WESTCLIFF Lionesses have been crowned NC South East South Three League winners in their very first season.

The ladies side progressed throughout the campaign.

And coach Glen Cripps was quick to praise his side after they made sure of their first place finish with a fine 51-14 win against Burgess Hill.

“It was an outstanding performance,” said Cripps.

“Each and every player showed their true inner strength and they’ve all done so well.

“We are now looking forward to the new challenges in NC2 next season.”

However, Westcliff’s win at Burgess Hill was initially far from straight forward.

The side set off in their mini buses, thanks to the support and sponsorship of Saint Pierre School in Leigh-on-Sea.

And all was going very well until the mini bus broke down 15 minutes from the ground.

However, Westcliff eventually made it and, after a delayed kick-off, they immediately started to get on top.

Captain Kay Edwards set the tone for her team by going forward and scoring within the first few minutes of the game.

Maddie Davies was on her best form and converted to make it 7-0.

Davies soon added a penalty before Sophie Scanlon ripped the ball and ran through to score the second try for the Lionesses.

Four minutes later, Scanlon touched down again before Carla Kraken did likewise to make it 25-0.

Davies continued her fine first half with a try in the corner, which was also converted to make it 32-0 at the break.

In the second half, the sun was starting to get even warmer and it was the Lionesses’ turn to be playing uphill.

The hosts took advantage with two tries of their own, one of which was converted.

But Westcliff soon got back on top with Scanlon charging through for another try which Davies was able to convert.

Davies then took centre stage again with an amazing try which she was also able to convert.

And then, five minutes from time, Davies again got her hands on the ball to score another fine try to wrap up the win and the league title.

Westcliff’s forward of the match went to Kristi Knowles, who showed her strength on and off the ball, while Davies, who was all over the pitch, was named as back of the match.

Davies had an outstanding game and scored 26 points to make sure of another victory for Westcliff, who have triumphed in seven of their eight games this season.

Westcliff are currently six points clear of Pulborough Ladies, who still have a game left to play before the campaign comes to an end.

>The Lionesses train every Monday and Thursday between 7pm 8.30pm at Westcliff Rugby Club.