WESTCLIFF suffered a narrow 19-12 defeat to Leicester Lions as their tough start to the National Two South season continued.

Westcliff, who were promoted last term, have now been beaten in all three games of the new campaign.

But first team manager Rick Compton was left feeling frustrated at the final whistle.

“It’s another game that got away from us and in which we didn’t quite do enough,” said Compton.

“It’s fair to say that so far, we have been competitive but have not quite managed the key moments as well as we need to.

“It’s perhaps understandable that a squad new to the level that has been overhauled in key areas will take a little time to operate to the optimum especially with a new coaching team at the reins.

“But the flip side of that is the significant room for improvement that exists.

“Working hard and getting better while coping with the inevitable injuries and unavailable players is our key focus going forward.”

Saturday’s game got off to an even start before the Lions took the lead with a converted try in the 15th minute.

But Westcliff went on the front foot and applied pressure of their own.

Strong defence kept them at arm’s length for several minutes until, after leaking a series of penalties, the referee sent the Lions’ number eight to the sin bin. Further try line pressure followed and within a few minutes the extra man had been made to count as Joe Vandermolen crashed over under the posts and Greg Bannister levelled the scores off the tee.

The game continued in much the same vein, fairly even, fully committed, and absorbing rather than thrilling.

But as the half closed Leicester took their turn at a series of short-range drives which eventually allowed their second row to get over and give them a 12-7 lead. In each of their previous two games Westcliff had conceded a score in the opening minute or two of the second half and they did so again, in disappointing fashion.

Westcliff sent a return cross field kick back into the opposition 22 but it was run back by the visiting winger who evaded three would be tacklers before offloading to the support on his shoulder as he reached the home 22.

The defence scrambled but was outflanked and the ball was shifted back to the winger who was able to cross the whitewash and score under the posts.

As the game progressed and entered the final stages the Lions’ defence took a few too may liberties and the yellow card came back out twice. Westcliff remained on top and got their reward with a try for debutant Sean Triana but were unable to conjure up another score.

Westcliff: James, Triana, Bannister, Bolton, Hogarth, Croft, H. Morrant, Weston, B. Morrant, Binneman, Scogings, Vandermolen, Webber, Marsh, Reynolds. Replacements: Dellas, Binstead, Webster, Kwaasi & McKeith