A WARM WELCOME TO WESTCLIFF RFC
It is a comparatively short distance between the rugby clubs of Sevenoaks and Westcliff-on-Sea, and there have been many trips through the tunnel by our junior sides as well as, in recent seasons, senior team pre-season friendly fixtures. However, this is our first regular season meeting since September 1978.
Founded 101 years ago in 1922, Old Westcliffians RFC provided a strong community-based home for former pupils of Westcliff GS who wanted to continue playing after leaving school.
Similar to many Old Boys clubs, Old Westcliffians went “open” in the early 90s and changed their name to Westcliff. So, especially as this is probably the initial visit for many involved, we extend a warm welcome to all Westcliff RFC representatives.
They started in the Essex divisions and took a while to progress. However, the change of name and becoming an “open” club gave lift-off. Four promotions in seven seasons propelled them up the pyramid to level 6 at the end of 07/08. Further promotions, combined with the odd relegation, eventually took the club to the elevated heights of the National Leagues in 18/19. It has been tough going since then and this time round the mountain has been just too high for the men in maroon and orange to climb.
As we all know our own status in Level 4 will be decided this afternoon. This is no end-of-season final match jamboree. We have work to do and Westcliff would dearly love a final flourish to end a difficult season on a high note.
There is at least one match-day aspect that both our clubs can be acknowledged to be a cut above the rest. The word is that the Westcliff President has given some pretty inspiring after-lunch speeches recently. Our own Pres is pretty damn good at that too, including when eloquently replying to one or two other somewhat rambling orations of recent vintage. While there is naturally huge interest and concentration on playing matters, both Sevenoaks and Westcliff members are indeed fortunate to have strong Presidents, Chairmen and full Committees to guide our clubs through turbulent times on and off the pitch.
Howard Pearl
Other National 2 East Division matches being played today:
Bury St Edmunds v Henley Canterbury v North Walsham
Dorking v Blackheath Old Albanian v Guernsey
Rochford Hundred v Tonbridge Juddian Worthing v Barnes