WHITCHURCH recovered from a nightmare opening to storm to a 34-5 win over Halesowen in Midlands One West.

With only 20 seconds on the clock, Alex Clarke received a yellow card for a clumsy tackle with the visitors forging a five point lead from the resulting penalty with a catch and drive try.

Whitchurch brushed themselves down and came back with a vengeance.

It took only three more minutes for the Edgeley Road men to get on even terms when Mike Gardiner joined a driving maul and touched down in the corner.

Whitchurch continued to play expansive rugby and it was no surprise when Joe Mullock went over in the corner after a break by Danny Nicholas.

The game settled down with the visitors throwing everything at a resolute and determined Whitchurch. Just before half time Whitchurch advanced and another flowing move saw the ever reliable Henry Hockenhull finish off.

Whitchurch started the second-half as they had finished the first and went further ahead when Abe Spragge touched down and Nicholas converted.

A second try for Mullock was followed by another from Jack Furnival.

Jack Rowley came on as substitute and scored with his first touch to complete the try count with Nicholas converting as the home side climbed the table to eighth place.

This Saturday sees Whitchurch entertain Lichfield with admission free.