WESTCLIFF’S director of rugby Rick Compton heaped praise on table-topping Guernsey after seeing his side suffer a 51-29 defeat against the league leaders.

The London & SE Premier Division defeat was fifth placed Westcliff’s third in succession.

But Compton had no complaints about the result.

“I was impressed with Guernsey and they played some great rugby,” said Compton.

“I would like to be able to say the score flattered them a little but that’s not really the case and they were excellent value for their win.

“I was pleased with the way we responded to the chasing we got for much of the first half and getting back on terms was a real achievement.

“However, that and the recent heavy schedule took its toll on our guys and they finished much stronger than we did.

“Although we welcomed back a few lads, we lost some others before and during the game and in truth a couple were not 100 per cent fit to start with.

“Next week’s break couldn’t be more welcome and hopefully we will be able to regroup after a run of three games against the leading clubs in the league when we have picked up bonus points but no victories.

“But after the break an equally tough challenge awaits us at high flying Tring.”

Despite the final scoreline, it was Westcliff who opened the scoring with a try from Olly Jones.

But Guernsey hit back to score five tries, which saw them establish a 29-5 lead.

However, Westcliff were able to regroup and responded with some enterprising and productive rugby of their own, which saw Jake Spivey, Sam Brown, Ross Merrick and Jack Jones score, while Jones levelled the scores with the resulting conversion.

With half an hour left to play, the game seemed in the balance and Westcliff appeared to have the momentum. But the hosts were hampered by the loss of prop Ewan Binneman and Guernsey were able to race away late on.

Westcliff: S Brown, O Jones, Stol, Reynolds, Merrick, J Jones, Spivey, C Brown, Macintyre, Binneman, Scogings, Ashcroft, Hopkins, Maloney, J Smith.

Replacements: Weston, Vandermolen & Branch