TEAM manager Andy McLellan believes Kidderminster Carolians 31-19 win over Upton-on-Severn could give the struggling club the boost they need for the rest of the season.

KCs produced a four-try winning performance at Marlpool Lane to bag their first league win since the start of the season.

Crucially, the bonus point earned in Saturday’s victory also handed them a much-needed cushion over the bottom teams in the Midlands Division Two West (South).

McLellan said: “This wins gives everyone the lift we needed.

“It’s a boost for the confidence after a tough start to the season.

“What’s important is that we keep this team together and I am sure we can compete in this division.

“We can now look forward to the rest off the season with some optimism.”

KCs were trailing 19-17 at half-time during the club's Vice-President’s Day, despite Chris Pinner converting Layton Wilkinson’s try, but stepped up a gear in the second half.

Wilkinson bagged his second touchdown, while Matt Rigsby and Pinner added more.

Pinner also kicked three conversions and a penalty to ensure KCs’ control of the game.

McLellan said: “We started off slowly but in the second half we stepped it up and began to grind down Upton.

“To score a lot of tries and grab the bonus point was really important, it gives us a nice points cushion over the teams below.

“We’ve got to say thanks for the great support from the fans.

“We had over 200 supporters watching us and they made a big difference.”

KCs now turn their attentions to a much tougher test in the league on Saturday, when they go to second in the table unbeaten Barkers Butts.

McLellan though believes the best way to stop their Warwickshire-based opponents will be to make a strong start.

He said: “Barkers play quite loose and openly, so we’ve to be on our game from the start and disrupt them.

“If we can get among them and hang onto until the second half then we've got a chance of getting something from the game.”

KCs have no new injury worries going into Saturday’s clash.