Rugby: Whitchurch 60 Stratford 24

Whitchurch went from one extreme to the other as they returned to winning form in spectacular fashion – thrashing Stratford-upon-Avon 60-24.

The Reds had lost their previous two games in Midlands One West, conceding 101 points in the process.

But the boot was on the other foot on Saturday, as they ran in nine tries against their shell-shocked opponents.

"It was our best performance of the season and it was a very entertaining game," said club president John Gregory.

"Danny Matthews at scrum-half (in his return from injury) moved the ball that much faster and most of the tries came from the backs.

"The back three all got a brace of tries, which was pleasing to see."

Adam Churton went over twice, while Henry Gong and Lee Blackhurst also got in on the act as Whitchurch made sure of a bonus point in double-quick time.

Danny Nicholas, who had kicked an early penalty, also weighed in with three conversions.

A lapse in the final 20 minutes of the first half allowed Stratford back in as they scored three tries of their own to make the scoreline 29-17 at the break.

But five more tries for the hosts followed in the second half, Blackhurst adding a second before full-back Mike Gardiner got two.

Paul Andrews went over on his debut and No 8 Jimmy Lloyd also touched down for his first try of the season, while Nicholas kicked three conversions.

It was a very different story for Ludlow, who went down 41-3 at Walsall –though the bulk of those points came late on.

The score at the break was only 10-0 and the deficit was briefly reduced when Will Norton kicked Ludlow's only points.

"We defended very well in the first half and the centres Mike Jones and Gareth Edwards were outstanding,"C said spokesman Phil Norton.

"Walsall were very well drilled in the pack and we have to learn from that.

"They produced good ball for their backs," he added.

By CHRIS HUDSON