WESTCLIFF came back from the Christmas break with a bang - beating Sidcup 47-12.

Westcliff had been without a game for three weeks during the festive period.

But they resumed their London & SE Premier season on Saturday with a big win which pleased director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was important to back up the excellent performance at Southend and we achieved that, which is very satisfying,” said Compton.

“We worked hard, had good intensity and physicality and carried threat constantly from all areas, so it was further evidence of the good side we are becoming.

“We defended well for the most part when we had to and were very much worth the bonus point win.”

Westcliff - who remain fifth in the table - broke the deadlock with an early try from Rob Smith and, moments later, Smith turned provider as he teed up Sam Brown to touch down.

Jack Jones converted both tries to make it 14-0 before the hosts raced further ahead when Jack Hopkins grounded the ball after a series of close range drives.

Jones’ conversion made it 21-0 before Sidcup fought back with a try of their own from a front row forward.

After that, the visitors continued to enjoy more of the ball but Westcliff stood firm for the remainder of the first half and led 21-7 at the break.

However, Westcliff were immediately on the front foot at the start of the second period and extended their lead with two tries in the space of 10 minutes.

The first came through a turnover ball which resulted in a long kick and chase from Ross Merrick, who displayed good dribbling and handling skills to touch down.

Westcliff then went further ahead with a try from Rupert Edwards, which was again converted by Jones to make it 35-5.

Sidcup hit back with their second try of the game before Westcliff stepped things up in the final 10 minutes.

As a result, Jake Spivey soon scored in the corner after the Sidcup defence had been outflanked and Westcliff rounded things off when Chris Marsh scored under the posts after receiving a disguised inside pass from skipper Harry Branch.

Westcliff: S Brown, Reynolds, Stol, R Smith, Merrick, Jones, Branch, C Brown, Hopkins, Binneman, Scogings, Edwards, J Smith, Marsh, Vandermolen.

Replacements: Morrant, Maloney & Spivey