KCs end tough season with storming win

The Marlpool Lane outfit made sure their place in the league was safe with a 36-27 victory over Cheltenham North to seal eighth place in the table.

It was the club’s fourth win in a row in all competitions and came at the right time to prize KCs out of the bottom two.

Smallman said: “Even though we’ve been in a relegation battle, I have enjoyed the last month.

“We’ve played some of our best rugby since I took over last year and I think that’s a good sign for the future.

“I have learned a lot from this season.

“I like training where it’s a little bit physical, especially when you’ve got more than one player up for one position.

“With the injuries we’ve had this year that’s not always been possible.

“But training has been really good since Christmas and we’ve been able to concentrate on small technical elements, rather than the bigger picture.”

KCs ended the season with a flurry of tries as they outgunned Cheltenham on Saturday six tries to four.

Alex Baldwin powered over for a try, converted by Andy McLellan, to hand the hosts the lead, but the away side replied with a penalty.

Russ Gauden plunged over for a second touch down and McLellan added the extras to give KCs a 14-3 lead.

Baldwin then grabbed his second try to confirm KCs’ superiority.

Cheltenam reduced the scores to 19-13 with a try and penalty but Chris Baldwin powered over just before half-time to put the hosts back in charge.

McLellan scored and then converted a try, while Nick Martin scored to increase KCs’ advantage.

With the game won, the hosts eased up and conceded two converted tries but had enough to win the game.

KCs have a free weekend, before taking part in a 10s tournament at Shrewsbury on Saturday, April 30.

They are still awaiting to hear who they will face in the North Midlands Shield semi-final, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 7.