Kidderminster carolians met a Nuneaton side who were fired up from a surprising defeat the previous week. This had knocked them off the top of the table for the first time since the beginning of the season.

Early pressure from Nuneaton gained them a penalty in the KC 22 and from a maul were able to force their way over for a converted try. KC replied with a good move involving Chris Pinner and Ryan Wainwright which was stopped close to the Nuneaton 22. More attacks from Nuneaton gained them a line out 6 metres from KC line from which they drove over for another converted try.

KC then made their own pressure and were close to their opponents 22 when, against the run of play, Nuneaton had a 75 metre breakaway to score.

Just before half time, continued pressure from Nuneaton earned them two further tries giving them a 35-0 lead at half time.

It was a different game in the second half. KC came out a transformed side and for the first ten minutes were pressurising the Nuneaton half. A good move involving Ryan Tiene and Dave Kane gained significant ground before being stopped. Captain Chris Pinner was his usual prominent self, motivating players by his example.

KC made good use of possession and eventually they earned a penalty close to the Nuneaton line. Passing the ball towards the right touchline and then quickly switching the play to the left, Nuneaton had no answer as the ball was collected by George Tildesley to get KC’s first score.

In this half KC defence was resolute with great tackling from Ryan Tiene, Jessie Burgess, Rich Sollum and Chris Pinner. In attack the forwards mauling well to match Nuneaton and good in their support for the ball carrier which was important in retaining possession. KC had some important attacking phases but were unable to get over to score again.

This half belonged to KC as they closed Nuneaton down and penetrating kicking from Tom Dalton helped to keep their opponents on the back foot. It looked as if KC, though losing the game to a big score, would be able to claim that they had won the second half 5-0. Unfortunately, in the very last minute Nuneaton kicked a penalty to touch close to the KC line and from the resulting lineout forced their way over for a score similar to a couple of their earlier tries.

Whilst KC were overwhelmed in the first half they did well to pick themselves up to come back and more than equal Nuneaton in possession and territory in the second half.

Final score: Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC 42 - 5 Kidderminster Carolians

Report submitted by Kidderminster Carolians