Westcliff ready for Ampthill battle (From Echo)

Westcliff ready for Ampthill battle

9:30am Friday 20th January 2012 in Rugby Union

Westcliff will be looking to start from where they left off when they do battle with Ampthill again at Aviation Way tomorrow.

Westcliff came from 36-7 down to narrowly lose 44-40 against the Bedfordshire side in October.

And first team manager Rick Compton is keen for his team to again test their opponents.

“We fought back well that day but hopefully we can be like that from the start this time and give them a really good game,” said Compton.

“We were a little disappointed to draw with Havant last weekend but our results and performances have really started to improve in the last few weeks.

“I think we’ve picked up points in the last six games we’ve played and that’s hugely encouraging.

“We started slowly as we adjusted to playing at a higher level.

“But the second time we play teams we’re showing how much we’ve improved and we want that to happen again this weekend.”

Westcliff will be in for a tough test against Ampthill though as they currently sit fourth in the National League Three London & SE standings and have won five of their last six games.

Westcliff remain 11th and are likely to select a similar starting line-up, but fly-half Ben McKeith is pushing for a recall after returning from a shoulder injury as a replacement against Havant last Saturday.