Whitchurch slipped deeper into the relegation mire in the Midlands 1 West after suffering their second defeat of the season at the hands of old rivals Stoke-on-Trent. Following their narrow 14-11 home reverse earlier in the season, the Reds were looking to make amends in the return trip to Hartnell Lane as the battle to avoid the drop hots up. But they failed to fire as they succumbed 20-3 in a frustrating encounter, and now host Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday as they chase much-needed points to ease their plight. Defeat kept them in the three relegation places, but their cause was at least helped by losses for the two sides below them – Kenilworth, and Crewe & Nantwich.   However, they are now four points below the next side above, Worcester, and captain Jake Rees knows the Reds need to quickly start putting points on the board – starting with Saturday's home fixture with Stratford. They have already defeated their Warwickshire rivals once this season when winning 29-21 away, and would dearly like to complete the double this weekend. “If we can repeat that result, then it will be a massive plus,” said Rees. *For a ful Whitchurch rugby round-up, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.