KIDDERMINSTER Carolians RFC stood up to Midlands Division Three West (South) high-flyers Droitwich in Saturday's narrow 12-8 defeat.

KCS were edged out by the title challengers, despite the home side piling on the pressure in the game's dying minutes.

This was the team's biggest test of the season so far, against a side that has reached the last 16 of the EDF Energy Senior Vase, but they showed that the gap between themselves and division's top teams is closing.

The hosts started brightly at Marlpool Lane and pushed Droitwich back but the visitors opened the scoring when Simon Pearce touched down after a counter-attack.

KCs defended solidly as well-drilled Droitwich probed for more tries.

In the second half the home side came out determined to get back into the game and a spell of possession was rewarded when Andy McLellan kicked over a penalty to make it 5-3.

But they found themselves on the back foot when Sean Walker burst through the hosts' defence and touched down for a try that was converted by Duncan Hughes.

KCs responded with gusto and Mark James grabbed a late try to ensure a tense end.

Despite throwing everything at the visitors, Droitwich managed to hold on and condemn KCs to a narrow victory.

Head coach Dave Irish said: "We've come close to beating one of the best team's in the division but we need to learn to win these games. I am pleased with the performance."

The under-17s made a strong start to 2008 with a 34-0 win over Old Yardleians on Sunday.

Four tries in the first half ensured the team, in only its first season, took a commanding grip on the match.

Despite a second-half rally from Yardleians, KCs weathered the storm and sealed victory with two more tries.

Liam Shuck, Matt Cartwright (2), Tom Sinden, Bob Bennett and John Field scored tries, while Sam Machin converted two.

The club's under-7s team played Hereford twice and William Woodhouse (2), Ollie King (2), Alfie Todd (2), Cameron Billingsley (2), Alistair Renton (2), Oliver Hart Bradford (2) and Dublin Cooper touched down.

KCs under-12s got the better of Hereford in a game split into four quarters, with Tom Phipps, Tom Hill, Mitchell Dwyers, Liam harrison and Henry Cook scoring tries.