Opening day draw - for Westcliff (Image: PAUL CHILDS)
WESTCLIFF started the Regional Two Anglia season with a 13-13 draw at Wanstead.
Westcliff are looking to bounce back after suffering two successive relegations.
But head coach Jimmy Rea always knew the opening day would be a tough test.
"The first game of the season is always hard," said Rea.
"New combinations have to play 80 minutes of rugby together, still learning each other's strengths and weaknesses.
"When we played our shape we looked great but penalties killed us and losing Joe Gutteridge was a massive blow as he was pure class."
Westcliff host Chelmsford this weekend.
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