Unbeaten Whitchurch opened up a three point lead at the top of the Midlands Two West (North) with a hard-earned 38-27 victory over one of their close rivals, Spartans at Edgeley Park.

The Reds have now won four in a row in the league, as well as two in cup competitions, but coach Scott Sturdy says there is still room for improvement despite overcoming the tough visitors from Sutton Coldfield.

“Spartans are likely to be the strongest side we face this season, so it was a really good result for us,” he said.

“We performed well in spells, the last half hour of the first half and the last 10 minutes of the second.

“But we need to be more consistent, be a bit smarter, and play well for longer if we are going to go up this season, and make an impact at a higher level.

“We played some beautiful rugby at times against a good Spartans side, but we sacrificed defence in order to attack which made the game closer than it should have been.

“We could have gone under at the end, but we made a few changes and rose to the occasion.

“We showed good spirit, and the win was all the more pleasing as we were without four big players for us in the pack.

“This season our squad is stronger, and whatever side we have put out, we have managed to keep winning, with some of the younger lads putting their hands up.”

For a full match report, see this The Herald.