FINLAY Macintyre is backing Westcliff to beat the drop, despite their precarious position in the National Three London & SE table.

Westcliff, who have suffered five successive defeats, remain 14 points from safety with eight games to go.

But Macintyre is refusing to give up hope.

“I still believe strongly we will stay up and shouldn't be in the position we find ourselves in,” said the 18-year-old.

“It is clear we can compete with the top teams in the league but we are just letting ourselves down by being too slow to get into games.

“We are also giving soft tries to teams very quickly but, although it’s going to be close, it’s achievable to avoid relegation.

“We’ve shown we can score tries against top teams but I think our defence is what will determine if we stay up.”

Westcliff were without a game at the weekend but return to action at eighth placed Colchester this Saturday.

Macintyre will again be hoping to be involved and continue the pleasing progress he has made during his first season of senior rugby.

“It's been great as the step up from just second team games and playing youth rugby is a big one,” said the teenager who was part of the Seevic side that reached Twickenham last term.

“I’ve found it’s made me want to keep pushing and now I've had some good times in the first team I don't want to drop my standards and go back.”

And Macintyre also believes run of indifferent results have also helped improve his mental side of the game.

“It's been a good test of character and I think it’s making me a better player as every week we must improve without question so it forces everyone and myself to up their game,” said the youngster.

“Overall I think it's been a good experience and being brought into the team early has given myself lots of confidence.

“But I’ve been with Westcliff since the age of 11 so the results really mean a lot to me.

“I feel like things are clicking into place though and hopefully some good results are around the corner so we can stay up.”