Westcliff have been dealt the major blow of losing head coach Garry Usher ahead of their crunch London Four North East leadership battle with Basildon tomorrow.
Usher, who led the Aviation Way side to the Essex One title last season, has joined the coaching staff at former club Barking, who are riding high in National Three South.
Westcliff have recruited outside-half Peter Mahoney, who makes the opposite journey from Barking in a player-coach role.
Breaking the news, club chairman Dean Harvey said: "While it is regrettable that Garry has left us to rejoin Barking, we are very fortunate to have secured Peter's services.
"He takes charge with immediate effect, with Mike Hannon continuing as his assistant, and is relishing the game against Basildon tomorrow."
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