WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton was full of frustration following his side’s 19-12 defeat to Hertford.

The setback saw fifth placed Westcliff fall 15 points behind Hertford, who are immediately above them in the London & SE Premier Division standings.

And Compton was disappointed not to have been able to close the gap by winning the rearranged encounter.

“It was a tough, uncompromising and highly competitive game in atrocious conditions and naturally we are as disappointed as I imagine Hertford are delighted with the outcome,” said Compton.

“There were a couple of decisions by the referee that, to be honest, disappointed us but that’s spilt milk now.

“Given the territory and possession we had towards the end, we should have found a way to get more out of the game.

“Ultimately, at one time or another, our patience, composure or skills let us down and that is why we came up short.”

Hertford scored the game’s first try close to the posts to lead 7-0.

But Westcliff responded and as the half hour mark approached and after a series of close range drives, Ewan Binneman crossed the whitewash for a try Jake Spivey converted to make it 7-7.

However, in the 35th minute came a contentious moment when the visitors were awarded a penalty on the Westcliff 22.

A Hertford player was receiving treatment and the Westcliff captain was in discussion with the referee when an opportunist tap and go saw a Hertford player dash past the entire Westcliff team, who were rooted to the spot and unable to react.

The referee allowed the try to stand, much to the dismay and disbelief of the home team and supporters.

Hertford now led 14-7 with the half drawing to a close, but still Westcliff had time to respond and scored a try through Spivey, who chased and collected his own kick ahead to touch down to cut the visitors’ lead to 14-12 at half-time.

After the break, Hertford withstood a spell of pressure when down to 14 men before racing further in front with another try to make sure of their hard-fought win.

Westcliff: Spivey, S Brown, Stol, R Smith, Reynolds, Whiting, C Brown, Macintyre, Binneman, Weston, Edwards, Hopkins, Binstead, Vandermolen Replacements: Morrant, Ashcroft & Cross