WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton was left feeling frustrated following his side’s 35-7 defeat at high-flying Barnes.

Westcliff went into the London & SE Premier clash on the back of four wins in their last five games.

But they were unable to extend their fine run of results at the weekend, much to the disappointment of Compton.

“It was a frustrating game really,” said Compton.

“Barnes are a good side who created and converted their opportunities very well.

“They will certainly be in the promotion picture come the end of the season but the margins are fine.

“If we had shown the required quality at the key moments we would have got something from the game.

“That we did not do that is a source of disappointment and frustration.

“They were worthy, if slightly flattered, winners but we handed them possession for a couple of scores and left a few scores of our own out there.

“If we can learn from that without dwelling on it we will improve further.”

Westcliff went into the game having received little cheer from the medical room, which meant they were again missing some key members of the side.

That helped Barnes get on to the front foot from the start and although their first raids were repelled, the home side were eventually adjudged to have grounded the ball after a series of pick and goes from a foot or two out.

An excellent touchline conversion made it 7-0 but fifth-placed Westcliff responded positively and spent much of the next 30 minutes dominating territory and possession.

As a result, a Barnes winger was soon yellow carded but Westcliff were still unable to make a breakthrough and the home side were able to hit back to score another try which put them 14-0 in front at half-time.

After the break, Barnes were awarded a penalty try before Westcliff again fought back.

Another yellow card followed but this time Westcliff were able to make the most of their extra man, with Sam Brown touching down for a try.

Jack Jones added the conversion before Barnes replied with two more tries to seal their 15th win in 19 games.

Westcliff: S Brown, Merrick, Reynolds, R Smith, O Jones, J Jones, Branch, Weston, Morrant, C Brown, Webster, Edwards, Hopkins, Maloney, Vandermolen Replacements: Ashcroft, Binstead & Cross