WESTCLIFF suffered a 38-12 defeat at home to Old Albanians.

Westcliff have now been beaten in their opening five games of the National Two East season.

And first team manager Rick Compton admitted Old Albanians were worthy winners.

“They had quality and energy and were worth their win no doubt,” said Compton.

“But it was also a game of missed opportunities and mistakes at critical moments which allowed the game to slip away.

“The break week will provide not only the opportunity to rest bodies but also to reflect and work on the areas of our game that need more polish.

Albanians opened the scoring after six minutes when their nimble footed fly half evaded all defensive cover to score a try that was subsequently converted.

Westcliff applied themselves persistently and gradually moved their way up field.

Luke Potter crashed over from close range to reward their efforts and close the score to7-5.

However, in the final 10 minutes of the half scrum infringements resulted in two scores for the visitors which gave them a 19-5 lead at the break.

After the restart and, with the wind at their backs, the hosts threw themselves into attack but were rocked by a break away fourth try for Old Albanian who stretched their lead to 24-5.

Ten minutes later Westcliff responded with a well taken try from skipper Bannister who also converted to bring themselves back to within touching distance at 24-12.

However, two late converted tries took the game away from them and presented the men from Hertfordshire with a comfortable 38-12 victory.

Westcliff remain bottom of the table.

Westcliff: Rea, Doyle, Hogarth, Gladdish, Muhirwa, Bannister, Morrant, Walker, Lynch, Brown, Dane, Potter, Nicholls, Hatton, Smith.

Replacements: Comber, Robbins, Linscer, Toms, Webster.

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