Kidderminster Carolian's clash with Leamington was dominated by the atrocious conditions with continuous rain in the first half causing a greasy ball which made handling a challenge for both sides.

KC got on the scoresheet literally from the kick off which went into the Leamington 22 and was knocked on; KC then won the resulting scrum and Andy MacLellan switched the attack with a delicate cross kick for the alert Jim Tildesley to gather and dive over to score.

Conditions were preventing either side getting a meaningful advantage; pressure earned Leamington a penalty, KC followed soon after with pressure to get a penalty of their own, kicked by Sam Foster.

KC forwards were winning possession, Harvey Kelsall and Alex Gordon making ground, a maul close to the line was initially resisted by Leamington and on the fifth phase of the attack Matt Rigsby scored, Foster converting.

KC were leading 15 – 3 at the interval and looked as if they would go further ahead in the second half. In the event neither side could get going, although KC looked hopeful with a trademark run from Ryan Tiene but it was snuffed out by Leamington.

In this game KC forwards were dominant; Rich Sollum, playing out of position at wing forward, was noticed with several good carries and positive tackling.

Ryan Wainwright, George Lloyd-Jones, and debutant Tom Kerrigan were also prominent throughout.

Against the run of play Leamington scored a good try from 75 metres, the conversion missed. KC then replied with a good try through the forwards on the blind side giving the hard working Rigsby his second try with Foster completing the conversion.

Leamington made several dangerous moves, however the KC defence was solid until it eventually cracked and they were able to score a converted try. Leamington realised that another converted try would give them a draw and threw everything at it, however KC held out for the deserved win.

In the last few minutes KC had a good move up to the Leamington line which would have earned their fourth try and a bonus point but Leamington held them out, final score KC 22-15 Leamington.

It was a well deserved win for KC who delivered a great team performance in which all the players can be proud of their contributions despite the appalling conditions.

Report submitted by Kidderminster Caroilians