New Brighton . . . . . . 28 pts Whitchurch . . . . . . 35 pts

NEW Brighton suffered their first set-back of the season, on Saturday, when Whitchurch, returning to Reeds Lane for the second time in seven days, reversed the previous week's result to grab the National League points.

The Shropshire lads, clearly believing that they could go one better, took the lead after just three minutes, centre Dave Lutton going over. Channey failed with the conversion.

Paul Brett responded with a penalty for the Blues on seven minutes (3-5), but his efforts were soon wiped out, winger Jamie Dunn going over. Channey failed with the conversion, but landed a penalty on 15 minutes (3-13).

Brett converted two penalties for New Brighton, but Whitchurch were not to be outdone. Channey converted on 37 minutes and then, sensing their moment, the Shropshire lads set up a driving play deep into injury time and visiting prop Russell Lear celebrated his return to the side with a crash over try that Channey converted to give them a 9-23 half-time lead.

Whitchurch second-half scorers: Channey (try and conversion), Tom Pemberton (unconverted try).

New Brighton scorers: Brett (unconverted try, three conversions); Emrys Evans (try); and Riaz Fredrick (try).

This Saturday, the Blues face a daunting task as high-flying Harrogate visit Reeds Lane in the National Senior Cup second round. Sitting in fourth spot in their league, the Yorkshiremen are the highest scoring team in National League Division Two with 148 points so far in four outings.