Dudley Kingswinford 25 Whitchurch 30

The Edgeley Park men notched a 30-25 away victory over one of the most established clubs in the region.

And it means Whitchurch now lie in fourth place in the table, just four points behind leaders Burton approaching the midway point of the season.

"It was a very good win and performance," said Reds club president John Gregory.

"Rob Brookhouse and captain Mike Gardener did some excellent defensive work as centres and Oliver Chantler had a good debut in the back row.

"Dudley came back at us in the second half and it got quite nerve-wracking as they pulled back - but the advantage we had in the first half was enough."

Dudley took an early lead through a penalty but Whitchurch were back on track with a penalty from Danny Nicholas and a try from Russell Lear who broke to score under the posts with Nicholas adding the extras.

A converted score from Dudley brought the hosts back level, but it was Whitchurch who edged ahead at the break thanks to a try from Adam Churton, with Nicholas adding another the conversion and a penalty to make it 20-10.

Nicholas continued a faultless kicking display with a penalty just after half-time, but Dudley came roaring back to reduce the deficit to just three points with a converted try and penalty.

Tom Crank then eased Whitchurch's nerves with a try in the corner - Nicholas taking his individual tally to 15 points with a brilliant conversion - before Dudley grabbed a late consolation.

There are few signs of Oswestry scrambling away from the danger zone in South Lancs/Cheshire One after they went down 16-10 at Glossop.

Poor handling errors proved costly for Oswestry who conceded a converted try and a penalty in the early stages.

The Park Hall men forced their way back into the game and Jim Dilks gave Oswestry hope with a try which Andy Howell converted.

A Howell penalty pulled them level in the second half but Glossop clinched the victory with two further penalties for ruck and scrum offences.

By JAMES GARRISON