WESTCLIFF continued their stunning start to the London & SE Premier Division season with a 19-13 win at Tunbridge Wells.

The victory made it four wins out of four for Westcliff and pleased their director of rugby Rick Compton.

“It was a very different performance from last week and the nature of the game was dictated by the elements,” said Compton.

“It was a day for pragmatism to keep errors to a minimum and to take opportunities when they came along.

“But we have to be very pleased with the win against a strong side who finished above us last season, beating us deservedly home and away and who are much fancied this term.

“Again, it was a story of everything being left out on the pitch by the lads. It was a monumental effort from all of them with perhaps a special mention for Joe Vandermolen, who was immense.”

Westcliff sit second in the standings, behind Wimbledon who are the only other unbeaten team in the league.

But Compton feels there is still more to come from Westcliff.

“We are in very good shape but without yet playing as well as I believe we can,” said Compton.

“But that’s very encouraging.”

Westcliff had the advantage offered by the modest slope for the first half on Saturday and made pressure count with points in the opening stages.

Ben McKeith converted two penalty attempts to establish an early 6-0 lead before errors created by pressure and the difficult conditions allowed the hosts to strike back with a penalty of their own.

However, another three points from McKeith put Westcliff 9-3 in front before Wells hit back with a penalty of their own.

The hosts were further boosted when Vandermolen was yellow carded but Westcliff defended resolutely and managed the game well to score the opening try of the afternoon with Ross Merrick collecting Greg Bannister’s kick forward to score.

McKeith’s conversion made it 16-6 at half-time but Wells replied with a converted try to cut Westcliff’s lead to just six points.

However, a penalty from Bannister extended the visitors’ lead and ultimately proved to be the final score of the afternoon despite both teams having chances late on.

Westcliff host bottom of the table Shelford this weekend.

Westcliff: Bannister, Merrick, Stol, Reynolds, Spivey, McKeith, H Morrant, Weston, B Morrant, Brown, Scogings, Edwards, Vandermolen, Hatton, Smith

Replacements: Maloney, Marsh & Ansell