WESTCLIFF started 2020 with a 45-10 defeat at Leicester Lions in National Two South.

The setback kept Westcliff 14th in the table, just one point below Sutton & Epsom who sit just above the relegation zone.

In London & SE Premier Division, Rochford Hundred saw off Bedford Athletic 59-7 and are now just a point behind table-topping Guernsey.

Rochford received a further boost as promotion rivals Wimbledon lost 24-16 at Sevenoaks.

Southend Saxons were also celebrating in London One North as they won 39-20 at Old Priorians.

The victory moved Southend up to third in the table, level on points with second placed Brentwood.