RUGBY: Westcliff ladies started their Women’s NC 2 South East (North East) season with a convincing 61-10 win against local rivals Southend Saints.

Westcliff scored nine tries in their derby day triumph.

And coach Dave Read was delighted with the victory.

“As a coaching team we’re obviously delighted with the result, but the performance was particularly pleasing,” said Read.

“We were ruthless in the first 20 minutes, continued playing some outstanding rugby and scored some brilliant tries.

“What’s exciting is that there’s plenty more to come from this group.

“But to start the season in that fashion, added the fact it was a local derby, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

India Harvey-Jay opened the scoring for Westcliff with a try on her debut before Martha Smith, Beau Cobden and Naomi Condon also touched down to make it 26-0 inside the opening 20 minutes.

Harvey-Jay soon scored again before Southend bagged a try of their own to reduce Westcliff’s lead to 33-5 at the break. Westcliff started the second half brightly with two more tries before Southend hit back with their second try of the afternoon.

With 10 minutes to go, Westcliff’s Yaz Underdown scored a try to add to her eight conversions and the match ended on a high with Smith completing her hat-trick with an early contender for try of the season.

And skipper Scarlett Wilkinson was pleased to kick off the campaign in such fine style.

“We have worked so hard over pre-season, on both our fitness and skill level, and to see it all come together on the pitch was amazing,” said Wilkinson.

“The ladies gave it their all and it made the win even more special.”