WESTCLIFFF’S first team manager Rick Compton felt there were signs of encouragement in Saturday’s 52-12 defeat to Worthing.

Westcliff remain bottom of the National Two South standings having been beaten in all 14 games of their matches this season.

But Compton felt there were plenty of positives against Worthing, especially early on.

“It was an encouraging performance in the first half, one that showed promise and offered hope,” said Compton.

“It was disappointing to drop off in the way that we did but we should acknowledge the quality Worthing brought and the supreme effort and commitment the lads showed form first to last.

“The season moves on and next week it does so to neighbours and fellow strugglers Rochford.”

Westcliff started the game on the front foot, dominating in the opening 20 minutes, both with territory and possession.

They struck in the second minute when Jack Longhurst slipped the ball to speedy winger Tyler Ford who outpaced the cover to score on the right.

More pressure after 19 minutes, this time from the forwards, brought further reward through Binneman who also converted to make it 12-0.

A fumble from the restart however allowed a first opportunity for the visitors who shortly thereafter squeezed over from short range, and they followed this up with another, on 30 minutes, through the same route.

With the scores level at 12-12 the final 10 minutes of the half were nip and tuck with neither side adding to their account.

The first half was as well as Westcliff had played for some time but they were not able to sustain the level and in the second half Worthing increasingly took control.

Two converted tries in the opening 10 minutes secured the bonus point and established a commanding lead which they built upon with four others by the end of the game.

The final score, with Westcliff down to 14 men, came with the last play and closed the game out at 52-12.

Westcliff have now picked up just one point so far this season.

Westcliff: Bannister, Ford, Hogarth, Longhurst, Ajeigbe, Whiting, Comber, Reynolds, Johnson, Dane, Scogings, Anderson-Brown, Binneman, Moss, Brown.

Replacements: Glen, Doyle, Lane, Miller & Willsher.