Whitchurch’s winning form in the Midlands 1 West faces the acid test when they come face to face with high-riding Newbold on Avon at Edgeley Park on Saturday.

Three victories on the trot will put the Reds in good heart against their free scoring visitors who have won all six games themselves, while dropping just one point to top the table on points difference from Bromsgrove.

The Reds are in fifth place in the table and while they have scored 69 fewer points than their opponents at the weekend, they have only conceded 10 more.

Head coach Scott Sturdy is relishing this weekend’s assignment as Whitchurch look to show their credentials against their visitors from Warwickshire.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge, but from our perspective, it’s all about the performance, and continuing to do the good things we have this season,” he said.

“We’re hoping the conditions will be okay so we can play with pace and our exciting brand of rugby, while at the same time put in a strong defensive performance.

“I don’t think we are going to get a lot of chances, but when they do come, we have to be clinical and take them, while at the same time make sure we deny them when they get opportunities.

“It could come down to these moments, and which side does better in these moments will win the game.”

The Reds can take plenty of positives from winning four of their first six outings this season that see them lie a respectable fifth in the table - with the third best points difference and the third best defensive record.

“Our next six games are going to be more difficult than the first six, and Saturday will be a good indication as to where we are,” added Sturdy.

“Newbold have a big, physical pack with a lot of experience, and have scored over 250 points in their six games. They have only missed out on a bonus point once, so this will test the togetherness of our team.

“But we’ve got some players coming back, so there is no reason why we can’t go into the game with confidence. We’ll have a strong side out and a strong bench which is important as we need to have options.”

A week’s break allowed some of the players time to recover from small knocks and injuries, while others got some game time with the second and third teams.

Matt Owen and Jake Rees are set to return to bolster the pack, Tom Skone will add to the options for the backline, but fly half Ryan Horton is still sidelined.

Whitchurch will finished the month with a trip to Old Halesonians before starting November with another home clash against on Stoke on Trent on the third.

The Reds have won four of their six clashes this year after a slow start to the season but a win on Saturday would reduced Newbold’s eight-point lead over them.