Whitchurch president John Gregory saw plenty of reasons for positivity – despite his side’s 21-15 defeat at home to Sutton Coldfield.

It was a fourth straight defeat for the Reds, who are now resigned to a mid-table finish in Midlands One West.

But they gave a good account of themselves against a Sutton Coldfield side who have not lost since September and who ran in 107 points at Banbury a week earlier.

“It was not too disastrous a result, considering the run they are on,” said Gregory.

“We proved again that against the higher sides we can still hold our own – we only lost by three points to the leaders Dudley Kingswinford and now by six points against Sutton Coldfield.

Those two are running away with the league together.”

An even first half saw the sides trade two penalties apiece, Danny Nicholas on target for Whitchurch.

Three more penalties went over early in the second half – Nicholas with two of those as the hosts actually took a 12-9 lead.

But, just past the hour mark, the visitors registered their opening try of the game.

Nicholas replied quickly with his fifth penalty to briefly restore Whitchurch’s lead but, on 68 minutes, the visitors completed the scoring with a converted try to wrap up the win.

“Whitchurch had opportunities to score and they didn’t kick a penalty where maybe they should have,” added Gregory, whose team at least claimed one bonus point.

l Oswestry went down 52-19 at Winnington Park to remain strand-ed at the bottom of South Lan-cs/Cheshire One.

Although they were well beaten, the Eagles showed some good form during a number of spells but were outdone by the lively home backs and two unbelievable bad bounces which resulted in tries.

The visitors did manage to score a drive over try in the first half but still trailed 24-5 at the break and never threatened a fightback despite another try for Andy Lowden.