RORY Lane insists Westcliff are keen to prove their worth in National Two South this season.

Westcliff host Leicester Lions at the Gables this weekend.

And prop forward Lane is keen for Westcliff to show what they can do at this level.

“This season is about proving ourselves as still being worthy of being at this level and setting the standard for the season after,” said Lane.

“We also want to be able to say that we improved on our last showing despite the extended break and squad changes.”

Westcliff saw the whole of their previous campaign wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic.

And they have returned to action with back to back defeats.

“We’ve obviously had two disappointing results,” said Lane.

“But it’s still been a pleasure getting back out on the pitch with the lads.”

Next up for Westcliff is a clash with Leicester Lions at the Gables and Lane is expecting another physical encounter.

“I’m expecting a strong pack from Leicester,” said Lane.

“They won’t shirk the physical side of the game and we’ll need to match that.

“Of course getting the win is important, wins breed confidence and the right mentality and we’ll need both to get through what will be a tough season.”

But, despite the two defeats, Lane feels there have still been positives to take.

“There aren’t any easy games in this league and defeats are inevitable but we’ve seen some boys stepping up to the level,” said Lane.

“They’ve got their first taste of Nat 2 and performed really well.

“We can also see signs of us imposing our game on the opposition at times but it’s now about maintaining that for 80 minutes.”