DIRECTOR of rugby Phil Knowles is sure Kidderminster Carolians’ spirited display against Bridgnorth will give them a lift for the rest of the season.

KCs more than matched the Midlands Division Two West (North) leaders Bridgnorth in a close first half before being blown away 37-12 by a four-try blast.

Despite the loss, Knowles saw much in the display which encouraged him.

He said: “The game plan was to keep the game tight and we did that well and put in some good tackles.

“But Bridgnorth are a very good side and they stepped it up in the second half.

“They have backs who like to run with the ball at pace but were were lots of positives.

“We were strong at scrums and better at lineouts and there has been a big improvement in terms of the basics.

“We worked so hard it caught up with us but it was a good game of rugby.

“I think this will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season, it will help our confidence.”

KCs now look to bounce back when they go to mid-table rivals Camp Hill.

Kidderminster’s record away form has been solid with a win at Veseyans and a draw at Stafford in recent weeks.

Jordan Hatch is still missing because of a nose problem, while George Morgan is also recovering from injury.

With just one win in the last eight games, KCs are eighth in the table.

Knowles has predicted a tough game at Saturday’s Birmingham opponents.

He said: “Camp Hill are a traditional rugby club and it isn’t an easy place to go.

“We’ve got some young coaches in place but in the long term we’re happy with how it is progressing.

“The juniors and the senior sides are playing the same style of rugby we’re going the right direction.”