Whitchurch almost end Bowdon's two year unbeaten home record

Henry Hockenhull played his 300th game for the Reds and played his part in a thrilling encounter which ended with him getting his eyelid stitched up following a late injury.

The home side began the brighter and raced into a 10 point lead following a first minute converted try and a penalty before the visitors reduced the arrears with a penalty from the boot of Robbie Leighton.

Action from Whitchurch's defeat against Bowdon. Picture by Dave Windsor

The hosts were soon back in the ascendancy with an unconverted try but the visitors remained in contention with a long distance penalty from Leighton before Cameron Breen crossed for a try.

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Despite Leighton missing the conversion a later penalty attempt was successful as the Reds reduced the arrears to a solitary point at the break.

Whitchurch showed great determination and tackled well early in the second-half and the hosts were penalised for a high tackle as Leighton kicked the Reds ahead for the first time.

However Bowdon were jolted into action and an converted try restored their advantage.

Action from Whitchurch's defeat against Bowdon. Picture by Dave Windsor

Despite Leighton being sent to the sin bin the visitors rallied and led with just two minutes remaining with Nathan Horton breaking before feeding Tom Williams to cross under the posts.

The hosts now feared an end to their two year unbeaten home record but a late try ensured it would remain in tact as the Reds went home empty handed.

Whitchurch host Crewe and Nantwich on Saturday (3pm) while the colts have a l cup game on Sunday at home to Firwood Waterloo at 2pm.