WESTCLIFF Rugby Club’s under-19 side were crowned Essex Cup champions after beating Romford 20-16 in Sunday’s final.

Wilson Copeland, Billy Morrant and Tom Aldridge all scored tries, while Alfie Barton kicked a conversion and a penalty in a hard fought win.

Back row Alex Hatton also chipped in with a man-of-the-match display to help Westcliff come out on top in a game played at Rochford Hundred’s Magnolia Road base.

But Westcliff’s under-17 side were unable to make it a double celebration as they lost 11-7 to Brentwood.

Jordan Whistler scored Westcliff’s try which was converted by Jake Spivey.

However, their forwards coach Shaun Roberts remained proud of both team’s performances.

“The under-17s put in a massive performance and came up just short but I’m so proud of every single one of them,” said Roberts.

“They all wore their hearts on their sleeves for the full 70 minutes and really did play well.

“Number seven Jack Bennett and winger Reece Dopson both put in great performances and the boys could not have given anymore.”

But the under-19 side suffered no such problems and Roberts was thrilled to have won the cup for a second season in a row.

“It was a great performance from the under-19s and some huge individual performances contributed to a great team effort,” he said.

“A man-of-the-match performance from number seven Alex Hatton gave us the go forward ball we needed to keep Romford on the back foot and number eight Louis Goldfinch and prop forward Charlie Brown were great as well.

“It’s always nice to retain a cup in this type of competition and this is certainly no different.”