Whitchurch Rugby Club's first XV have celebrated a magnificent achievement of a 100 per cent league record in 2018/19.

The Reds coach Scott Sturdy expressed his 'pride and relief' after champions Whitchurch celebrated a perfect record in the Midlands Two West (North) with a hard fought 37-33 victory over Leek.

It was a famous day for the club as the Reds made it 22 wins out of 22 to complete a 100 per cent record in the league. The victory took their tally to a mammoth 104 points – 23 points clear of their nearest rivals.

With several personnel missing, the league leaders were made to battle all the way by a determined Leek side who, lying third in the table, were out to spoil the Edgeley Park party.

But, like they have done in several games this season, Whitchurch again found a way to win as they posted five more tries to take their points tally in the league to an impressive 750.

"Leek came here wanting to win, make no bones about it, and, with the players we had out, we knew we would have to play very well," said Sturdy.

"We could have defended a bit better, but we scored some good tries, and it was a great way to finish the season. To win every game is a huge achievement in what is a very tough league.

"I'm extremely proud of the lads -, all 31 who have played this season - as it's very rare you go through a whole league season with a 100 per record.

"It shows our squad has now got strength in depth which we're going to need in division one next season. It's been pleasing to see the emergence of a lot of young lads."

He added: "We've done it by playing some attractive rugby. We have scored a lot of really well worked tries, and had a real purple patch from January to March.

"But i's been a long season, so it's a relief to finally get over the line, as there has been a pressure to achieve the record in the last few weeks

"It has been done once before in the history of the club, but the team drew a couple of games on that occasion, so this is a proud moment for the players. I'm really pleased for them and everyone at the club.

"We had to work for it against a good Leek side. The scoring went to and fro, there wasn't much in it in the game, but we kept our noses in front, and got there in the end."

However, the Edgeley Park side's exertions in the league have taken their toll, though, and Saturday's North Mids Shield semi-final clash with Malvern at Edgeley Park is in doubt with the Reds struggling for numbers.

Sturdy admits he would like to get a side out but insisted his players have given everything they have across the course of the season.

"I would say it's 50-50," added Sturdy. "At the moment we are struggling to get a side out with the amount of injuries and players unavailable, so we will see what we've got in terms of selection.

"It's been a long, hard season. With the cup matches, we have played over 30 games, which is tough on amateur players."

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