WESTCLIFF made it three wins in a row with a 30-10 triumph against Tunbridge Wells.

The victory kept Westcliff third in the London & SE Premier Division standings.

But Westcliff’s director of rugby Rick Compton felt they were not at their best at the Gables.

“It was a good bonus point win against dangerous opposition but maybe it was a a bit lacklustre at times,” said Compton.

“But with some good players unavailable for one reason or another and some others short on game time we managed it well.

“The most pleasing aspect of our season so far has been our ability to cope with enforced changes and that was evident again on Saturday.

“Everyone played a full part and contributed to a very solid bonus point victory.

“We will continue to need to call on the extended squad in the weeks ahead and we can be confident in doing so.”

Westcliff started well and raced into a 6-0 lead thanks to two penalties from Ben McKeith.

The hosts continued to press and, after fine work on the left, skipper Chris Marsh powered his way over in the corner.

McKeith slotted the touchline conversion and, after the opening quarter, Westcliff led 13-0.

The hosts remained on top and, following a sustained period of pressure on the visitors’ line, George Maloney crashed over to score.

Westcliff continued to pin back the visitors and, following a turnover, the ball was kicked downfield and a foot race ensued.

Two Westcliff players, Greg Bannister and Ross Merrick, out stripped the defence and Merrick arrived just ahead of his team-mate to carry over and touch down.

McKeith converted and, at half-time, Westcliff led 25-0.

Tunbridge Wells were to enjoy the assistance of the wind in the second period and Westcliff were keen to get the half’s first score in the face of it.

They did apply sustained pressure at the start of the half but failed to convert it into points.

The visitors began to assert pressure of their own and were rewarded on the hour mark when patience and perseverance paid off and they created space on their right to get over.

With 20 minutes to go, they might have sensed an opportunity but Westcliff continued to defend well for the main part. Ten minutes later, they scored a fourth bonus point securing try through an incisive break and score from Rob Smith. The game meandered to its conclusion with the result not in doubt despite occasional dummy spitting and handbag throwing.

Tunbridge were rewarded for giving 100 per cent until the very end with a last play unconverted try.

But, by then, Westcliff had done enough to secure their victory and they remain just four points behind table-topping Wimbledon ahead of this Saturday’s trip to struggling Shelford.

Westcliff: Bannister, Reynolds, Stol, R Smith, Merrick, McKeith, H Morrant, Weston, B Morrant, C Brown, Scogings, Dartnell, Maloney, Marsh, J Smith

Replacements: Binstead, Johnson & S Brown