Frustrated coach Scott Sturdy fears a fixture backlog after Whitchurch's clash at Tamworth in the Midlands Two West (North) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Although the weather seemed set fair, an early morning inspection deemed that the Staffordshire club's surface was unplayable, with the match now being played this Saturday.

The call-off halted the unbeaten Reds who had been in flying form with two 50-plus wins to storm 17 points clear at the summit.

Forced to sit out, that lead has now been reduced to 12 points after second placed Crewe and Nantwich edged a 27-26 victory at Ludlow.

Whitchuch have won all 15 league games (21 in all competitions), and will try again at Tamworth this Saturday, but may struggle to fit in their remaining fixtures.

This weekend's scheduled home clash against Old Edwardians in the quarter-final of the North Mids Shield will now be put back until later in the season.

"It's very frustrating, but there was not a lot we could do about it," said Sturdy following the postponement.

"We're on a good run and scored over 50 and 60 points in our last two games, without conceding any, and were desperate to play.

"With a heavy schedule of games with us being involved in two cup competitions as well as the league, we don't want to be losing games as it's going to impact on us later in the season.

"We now go there on Saturday, and want assurances that the game will be on. If not, we want it to be played at an alternative venue, or failing that they can come here.

"Unfortunately, we've got some players out as we had planned to rest a few for the North Mids Shield, but we have got strength in depth."

The break in action, allowed the Reds to take stock of their successful campaign, with Sturdy paying tribute to the contribution made by assistant coach Noel Speed who has made a telling impact since arriving last August from his post as junior academy manager at Sale.

*Whitchurch Seconds made it five wins on the bounce in the Sale Sharks North West League division two (south) with a 60-10 hammering of their Sefton counterparts at Edgeley Park.

Wing Ben Dodd and flanker Jonathan Cope both grabbed a hat-trick of tries, with second row Matty Owen, returning from injury, among the other scorers along with No8 Alex Kyles, prop Darren Blackhurst and flanker Bryan Torskyj (corr). Danny Nicholas kicked five conversions.

The Reds have a rearranged game away to Winnington Park Seconds on Saturday as they look to keep up the winning run.

In a mixed day for the club, Whitchurch Thirds suffered a 60-0 mauling at Newcastle (Staffs) in the Howells and Co North West League division four (south)

They have no game on Saturday, before returning to duty at Marple Thirds the following week.

Meanwhile, Whitchurch Colts under-18s are top of the Halbro North West Colts League Conference E with a 38-24 victory over Broughton Park.

The young Reds ran in six tries, with second row Ollie Garbett crossing twice, while fellow second row Jack Rowley, fly half Dom Carmichael, scrum half Michael Duffy and centre and captain Ed Clowes also went over. Rob McMinn kicked four conversions.

The team are a point clear at the top with four wins, two draws and just one defeat from their seven games.