KIDDERMINSTER Carolians RFC survived a spirited fight back by Spartans in the Midlands Division Three West (South) to hold onto a 31-21 victory and record their first home win of the campaign on Saturday.

KCS produced a scintillating first half performance to roar into a 25-0 lead but were left hanging on for victory after the break by the visitors' fight back.

Victory lifted the Marlpool Lane side off the bottom of the table to tenth place.

The hosts got off to a great start, stealing the away side's lineout and then winning turnover ball at the first ruck.

Their early dominance was rewarded with an Andy McLellan penalty when Spartans were caught offside, after Tom Maher made in-roads off good lineout ball from Chris Baldwin.

Ten minutes later an excellent passage of play produced quick ruck ball and in typical fashion Maher was on the shoulder of the ball carrier to plunge over for a try, which McLellan converted.

Spartans missed a simple penalty opportunity and were made to pay when KCs scored arguably their best try of the season.

The ball passed through countless hands, before Billy Bennett touched down to establish a 15-0 lead, which was improved to a 20-0 half-time advantage, after Layton Wilkinson powered over from a catch and drive.

Five minutes into the second half Tom Scandrett scythed through Spartans' defence to put in Bennett for his second try and the home team looked on course for a comfortable victory.

Spartans replied strongly and their number eight broke away from a scrum to open their account with a try, which was converted.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty try when John Mounter was sin-binned for obstruction, after the referee had missed a late tackle which flattened McLellan.

This reverse knocked KCs out of their stride and although the numbers were evened up when Spartans had a player yellow carded, their fly-half exploited a large hole in the hosts' defence to create a try for their winger.

The try was converted and KCs lead was reduced to 25-21 with not long left on the clock.

The home side's nerves were jangling but they regrouped and a McLellan penalty gave them some breathing space, before he kicked over another three points with the last kick of the match to secure a vital win.

KCS will be aiming to try and progress in the EDF Senior Vase second Midlands round when they go to Bridgnorth on Saturday (2.15pm kick-off).

Cleobury Mortimer went down 20-0 at home to Shrewsbury in the Midlands Division Four West (North), while in a division below Stourport suffered a 29-0 loss at home to Yardley and District.

Mortimer go to Old Yardleians in the league on Saturday, while Stourport travel to Manor Park in the EDF Junior Vase midlands round four on Saturday.