Whitchurch enter the home straight of their burgeoning campaign with everything to play for after emerging surprise promotion contenders in the Midlands 1 West.

Eight wins from their last nine outings have already seen the Reds secure a fourth-place finish, while moving one point off runners-up spot and the promotion play offs.

The Reds have two opportunities for maximum points with Sutton Coldfield who have lost their last six games and mid-table Worcester, before champions-elect Bromsgrove.

Coach Scott Sturdy will be banking on competition for places bringing the best out of the players in the coming weeks, with Jack Furnival impressing at No8 after coming on as replacement in the 36-13 victory over Stourbridge Lions last time out.

Mike Gardiner also staked his claim for a starting place in the back line after making a telling contribution in the same game, while former skipper Jake Rees is set to return to bolster the pack.

"Whatever happens from now on in, it's been a fantastic first season back in Midlands 1 West," said Sturdy.

"We've definitely done better than most people thought, and we have a chance to make it a really memorable season.

"To finish runners-up will be a bonus. It's going to be a big ask as it's not in our hands, and we've also got the most challenging of run-ins,

"All we can do is take it game by game, and try to pick up five-point wins, starting with Sutton Coldfield on Saturday, They have been having a really tough time of it since Christmas, but you can't read too much into results.

"There is no pressure on us as nobody expected us to be where were are, and it's fantastic to be challenging the likes of Dudley Kingswinford and Newbold."