GREG Bannister continued his fine start to the season to help Westcliff see off Brentwood 41-27 in London One North on Saturday.

Bannister, who lives in Leigh, bagged a brace of tries to take his tally to four in three games.

And the 19-year-old winger was thrilled to help table-topping Westcliff secure a third successive win.

“We had a game plan and we executed it well as the score-line reflects,” said Bannister, who has been with Westcliff for 14 years.

“We knew Brentwood had a big set of forwards but we had prepared well and knew what they would bring.

“We got the win we wanted and the start to the season has been very good.

“We have been tested in all different ways in each of the three games so far but we know we have still got to improve in some aspects of our game.

“However, it is the start of the season so we have a lot of time to put things right.”

Westcliff are currently a point clear of second-placed Letchworth Garden City.

And Bannister now wants to build on the positive start and continue his side’s push for promotion back into National Three London & SE after being relegated last term.

“Our hopes for the rest of the season are to gain promotion back to national league rugby,” said Bannister.

“Last year was tough, so I think it is good in some ways to come down and hopefully win some more games in this league.

“We can then gain more confidence and get the winning feeling back as a team.”

Westcliff went ahead at the weekend when Elliott Harvey scored a try which Jack Jones converted.

Bannister then touched down and Jones again added the extras to make it 14-0.

A Jones penalty increased that advantage but Brentwood hit back with a try and a penalty to cut Westcliff’s lead to 17-8 at half-time.

The visitors scored another try at the start of the second half but a spectacular try from Bannister then increased the home side’s lead to 22-13.

However, a converted try from Brentwood then put them to within two points of Westcliff before a try from Olly Jones put the hosts 27-20 in front.

Jack Jones then also scored a try which Ben McKeith converted before the visitors replied with a converted try of their own.

Brentwood were unable to build on that though and a try from Tim Healy which McKeith converted soon made sure of another win for Westcliff.