Kidderminster Carolians 29, Stourbridge 23

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians registered their first win of the season in the Midlands Division Two West (South) with a dominant second-half display to defeat local rivals Stourbridge in front of a big Vice-Presidents’ Day crowd.

The hosts made seven changes to the side that started last week’s match, with James Lloyd Jones returning to the club after a number of seasons playing higher up the leagues with Bromsgrove.

Stourbridge started the game in positive fashion, retaining possession through a number of phases, but the solid KCs’ defence held firm until they conceded a penalty in front of the posts after seven minutes.

KCs gained the upper hand and from a ruck, Alex Baldwin crashed over for the first try of the game, which was converted by Chris Pinner.

Stourbridge replied emphatically when they bulldozed over for try, subsequently converted, to regain the lead.

A yellow card was shown to fullback Andy McLellan after the try.

Nathan Small was also sin-binned after a maul was brought down illegally and Stourbridge broke 13-man Kidderminster when they scored a another try to take a 15-7 lead.

In the second half, Stourbridge increased their lead with a penalty but good work by Josh Winfield and Rhys Pritchard allowed McLellan to touch down with Pinner adding the extras.

Will Varley then crossed over and Pinner converted as KCs edged into a 21-18 lead.

Stourbridge attacked at every opportunity as they tried to regain the lead, but solid tackling and good discipline kept them at bay.

Pinner scored a penalty, before George Morgan bagged a try.

Stourbridge pulled a try back but Carolians held on for the win.

They take on unbeaten Veseyans at Marlpool Lane (3pm ko) on Saturday.