KIDDERMINSTER Carolians RFC their ended three-game losing run with a hard-fought 13-8 win over Spartans in the Midlands Division Two West (South) on Saturday.

Victory was enough to push the Marlpool Lane outfit into mid-table and more importantly, leave them just two points behind third placed Old Laurentians.

The game was watched by Bryan Smallman, who is set to take over from head coach Dave Irish at the end of the month.

And KCs ensured that their current coach would end his tenure with a victory after a battling display against their mid-table rivals from Warwickshire.

Both teams were playing their first game for six weeks and the opening exchanges were scrappy with little cohesive rugby from either side.

Spartans opened the scoring with a penalty after seven minutes but full-back Andy McLellan responded in kind to level the scores in the 22nd minute.

Five minutes later, McLellan's astute crossfield kick was gathered by right wing James Guest, who went over in the corner for a try.

The hosts suffered a setback when winger Craig Wilkinson was forced off with a dislocated shoulder.

But KCs recovered well and almost extended their lead when number six Rob Delahay finished off a fine move inspired by Billy Bennett, only for the unsighted referee to rule it out.

Away team KCs had to weather a powerful thrust by the home side, but they made a mockery of playing up the slope by going further ahead thanks to a try by fly-half John Mounter.

The hosts tried to respond and after 15 minutes of sustained pressure, the away side's defence was breeched and Spartans pulled a score back.

KCs suffered another blow when they lost influential centre Rob Parker with a knee problem.

It took a backs-to-the-wall effort by the visitors to hold onto their slender lead and pick up a vital two points. They will now take on Barkers Butts at home in the league on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the second team beat Evesham 18-7 at home.

Mid-table Cleobury Mortimer were edged 12-11 at home by Cannock in Midlands Division Four West.

In the Midlands Division Five (South West), Chaddesley Corbett lost 4-0 to Birmingham CS, while bottom of the table Stourport went down 24-16 to leaders Claverdon.

KCs ladies got the better of a strong Tamworth squad 44-5, despite missing a few players.

With the Marlpool Lane side only having 13 players at their disposal compared to their opponent's full-squad, they game was turned into a 12-a-side clash.

Emily Williams opened the scoring for KCs after a strong defensive display by the hosts.

KCs' backs were too strong and Williams grabbed three more tries, while a score for Katy McGowan put them in a commanding position by half-time.

In the second half, Sarah Cound, Shamena Fredericks and Rae Luckett grabbed more tries to complete the rout.