Midlands One West

Whitchurch 43

Moseley Oak 0

Whitchurch have found their feet after they made it three wins on the bounce to move up to fifth position in the Midlands 1 West.

Whitchurch were soon in their stride against Moseley Oak, and took the lead when outside centre Luca Owen-Youens, a summer signing from Oswestry, finished off a well worked move, which he also converted.

The Reds' number 8 Jack Furnvival then touched down for a pushover score, with Owen-Youens adding the extras, while a couple of further chances went begging following pressure on the visitors' line.

The Edgeley Park men, however, lost their early impetus before half-time, conceding a run of six penalties as the encounter became increasingly scrappy.

However, they did add a third try with a fine individual effort from inside centre Mike Gardiner who fended off four would-be tacklers to power over for a 19-0 interval lead.

Conceding another four penalties after the break put the Reds on the back foot, and they were also reduced to 14 men when scrum half Joe Mullock was sin binned for holding on.

But strong defence ensured the hosts were not to be breached even when a man short, before taking full charge once they returned to their full complement of players.

Loose head prop Steve Bloore then surged over for a fourth try to clinch the bonus point, the conversion being missed.

Whitchurch were soon on the attack again when a fine move from deep saw fly half Danny Nicholas feed Matt Davies who then released wing Tom Davies to race over for another unconverted score.

With their tails up, Furnvival launched a terrific solo run to increase the margin with his second try of the game, Owen-Youens converting for a 36-0 lead.

Gardiner continued his rich vein of form when completing the scoring with his second touchdown, his sixth try in as many games, which was again converted by Owen-Youens who was showing he was ruthless with the boot.

Young second row Jack Rowley played his first 80 minutes for the senior team, while there will be increased competition for places with the expected return of Jake Rees, Matt Owen, Tom Skone and Ryan Horton in the coming weeks now the traditionally problematic September now over.

n Meanwhile, Whitchurch Seconds' tough season continued as they crashed out of the North West Robinsons Brewery Trophy with a 60-0 second round defeat at home to a strong Keswick side.

They turn their thoughts back to improving their fortunes in the Sale Sharks North West Division 2 south on Saturday when they host second place Chester Thirds.