WESTCLIFF’S promotion hopes were dealt a severe blow as they lost 9-27 at Civil Service on Saturday.
The Essex side was unable to match a thoroughly efficient and determined Service side which imposed its class from the kick-off.
From the Westcliff kick-off they took the ball and had a try on the board within three minutes.
Westcliff gamely fought back and a never-say-die attitude helped them, especially in the lineout where they had some problems.
Westcliff then hit back with a Ben McKeith penalty goal and inched into the lead when he landed another for 5-6.
Civil looked dangerous whenever they got the ball but it was not until the second half that they regained the lead with a penalty to make it 8-5.
Westcliff's tackling was generally sound and in the scrum they held their own and produced some moves that should have yielded several scores but did not.
Civil got a try for 13-5 but on the hour, Ben McKeith struck again with a penalty goal to narrow the gap to 13-9.
From then on Civil increased the pressure and from a rolling maul scored and converted a try to ease out to 20-9.
To rub salt into the wound, deep in injury time, they scored and converted another to make the result slightly flattering, as many supporters admitted afterwards.
For Westcliff, Joe Vandermolen had an outstanding game and the return of acting skipper Ben Ryan brought his usual dynamic play to the game.
In the backs, Ben McKeith tried to set his line clear but good defence kept them out.
It is highly probable that Westcliff will finish third in the table, which, if it happens, will be a great credit on the players and back-room staff.
Former club president Nick Crowe, who ran the line said: “Civil are arguably the best side in the division. Our boys played well but were outgunned.”
Westcliff looks to get back on track when it hosts Brentwood on Saturday.