.

Ewan Binneman was also yellow carded before Westcliff’s kick off failed to travel 10 minutes and the visitors bagged another try to lead 28-7 at the break.

At the start of the second half, Westcliff fought back with Joe Vandermolen and Jim Smith touching down to cut Tring’s lead to 31-19.

Spivey then scored his second try of the game before Tring replied with a penalty and a fortuitous try to kill off the game despite a late penalty try for fifth-placed Westcliff.

Westcliff: Spivey, B Reynolds, R Smith, Jones, S Brown, Whiting, Branch, C Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, Maloney, Marsh, J Smith Replacements: Macintyre, Fenton & Vandermolen