WESTCLIFF surged up to second in the London & SE Premier Division standings with a 54-12 win at Shelford.

The victory was Westcliff’s fourth in succession and delighted their director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was a physical and fast paced game and it was good to get the win,” said Compton.

“Shelford have been having a tough time, but they are clearly working hard and are playing for each other and their club.

“We wish them well for the rest of this season and what I imagine will be a much better next one.

“But for our part it was a job well done and we continue to cope with a long list of injuries while maintaining a challenge at the top of the table.

“There is still a long way to go but we have the ability and depth to remain in the mix until the end.

“We couldn’t be happier at maintaining our excellent progress and development over recent seasons while remaining at heart and in practice a committed community amateur sports club.”

Sustained pressure eventually led to Westcliff taking the lead with hooker Billy Morrant barging over from close range to score.

Ben McKeith’s conversion made it 7-0 before a repeat dose of close range driving and accurate place kicking from both Morrant and McKeith doubled the score.

Moments later, Westcliff laid siege to the line and eventually released Seb Reynolds in acres of space to score in the right corner to make it 19-0 at half-time.

Westcliff remained on top after the break and soon scored two more tries with Jim Smith touching down before Reynolds did likewise.

With a bonus point secured and the game appearing to be won, Westcliff continued in the same vein to score further tries with Greg Bannister and Henry Morrant touching down to make it 47-0.

Bottom of the table Shelford, who have yet to win this season, fought back manfully to score two tries of their own in the final 10 minutes.

However, Westcliff had the final say with Reece Harvey touching down on his debut before McKeith added the conversion to seal a convincing victory.

Westcliff are now just two points behind table-topping Sutton & Epsom.

Westcliff: McKeith, Bannister, Ansell, R Smith, Reynolds, Whiting, H Morrant, Weston, B Morrant, Brown, Scogings, Dartnell, Binsted, Hatton, J Smith

Replacements: Meakin, Anderson-Brown & Harvey