WHITCHURCH slipped to a slender 31-30 defeat at Wolverhampton in the second division of the West Midlands League on Saturday.

New coach Max Pridmore stepped up to take over first team duties for the first time and the 23 year old was left with plenty to ponder.

Danny Nicholas kicked Whitchurch into an early lead with a penalty but the north Shropshire side were soon on the ropes after being reduced to 14 men with a player sin binned and the home side awarded a penalty try.

Wolverhampton extended their lead with two tries with the Reds remaining in contention with tries from Steve Bloor, Tom Stone and Jake Rees.

The home side ended the half with 13 men with two players sent to the sin bin and the hosts' leading 21-18.

Whitchurch capitalised after the break with Ben Vallings crossing for a try before the visitors were awarded a penalty try.

Wolverhampton regained control and Whitchurch endured a frustrating final 25 minutes with three players sin binned as they saw out the game with just 12 men on the pitch which undermined their hopes of a comeback.

Pridmore and his charges welcome Crewe and Nantwich on Saturday with a 2.15pm kick-off.

Pridmore has stepped up from the assistant role while also coaching the under 18s side for the past few seasons with Jack Brown now at the helm of the colts side.

Meanwhile Whitchurch IIs slipped to a 22-12 defeat against Rugeley in Division Three of the Midlands West (North) League.

The Reds led with tries from Dan Hunt and Ben Mason with the latter being converted by Matt Grindley before the visitors hit back after the break.