RUGBY: Westcliff will be heading into a crunch clash at Hertford in high spirits on Saturday.

Bottom of the table Westcliff secured a shock 47-36 win against fifth placed Tring last time out and will now switch their sights onto relegation rivals Hertford.

But Westcliff skipper Greg Bannister insists this match is more important for the home-side than his own.

“It’s probably bigger for them than us,” said Bannister.

“They are the home team and are expected to win.

“There is still a long way to go in the league.

“We are going to try and keep gathering momentum and hopefully we will be on the right side of the result.”

Hertford sit one place and five points above Westcliff in the Regional One South East standings.

But Westcliff closed that gap with their brilliant home victory last weekend and Bannister was understandably delighted with the display.

“Obviously we were really happy,” said Bannister.

“We started off really well and that set the game up for us.

“We probably let in a couple of soft tries in the middle of the game if we are being really critical but I thought we managed the game as well as we have for a few years so I’m happy.”

However, Bannister stressed Westcliff’s mood had always been high despite a lack of victories.

“Of course this gives us a bit of momentum going forward but one thing the boys have never done when it’s been tough is drop the morale around the squad,” said Bannister.

“This just adds to that though and it’s a good place to be.”

And Westcliff still have plenty of matches to work their way up the table.

“There are still a lot of games to be played this year with a lot of points to be had,” said Bannister.

“If we can bag a couple of wins that will get us moving up the table.

“It’s so tight above us and if we can get in and around there, we’ll see where that takes us.”