WESTCLIFF’S tough start to the season continued with a 57-7 defeat against Redruth at the Gables.

Bottom of the table Westcliff have now been beaten in their opening seven games of the National Two South campaign.

And first team manager Rick Compton admitted it had been another difficult 80 minutes.

“It was a tough afternoon for Westcliff who battled throughout and deserved their consolation score but who were second best,” said Compton.

“Be that as it may there was much to reflect on with positivity and some degree of satisfaction considering the circumstances and current strain on the squad.

“In many ways it was encouraging while recognising that the group very much in transition has much to do but also significant scope to do so.”

Injury and unavailability were the primary issues that saw seven changes to Westcliff’s matchday squad for the visit of Redruth who arrived on the back of an unbeaten run dating back to November 2019.

Whereas Redruth arrived in fine fettle the home side continued to struggle at the foot of the table with very little to show from their opening fixtures other than a lengthy injury list.

The game followed the form book with the visitors on the front foot from the outset dominating territory and possession.

Westcliff worked hard in defiant defence against the early onslaught, but unrelenting pressure brought reward for the visitors who led 12-0 after the first quarter following two tries, one of which was converted.

Westcliff, when they had the opportunity to take the game to the men from Cornwall, were committed and brave but created little, and lacked penetration against their organisation and defensive intensity.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern and by half time Redruth had secured a try scoring bonus point and established a 31-0 lead.

The second half was much the same and Westcliff’s line was breached four further times.

Their sole response was a well finished try from winger Seyi Ajeigbe after a quick penalty and chip kick from Bannister.

The final score of 57-7 was disappointing for Westcliff but not necessarily harsh and reflected the visitors’ dominance.

Westcliff: Bannister, Ajeigbe, Hogarth, Whiting, Barham, Jones, Comber, Dellas, Lynch, Binneman, Barnett, Anderson-Brown, Dane, Dufficy, Scogings Replacements: Coetzee, Webster, Meakin, Miller & Willsher