WESTCLIFF’S winning run came to end with a 29-22 defeat at Guildford.

Westcliff went into the game on the back of three successive victories in the London & SE Premier Division.

But they were unable to make it four in a row, much to the frustration of their director of rugby Rick Compton.

“We had a few things to contend with this week and to be honest we were never quite on top of our game in the way that we have been in recent weeks,” said Compton.

“Effectively we lost the game in the opening 25 minutes when we conceded 19 points far too easily.

“Although the game went to the final play we were playing catch up rugby and were eased out by a fired up and hungry Guildford side.

“But, never mind we have had good run which has come to an end as they all do.

“Now it’s about how we to react and that starts on the training pitch tonight as we look forward to the visit of Shelford on Saturday.”

Westcliff were forced to ring the changes at the weekend due to injuries and a number of unavailable players. But, despite the enforced alterations, Westcliff opened the scoring with a penalty from Jack Jones before the hosts hit back to dominate the next 20 minutes.

Guildford seized the initiative handed to them by a lacklustre Westcliff and scored three tries to lead 17-3 ahead after 25 minutes.

However, fifth-placed Westcliff eventually began to raise their level and established a foothold in the game. Opportunities for them came and went but as the half drew to a close perseverance paid off and Josh Stol was released in space to cross close to the posts. Jones converted and the hosts led 17-10 at the break.

Westcliff continued on the front foot from the restart and the second half was only five minutes old when Jack Hopkins crossed and Jones converted to tie the game up at 17-17.

The scores remained deadlocked for the next 20 minutes before Reece Whiting was yellow carded.

Guildford sensed and took their opportunity scoring two quick fire tries, one of which was converted to put them 29-17 in front.

When back to 15 men, Westcliff repaired the damage with a try from Finlay Macintyre but they were unable to level the game late on.

Westcliff: S Brown, Cross, Stol, J Jones, O Jones, Whiting, Branch, C Brown, Morrant, Binneman, Weston, Edwards, Scogings, Hopkins, Maloney. Replacements: Macintyre, Binstead & Roskams