BURTON held on to record a crucial victory away to third-placed Whitchurch.

The Midlands One West leaders had to come back from 15-8 down in Shropshire and then survived a late rally from the home side in a tense and error-strewn affair.

Burton failed to convert several chances in the opening stages before finally taking the lead through a Tom Bartram penalty.

Lewis Brooks touched down to make it 8-0 but Whitchurch got back into the game when they were awarded a penalty try.

A penalty and another try either side of half-time then gave the hosts a seven-point cushion.

Burton hit back, though, as Bartram kicked another penalty and then converted an Ian Gilmour try.

Lawrence Betty crashed over in the corner to put the Crofters 23-15 up, before Whitchurch ensured a nervy finale when they cut the deficit to a single point with a converted score of their own.

Burton hung on, though, by the narrowest of margins.