WHITCHURCH gained a much-needed 28-27 win over Walsall in a thriller at Edgeley Park.

James Park scored an early individual try running from his own half, fending off a couple of tackles and stepping inside the last defender to score under the posts. The kick was converted by Ryan Horton for a 7 -0 lead.

Not to be outdone, Horton scored an equally spectacular try as he saw a gap andwith the covering defence and full back to beat, he danced around both for an excellent score. Converting his own try, Whitchurch led 14-0.

Walsall were awarded a penalty on 30 minutes to put their first three points on the board and the first half continued to be hard and even with Walsall kicking a late penalty (14-6).

Ben Dodd sprinted in for another excellent score under the posts with Horton again landing the extras for 21-6.

But Walsall were not going to lie down and when Whitchurch didn't compete in the scrum for once, it cost them dear as they were driven back across their own line and Walsall touched it down. The conversion meant it was game on again at 21-13.

Henry Hockenhull went through the Walsall back line and passed to Park, who had joined the attack at just the right time. This try was again converted by Horton for 28-13.

Back came Walsall to score  in the corner and with the conversion kicked, it was bite your nails time at 28-20.

The Midlanders then scored under the posts and instead of converting, they took the quicker option of drop-kicking for the extra two points.

Whitchurch held on for a fine victory to send them into next week’s semi-final of the North Midlands Cup at Hereford.