WESTCLIFF moved back to the top of the London & SE Premier Division standings with a 31-12 win against Brentwood at the Gables.

Westcliff overcame a red card to winger Ross Merrick to see off their Essex rivals.

And Westcliff’s director of rugby Rick Compton was pleased with the win - despite feeling his team were not at their best.

“Five points is the most you can get and we have to be pleased with that,” said Compton.

“We were not at our best but we were certainly good enough.

“In some ways it was a typical derby but both sides, to their credit, tried to play rugby.”

Merrick was red carded as he challenged in the air for a cross-field kick.

But Compton remains disappointed with the decision.

“In these kinds of games refereeing decisions tend to come under the microscope and certainly there were some frustrations out there from both sides,” said Compton.

“In particular we were disappointed with the red card for Ross and we will consider how we choose to approach the hearing.

“But we enjoyed hosting Brentwood and their followers. They have settled well into the league and are a side who have come up with momentum, ability and togetherness.

“I think they will continue to do well.”

Brentwood started strongly and opened the scoring when a loose pass from Merrick resulted in their centre touching down for the first try of the afternoon.

However, Westcliff quickly hit back with a penalty from Jack Jones before Merrick made amends for his earlier mistake by scoring a try.

Jones’ conversion made it 10-7 before Rob Smith also crashed over to extend Westcliff’s advantage before the break.

At the start of the second half, Billy Morrant bagged another try for the home side, which Jones converted to make it 24-7.

But just moments later came Merrick’s red card and Brentwood soon took advantage with their second try of the game.

However, Brentwood could add no further points and Westcliff sealed their win with another try from Morrant.

Westcliff: Bannister, Spivey, Stol, R Smith, Merrick, Jones, H Morrant, Lane, B Morrant, Dellas, Dartnell, Edwards, Marsh, Hatton, J Smith. Replacements: Binstead Vandermolen & Reynolds