Both sides defended well early on.

Handling errors interrupted the flow of the game before Whitchurch broke the deadlock after 17 minutes.

Action from Whitchurch's clash with Matlock. (Image: Tallboy Images.)

Fly-half Benny Elliot collected possession inside his own half.

He dummied before changing direction and beat the Matlock defence to score the opening try.

Elliot missed the conversion, leaving Whitchurch 5-0 ahead.

Matlock responded with pressure of their own, but the home defence held firm to preserve the five-point advantage at half-time.

Action from Whitchurch's clash with Matlock. (Image: Tallboy Images.)

Whitchurch extended their lead shortly after the restart when hooker Oscar Crossen found himself among the backs.

He powered forward and went between two defenders to score near the posts.

Elliot converted to make it 12-0.

The hosts struck again when Max Clarke collected the ball and raced down the line before kicking ahead as he was tackled.

Action from Whitchurch's clash with Matlock. (Image: Tallboy Images.)

Oli Lyons won the race to the ball to score, although the conversion was missed.

Matlock reduced the deficit with an unconverted try.

Whitchurch responded from a lineout five metres out.

Action from Whitchurch's clash with Matlock. (Image: Tallboy Images.)

They secured possession and drove towards the line, with Lyons emerging with his second try of the afternoon.

Jake Dodwell then collected possession inside his own half before racing down the wing to score in the corner.

The conversion attempt struck the post and bounced back.

Whitchurch had the final word after kicking to the corner and securing the resulting lineout.

Action from Whitchurch's clash with Matlock. (Image: Tallboy Images.)

The ball was worked to Nathan Horton, who drove over near the posts before Elliot converted with the final kick to complete a 34-5 victory.

Lyons was named man of the match after scoring twice.

Whitchurch have a free weekend next before travelling to Walsall the following week.

Their second team's game against Stone was postponed because Stone could not field a full team to travel.

Whitchurch seconds also have a free weekend next before hosting Newport Thirds the following week.

Elsewhere, Oswestry were due to travel to Longton for their Counties 3 Midlands West (North) fixture on Saturday, October 31, but conceded the game.

Oswestry are next scheduled to return to league action at home to Market Drayton on Saturday, November 14.