CIVIL FIGHT HARD TO TAKE THE POINTS WESTCLIFF PROVING HARD WORK
On a brilliant autumn day the perfect pitch waited for game which was to prove a very interesting test for both teams newly promoted Westcliff finding their way and Civil Service recently back in London 2 North. The game started at a good pace with both sides probing each other Civil Service spent most of the first 24 minutes inside the Westcliff half and much of that in the 22, Westcliff defended with everything as Civil Service repeatedly attacked but were unable to unpick the excellent Westcliff defence. Finally Westcliff cracked and were forced to give a penalty away which was well taken by Liam Geraghty 3-0 after 26 mins. The game continued in this power play, during which time there were many interruptions for injury to Westcliff players which showed the commitment to the game, almost in an instant Civil Service unlocked the Westcliff defence on 40 minutes and within 5 minutes had scored 2 tries Chris Kemp and Tom Sumner powering in conversions by Liam Geraghty 17-0 at half time after 55 minutes half due the stoppages.
The second half picked the same pace and Westcliff put on some good pressure and forced their way through for a good try after 65 mins 17-5, stung by that intrusion Civil Service turned up the wick and within 5 minutes had through the forwards forced the play into the 22 with Jayme Salmon picking up and powering through the Westcliff defenders 22-5. That inspired Westcliff to even greater efforts and Civil Service were forced to chase the ball around and try to break the Westcliff attack. Discipline was bubbling along as both sides pushed each other to the edge the handbags came out ending with 2 yellow cards for Civil Service and 1 for Westcliff not good but was due to the pressure the teams were putting on each other in a very competitive game. Continuing to press the Civil Service defence, Westcliff were rewarded for their efforts with a well worked try and conversion 22-12. The Civil Service response was to throw in the kitchen sink and as Westcliff just faltered slightly, Wihan Grobler scampered in for the final try 27-12 on 76 minutes. Make no mistake Westcliff gave Civil Service a tough game and certainly showed they have the capability to create a few shocks if anyone is slightly off colour.
Paul Tiller