WESTCLIFF'S first team manager Rock Compton was left reflecting on what could have been following a 33-19 defeat to Canterbury at the Gables.

The setback kept Westcliff bottom of the National Two standings.

And Compton was left ruing the side's poor decision making.

"It was a game we could have got something from and not just a consolation," said Compton.

"We failed to do so because Canterbury were able too often to relieve and apply pressure through the set scrum.

"That was hugely disappointing because its an area we are capable of so much more in but which was horribly disrupted by injury and unavailability.

"As ever the lads worked really hard and with total commitment they are not beyond reproach for some poor decision making and execution at times but remain a credit to themselves and the club.

Westcliff started with the steady breeze at their back but failed to maximise the advantage and despite early forceful probes their efforts were unrewarded.

Instead, the visitors forced their way up field after 15 minutes and scored a converted try to lead 7-0.

Westcliff did respond and returned deep to Canterbury territory laying siege to the line.

This time their efforts bore fruit and Lanre finished off a patient move in the corner.

Ten minutes later a break from deep by Jack Hogarth and a sympathetic inside offload to Greg Bannister produced another try which this time the home skipper converted.

As the end of the half approached Westcliff led 12-7, however the visitors had sensed an advantage at the set scrum and were able to exploit it to force first a yellow card and then a second try in the half’s last play.

The game was locked at 12-12 at the break.

In the third quarter the visitors now with the benefit of the wind were able to score two converted triesm establishing a 26-12 lead.

Back Westcliff came and they scored through George Maloney from short range just past the hour mark.

They then enjoyed a sustained period of pressure during which they came close to a try which would have tied the scores and secured a try scoring bonus point.

But dogged defence and unforced errors foiled those efforts and instead Canterbury escaped up field for a final score and a 33-19 victory.

Westcliff: Gladdish, Lanre, Bannister, Hogarth, Ajeigbe, Robbins, Comber. Meakin, Lynch, Scogings, Maloney, Johnson, Hatton, Dufficy, Nichols.

Replacements: Barrell H Morrant, Hussey, L Doyle & B Morrant