KIDDERMINSTER Carolians RFC savoured a winning start to the new Midlands Division Two West (South) campaign with a 20-10 victory over Newbold on Avon on Saturday.

Tom Oakes' late try ensured KCs earned two points and settled the nerves in a hard-fought battle.

With new club captain Stuart Such at the helm, KCs started brightly but Andy McLellan wasted a chance to put the home side ahead when he missed a penalty.

The game was disrupted by several injuries and coach Dave Irish also made an appearance as a blood replacement for Russell Gauden.

KCs kept up the pressure on Newbold but a hacked clearance from a long pass by McLellan gave the visiting backs a glimpse of the tryline, before the fly-half recovered well to snuff out the danger.

An error by Leighton Wilkinson allowed Newbold to open the scoring with a penalty.

But the home side responded well and Such marked his first league appearance as captain by picking up the ball and diving over for a try, which McLellan converted to hand KCs a 7-3 lead.

The slender advantage was extended when McLellan added three more points thanks to a drop goal to make to 10-3 at half-time.

Newbold started the second half much more aggressively with number eight Danny Facer, always threatening with ball in hand.

Under pressure, KCs were relying on trying to take advantage of any errors by the away side.

From one of these counter-attacks, Newbold were penalised for being offside and McLennan kicked over a penalty.

Following an arm injury to Mark James, Dave Irish made his second appearance in the game this time at scrum-half.

The hosts had a let-off when Newbold had a try ruled out because of a forward pass.

The match was swinging in favour of both sides as they searched for an all-important try.

The away side eventually scored, following sustained pressure on KCs' line and a poor clearance, which resulted in Facer going over under posts.

With the try converted, the score was 13-10 and a tense ending to the game was ensured.

But KCs' older heads took control of the game and a series of rucks took them close to Newbold's tryline.

McLellan came close with an off target drop goal attempt.

But the breakthrough came when Oakes, making his return to the first team after a long injury lay-off, intercepted a pass in front of the Newbold posts and went over for a try, which McLellan converted.

KCs go to Shrewsbury in the cup on Saturday.