ALVECHURCH climbed to second with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Coventry Sphinx but have given title rivals Rugby the chance to open up a gap again tonight.

A squad missing five regulars held out for a point in difficult conditions.

Church are two points behind leaders Leamington with a game in hand but are only one point ahed of third placed Rugby having played one game more.

Andy Hibbert's side should find themselves third, two points adrift of Rugby by tomorrow after their rivals visit bottom club Cheslyn Hay tonight and Leamington entertain third from bottom Alveston (both ko 7.45pm).