WESTCLIFF made it back-to-back wins with a hard-fought 29-27 triumph at Sidcup.

The victory continued Westcliff’s fine start to the London & SE Premier Division season and delighted director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was another very satisfying result getting a bonus point win away from home against a good side in confident mood,” said Compton.

“At times we played some great stuff although at others we created problems for ourselves while also answering the questions asked of us by a determined home team.

“We brought in a couple of lads that were short on game time.

“They probably didn’t quite have the lungs and legs to go as long as they did but their contribution and impact were massive.

“Next week we are back at home for the visit of Hertford and with a couple of lads picking up knocks that will likely rule them out, further use of the extended squad is likely.

“Is it therefore encouraging that both the Lions and Rhinos also enjoyed victories in their opening day fixtures.”

Westcliff began brightly at the weekend with Jim Smith receiving a scoring pass to cross the line before Jack Jones added the conversion.

Moments later, the visitors extended their lead when an enterprising attack from deep resulted in Jones touching down and adding the extras before another fine move led to Josh Stol scoring.

The resulting conversion put Westcliff 21-0 ahead after just 17 minutes but a shell-shocked Sidcup soon hit back with two tries in quick succession cutting Westcliff’s advantage to 21-14.

However, Westcliff soon replied with another try of their own with Greg Bannister touching down to make it 26-14 at half-time.

After the break, Sidcup bagged another try following an ambitious chip forward to reduce Westcliff’s lead to five points heading into the final 20 minutes of the match.

Sidcup continued to attack and two well-taken penalties put the hosts 27-26 in front.

However, Westcliff reacted well to going behind for the first time and enjoyed a sustained period of pressure which eventually led to an infringement from the home side.

That enabled Jones to confidently slot the resulting penalty between the posts and secure a narrow away triumph for a determined Westcliff side.

Westcliff: Bannister, Merrick, Stol, J Jones, O Jones, McKeith, Brown, Morrant, Binneman, Scogings, Dartnell, J Smith, Hatton, Dellas

Replacements: Anderson-Brown, Binstead, Spivey