Whitchurch 20 vs Winnington Park 27

Whitchurch had a strong squad out for todays game which the winners would be in the semi final of the Papa Johns Regional 2 Plate. Whitchurch started strong and against the wind in the first half and were camped in the opposition 22metre line whin in the 15th minute a pass was intercepted and the Winnington centre ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts.  5 minutes later their backs combined well after the home side spilt the ball and their winger scored in the corner. Just like the previous week Whitchurch found themselves 2 scores down but on the half hour mark Max Clarke ran through a couple of tackles before passing to man of the match Harry Jackson to score to leave the half time score 5 : 17

The second half started with a quick try by the visitors that was converted before good work by Matt Cliff stole the ball passing to Clarke who again made ground before passing to winger Ciaran Dunne to score out wide. Whitchurch then quickly scored another with good running and passing for Dunne to score again which was converted by Josh Williams. Whitchurch kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty 25 metres out which James Marvel converted to leave the home side 3 points behind. Spurred on by a large crowd Whitchurch thought they had taken the lead when a pushover try was ruled to be of been knocked on. The young home team kept trying hard but in the last minute Winnington converted a penalty to give them the win into the semi finals 20 :27

This was coach Andy Powell’s final game at the club and said he believed that with the young lads coming through to the seniors the club should do well in the future. He said “I’m gutted to be leaving but the future is bright for this club. We have learned a lot over the last 9 months but I think the club is in a great place”

Next year Whitchurch will be in the same league as Shrewsbury, Telford, Crewe and Nantwich, Tamworth with a lot less travelling.