RUGBY: Westcliff suffered an 81-7 defeat at high-flying Esher in National Two South.

Westcliff went into the clash hoping to build on their impressive win against Old Albanians.

But first team manager Rick Compton felt it proved to be a step too far.

"As a group they battled relentlessly as they have done all season but in truth it was a game too far," said Compton.

"This week's break in action is welcome but arrives a week later than we would have liked.

"Nevertheless this most recent block of games has been productive.

"We have won, we have picked up bonus points, and we have moved from the foot of the table.

"We have six games to go and some achievable targets."

Enforced changes through injury and illness disrupted selection for the visit to Esher, the league's form team, for whom depth and options ran somewhat deeper.

Brought into the match day squad were Ross Gladdish, Ewan Richmond, Eric Miller and Bradley Robbins who made his debut from the bench.

Seventeen year old Fin Doyle made his first start at full back as did Matt Barrell at scrum half.

One or two of those that made the squad were carrying knocks or were under the weather, but it was an afternoon when needs must.

Esher had quality in all areas and dominated the proceedings throughout scoring at regular intervals and showcasing the considerable talent at their disposal.

A second half try from Billy Morrant was the visitors' sole consolation on a challenging afternoon from which further injury concerns emerged.

Westcliff: F Doyle, Lanre, Bannister, Gladdish, Ajeigbe, Whiting, Barrell, Brown, B Morrant, Binneman, L Doyle, Maloney, Hogarth, Dufficy, Nicholls.

Replacements: Miller, Richmond, Robbins & H Morrant