Westcliff dug deep to hang on and gain revenge over Basildon at Gardiners Close.

The home side have had the measure of their visitors this season, beating Westcliff in both the Powergen Junior Vase and a recent league fixture at Aviation Way.

However, Peter Mahoney's side nicked a precious 14-13 victory on Saturday to go second in the table and moved ahead of their hosts in the promotion race.

Basildon's pack put Westcliff under a great deal of pressure up front, but whenever the ball was spun wide it was the visitors who looked dangerous.

Paul Radley got things going for Westcliff with a try, which was converted by player/coach Mahoney.

But Basildon demonstrated just why they are at the top end of the table by powering back and building a 13-7 lead.

In the second-half some puzzling refereeing decisions left both sides bewildered, but there was no doubt when Si Davies put Radley away for his second try with the conversion sneaking Westcliff into a 14-13 lead and ultimately sealing a welcome away triumph.