Westcliff have had a true baptism of fire since their promotion to level 4 at the start of this year but, on the evidence of this match, they are starting to come to terms with what is expected in the higher division, The first half had many of the travelling supporters feeling it might be another fruitless away afternoon as the hosts two driving tries either side of Nic Defeo’s similar effort gave the Essex men a handy 14-5 lead at the break.

Ewan Binneman was the scorer both times when the Westcliff pack gained sufficient momentum to canter collectively over the OA line, Jack Jones notching the additional points. Jones had made good ground for the hosts taking advantage of the four midfield penalties Albanians had given away in the early stages.

A’s approach was better in the second quarter but it took until the start of the second half for anything substantial to be wrung from the staunch Westcliff defence. Skipper Jamie Townsend crossed the whitewash followed with ten minutes to go by Joe Butler who converted both.

Jones lowered the margin to just two points with a late penalty but was unable to produce the winning kick from the two opportunities he was offered by Albanians before the end.

It wasn’t perfect but a win is a win and OAs are entitled to be happy to have won away from home nearly three months into the season. The side will need to improve their discipline before the visit of Clifton next Saturday. Kickoff 15.00hrs.

Brian Quinn,

Press Officer