Bedworth 7, Kidderminster Carolians 24

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians took full advantage of postponements elsewhere to move to the top of the Midlands Division Two West (South).

With previous pacesetters Earsldon not playing at the weekend because their game at Droitwich was rained off, KCs were able to leapfrog them.

They now sit at the top of league, edging Banbury into second, while Earlsdon have two games in hand on both sides just below.

KCs had the advantage of the slope in the first half and took the lead after only three minutes, when they took advantage of an error by the hosts and allowed George Morgan to score a try he then converted.

But bottom team Bedworth responded well to the set-back and launched a series of counter-attacks and also hit the woodwork with a penalty.

The home side were certainly not playing like a side marooned at the foot of the table, monopolising possession and territory and causing KCs all sorts of problems, particularly at the scrums.

More sustained pressure paid off for the away side who levelled the scored with a converted touch down of their own.

But head coach Ian Bletcher added some stability to KCs when he brought on replacement prop James Rigby in order to try and stabilise their scrum.

The visitors responded impressively in the second half.

A powerful run by replacement lock Jack Tunstall,whose introduction had a significant impact, had Bedworth retreating and Jordan Hatch allowed Laurence Hughes to score.

KC’s forwards and backs continued to combine well and a scrum in a great position ten metres in front of Bedworth’s posts gave Chris Pinner the opportunity to create space for Morgan to dart over for his second try, which he again improved to take KCs clear at 19-7.

The hosts hit back but could not find a way through Kidderminster's resolute defence and with the last play of the game, skipper Rob Delahay led a breakout which culminated in Mitch Hardwick going over for the all important score.

KCs take on Droitwich at home on Saturday, March 1 (3pm ko).