DIRECTOR of rugby Phil Knowles felt Kidderminster Carolians’ mental toughness helped them hold off Tamworth 26-24 on the opening day of the Midlands Division Two North (South).

KCs had a healthy lead but a second half fightback from their Staffordshire opponents saw them hanging on.

Knowles said: “It was a gritty performance but a good one.

“Eighteen months ago we would have lost that game but we were a lot tougher mentally. We had gone into half-time on level terms but scored three tries early in the second half.

“We had a player sin-binned and Bournville hit back with a couple of scores to make it difficult.

“It wasn’t an easy place to go and they will beat a lot of teams.”

Rob Phillips had scored KCs try in the first half and Sam Taylor added the extras.

Kidderminster made a fine start to the second half when good work by Jordan Hatch allowed Elliott Kelsall to touch down.

Phillips then stole another Tamworth line-out and Will Varley then crossed for a third try.

Laurence Hughes bagged a fourth try and Taylor converted as KCs powered into a 26-7 lead.

Tamworth were struggling badly at this stage, but KCs then contrived to let them back into the game when Phillips was shown a yellow card.

Tamworth took advantage and scored three tries, but luckily their final try was not converted and Kidderminster held on for victory.

Chris Pinner and George Morgan are pushing hard to start Saturday’s home clash against Veseyans (3pm ko).

Meanwhile, ladies interested in playing for KCs women’s side are welcome to attend training sessions which take place at Marpool from 7pm on Thursdays.