ANDY Powell praised his players after Whitchurch fell just short in a 26-24 defeat at home to Cheltenham in Regional Two Midlands West on Saturday.

Cheltenham took early control with a converted try before James Marvell replied with a penalty for the hosts.

Young scrum half Max Clarke kicked across field for winger Ben Vallings to catch on the run and score a great try which Marvell converted before a wayward pass was intercepted on the stroke of half-time and Cheltenham ran home their second try of the day.

Whitchurch began the second-half on top and man of the match Elliott Horton broke through a few tackles and off loaded to Luca Owens Youen to score under the posts to regain the lead.

Action from Whitchurch's defeat to Cheltenham. (Image: Dave Windsor.) MORE NEWS:

With just five minutes remaining the visitors regained the lead with an unconverted try with the Reds responding from kick-off as Owens Youen charged over for a try with the conversion attempt striking the post.

Cheltenham secured glory 10 minutes over time with a last gasp try following a line out with the conversion sealing their victory.

Coach Andy Powell said: “I would never question the lad’s effort and the tries were superb and the shape of the team was great in the second half, we were flat in the first half but showed great attitude in the second.

“We all know we chucked the game away by game management, but it’s done now. I am confident that the team will now get stronger by the week.”

The second team’s Staffordshire League fixture against Linley was postponed due to a lack of referee.