WESTCLIFF moved to within four points of table-topping Wimbledon with a 32-10 victory against Guildford.

The triumph saw Westcliff bounce back from losing to fellow high-flyers Wimbledon last time out.

And Westcliff’s director of rugby Rick Compton was pleased to pick up the victory despite not being overly satisfied with the performance.

“It was an efficient win and a job well done in difficult conditions and circumstances,” said Compton.

“It’s a game that wont live long in the memory but it’s further evidence of our ability, consistency and depth so we are very pleased with the lads.

“But it’s fair to say we are a little less pleased so many of them will be on a stag party in Benidorm for our Essex derby (at Brentwood) next week.

“However, that is both the nature and beauty of our club and something we will embrace and cope with.”

All 18 of Westcliff’s squad at the weekend came through the club’s youth system and they began the game playing into the teeth of a driving wind.

But, despite the conditions, Westcliff struck first when a kick through by Alex Hatton was capitalised on by Greg Bannister.

Ben McKeith added the conversion but, just a few minutes later, Westcliff were reduced to 14 men when Charlie Brown was yellow carded.

Westcliff were forced to defend resolutely as the wind and the visitors continued to drive hard at them.

Their line was kept intact despite the best efforts of a committed Guildford team although around the 20-minute mark and with numerical parity restored they did eventually get over to level the scores.

But the last minutes of the second half proved pivotal with Guilford kicking a penalty before Westcliff scored two tries in quick succession with Jim Smith and Ross Merrick both touching down to make it 19-10 at the break.

At the start of the second half, McKeith extended Westcliff’s lead with a penalty before tries from Billy Morrant and Chris Marsh put the home-side even further in front as they secured another convincing victory.

As a result, Westcliff remain third in the London & SE Premier Division standings and will be keen to secure another victory when they head to second from bottom Brentwood this weekend.

Westcliff: Bannister, O Jones, Reynolds, J Jones, Merrick, McKeith, Brown, B Morrant, Lane, Scogings, Dartnell, Marsh, Hatton, Smith.

Replacements: Weston, Maloney & Spivey