Bad tackling late in the game allowed Woodbridge to comfortably pull away from Westcliff to win by a less convincing margin that the score suggests.

Westcliff's forwards had their usual inspiring display and gave the home side plenty to think about as they pushed them back in the scrums.

But Woodbridge opened the scoring midway through the first half with a try and added a second before Westcliff replied through scrum half James Evans.

Mark Wass got the ball from a lineout 20 yards out shortly afterwards and went down the blind side to score.

Team coach Don Faulkener - who had come on at outside half for the injured Tim Ablethorpe - converted.

But fitness and not being able to put out a full-strength side conspired against Westcliff towards the end as they were swept away by a lack of tackles.

"With a bit of luck full back Nick Harry will be back next week and that will add strength to our tackling," said Faulkener.

WEST A XV 40

RAYLEIGH III 7

Rayleigh were in some disarray before the game, but spare players were around and were able to fill the gaps before the start of match.

Westcliff proved a little too strong out in the backs, although Rayleigh matched them in the forwards.

Ryan O'Neil scored his first-ever try for Westcliff while supporting a move to receive the final pass.

Westcliff's other tries came from Lee Vincent (three), Darren Morrant, Stuart Richmond, Chris Tansley and Dashiel Allum.

Rayleigh's score came towards the end of the game with a converted try under the posts following an excellent 60-yard run.

ROCHFORD III 24

GRAVESEND III 12

Dominance in the first half was rewarded by three tries for Rochford, two of which were converted.

But Gravesend pulled one back to make it 19-7 at half-time.

Rochford increased their lead in the second-half with another try, before Gravesend breached the solid Rochford defence with a try of their own.

The Rochford try scorers were Matt Meadows, Lee O'Beney, Kieran Packard and Phil Jowers. The two conversions were kicked by Dave Issacs.

ROCHFORD U13 53

CANVEY U13 24

A fairly even first half saw Rochford get off to a slow start before grabbing the game by the neck after the break.

They stormed ahead with tries from Danny Cleare (three), Tom Kenton (two), Tim Hayes, Sam Barnes, James Chapman and Simon DeKonning.

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