WESTCLIFF Rugby Club’s under 17 side are celebrating winning the Essex Plate.

The youngsters saw off Epping Upper Clapton 51-18 in the final of the competition.

And coach Steve Taylor was full of praise for his team.

“Ideally we would have liked to win the cup but we had an off day in that but it’s nice to have finished the season with some silverware,” said Taylor.

“It’s been another good season for us but we have lost one or two boys.

“Some have moved on to Saracens and are doing well while others have had to focus on other things which is understandable.

“We’ve gone from having about 40 players to 28 so we don’t quite have the strength in depth we used to but it’s still a very strong team and we’re delighted to have won the plate.”

The final was played at Epping Upper Clapton and the hosts led 18-15 at half-time. However, Westcliff raced clear in the second half and were able to secure the victory with eight different try scorers touching down.

“We had one or two players come on at half-time who made a really big impact in the second half,” said Taylor.

“It was a nice day and the hospitality there was excellent too.”

>Westcliff remain on the look out for new players. For more details contact Steve on 07825222205