Whitchurch 26 vs Wolverhampton 20

Back home to winning ways

After three away games on the trot, Whitchurch finally returned to Edgeley Park and winning ways. The game started with their visitors lying one place and one point ahead in the league standings and things looked ominous when they crossed for a converted try after only four minutes. The Shropshire men then galvanised themselves and powered back with their pack totally dominant. They forced the Midlanders back time after time as the penalty count mounted up. It was the twenty fifth minute that he referee had finally had enough and awarded the home side a penalty try to draw level. Wolverhampton fought back and went ahead again with a penalty but immediately Whitchurch went ahead from a try by Nathan Horton, converted by Danny Nicholas. This remained the score until half time.

The second half started explosively with the home pack destroying their opponents at every set piece and gaining territory at will. The opposition Number eight took exception to being shoved backwards as the reds drove towards the line and his wild punch saw him red carded. Whitchurch elected for a scrum and earned a pushover try touched down by Nathan Horton for his second.  The forward dominance continued but Whitchurch started to make errors in handling and it from a rare visit to the home 22 that the visitors scored a try on the touchline. This woke up the Edgeley Park boys who went straight back to the Wolverhampton line and Mike Oakden touched down from their signature catch and drive move. Nicholas converted from wide out and it looked all over at 26 – 15. Wolverhampton did not give up and five minutes from time scored again in the same corner as they had before. The home side then saw out the dying minutes to record a very welcome win and move up to ninth in the league.

Next week is the local derby away at Crewe and Nantwich. All support will be welcome.