PLUCKY Whitchurch kept alive their chances of survival in Midlands 1 West after pulling off a tense 26-24 rugby victory over Wolverhampton at Edgeley Park.

Having led 26-12, and seemingly in control, the Reds were pegged back after being reduced to 13 players –  but they held firm to secure a timely bonus-point win.

They were given a further boost with relegation rivals Hereford being docked two points, and are now just four points adrift of safety with three games to go.

The much-needed victory halted a six-match losing run, but the Reds – still lying third bottom – now face two of the league's big guns in the coming weeks.

First up is a trip to second-placed Bournville on Saturday, followed by a home encounter with leaders Burton. 

They end the season with a visit to arch rivals Crewe and Nantwich.

But Saturday’s crucial success will give the north Shropshire men some confidence they can survive, and coach Scott Sturdy says the side must keep believing in the coming weeks.

“Had we lost to Wolverhampton, that would probably have been it. But we have given ourselves a chance, although we know it’s still going to be very difficult with the games we’ve got coming up,” he said.

“We are now just four points behind Hereford who were docked two points for a disciplinary matter, so there’s still plenty to play for."

*For a full rugby round-up, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.