WHITCHURCH'S Midlands Division One West season ended with slender 20-19 defeat at home to Kenilworth.

Their enormous visiting pack looked to roll over the hosts early on but the home side weathered the storm and took a surprise lead when Jake Dodwell broke to cross for a try which Danny Nicholas converted.

The home side still led at the break with Whitchurch playing their open game which culminated in a try from Jake Rees and conversion from Nicholas.

Kenilworth were sparked into life and were back in the game with an unconverted try and made further inroads with a second try, this time converted, after Dodwell was sent to the sin bin.

Whitchurch Herald: Whitchurch RUFC V Kenilworth RUFC at Whitchurch RUFC, Whitchurch, Shropshire, England on April 23 2022 Photo by Michael Wincott Photography

Action from Whitchurch RUFC v Kenilworth RUFC. Pitcure by Michael Wincott Photography.

The visitors led for the first time with a second unconverted try before the home side were restored to 15 players and regained the advantage with 10 minutes remaining with a try from Joe Mullock with the conversion missed.

The final 10 minutes saw both sides attack before the visitors snatched glory with a last gasp penalty.

Coach Noel Speed said, “It was a magnificent display by us and heartbreaking to lose to a penalty in the last minute. The good thing to come out of this is the performances of so many young players and it is great to look forward to next season."

Meanwhile Whitchurch IIs lost their chance to win the NOWIRUL The Right Broker Division Three South title following a 40-17 defeat at home to Leek IIs.